When it comes to food, Surabaya doesn’t just serve meals—it serves legends. The city’s food scene is filled with places that spark viral buzz, inspire long lines, and keep people coming back for decades. Out of countless hidden gems, three names stand out as unshakable icons: Bebek Purnama, Tjap Pengkol, and Sego Sambal Mak Yeye.

• Bebek Purnama: Fried Duck Royalty Since the 1980s
  Some dishes are trendy, others are timeless. Bebek Purnama falls firmly into the latter. Established in the 1980s, this humble eatery has become synonymous with perfectly cooked fried duck. What makes it unforgettable? The tender meat paired with a distinctive yellow seasoning that’s been perfected for over four decades.
  
  And here’s the kicker—Bebek Purnama has no branches, no franchises. You’ll only find it at Jalan Dinoyo Keputran No. 16. That exclusivity makes every plate feel like a true taste of Surabaya’s culinary heritage.

• Tjap Pengkol: The Kopitiam With a Twist
  Near Gubeng Station lies Tjap Pengkol, a kopitiam that’s redefining comfort food in Surabaya. Sure, you’ll find classic dishes like nasi lemak, laksa, and even a bold butter coffee, but the real star is something you wouldn’t expect: black glutinous rice porridge topped with ice cream.
  
  The surprising balance of sweet and savory has made it a new favorite for locals seeking something different. It’s this kind of creativity that makes Tjap Pengkol more than just another café—it’s a spot where tradition meets playful innovation.
  
  
• Sego Sambal Mak Yeye: Midnight Heat, Endless Lines
  For Surabaya’s night owls, Sego Sambal Mak Yeye is practically a rite of passage. Located on Jalan Jagir Wonokromo No. 10, this modest warung has a reputation built on one thing: its fiery sambal. Pair it with the signature grilled stingray, and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s nearly impossible to find anywhere else.
  
  Even a simple plate of sambal with fried tempeh or omelet is enough to keep customers hooked. The result? Long, winding lines every single night. The kind of loyalty that proves true street food doesn’t need flashy setups—just unforgettable flavor.

Why These Spots Matter
In a city bursting with food choices, these three prove that Surabaya’s culinary heart beats strongest in places that value authenticity. Whether it’s a family-run duck stall, a kopitiam reinventing dessert, or a sambal warung with cult-like status, they each tell a story that young food lovers can’t resist.

So if you’re planning a food crawl in Surabaya, forget the fancy malls and head straight for these legends—you’ll understand why people can’t stop talking about them.