Getting to Know Soto Sokaraja: A Typical Banyumas Flavor

Soto Sokaraja is a variant of soto typical of the Sokaraja area, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. This dish is more than just a regular soto, but a blend of flavors and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

This dish has also become a culinary icon that the Banyumas people are proud of. What distinguishes Soto Sokaraja from other soto is the use of thick, savory peanut sauce as a base.

While soto is typically served with a clear broth or coconut milk, Soto Sokaraja boasts a richer broth thanks to the combination of beef broth and peanut sauce. The broth tends to be cloudy brown, but that's precisely what makes it so appetizing.

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A serving of Soto Sokaraja typically consists of pieces of ketupat (rice cake) or lontong (rice cake), sliced beef or chicken, bean sprouts, and celery, all smothered in hot broth. A sprinkling of pink crackers or starch crackers is a distinctive accompaniment.

Some vendors even add tempeh mendoan (mendoan tempeh) or perkedel (rice cakes) as side dishes. The peanut sauce used is made from fried peanuts, then ground with chilies, garlic, and other spices.

The savory, spicy, and sweet flavors of this peanut sauce blend perfectly with the broth, creating a complex flavor. In the Sokaraja area itself, many soto stalls have been around for decades and are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

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One of its hallmarks is its fast service, simple yet clean atmosphere, and the friendly service of the vendors, still steeped in Javanese culture. Soto Sokaraja is not just a food, but also an integral part of Banyumas' cultural identity.

source image : kompas.com

Enjoying it means experiencing the rich flavors and local culinary traditions that deserve to be preserved. So, if you visit Banyumas or the surrounding area, don't miss the opportunity to try this legendary Soto Sokaraja.

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