Skip to content
Soto, Across Indonesia
Back to Food

Nusa Food

Soto

Across IndonesiaJavaSoups

Indonesia's family of fragrant soups, with a different version in almost every city.

Soto is a spiced broth — clear or with coconut milk — usually with chicken or beef, rice or rice cakes, and fresh garnishes. Soto ayam, with a yellow turmeric broth, is found everywhere.

Almost every region has its own style: soto Betawi with milk from Jakarta, soto Lamongan with koya powder, soto Kudus in small bowls, soto Banjar from Kalimantan and coto Makassar from Sulawesi.

Cultural context

Almost every city has its own soto, and comparing them is a favourite conversation.

Key ingredients

  • Chicken or beef
  • Turmeric
  • Lemongrass
  • Rice or rice cakes
  • Lime
  • Fried shallots

Good to know

  • Dozens of regional versions
  • Soto ayam: turmeric chicken broth
  • Eaten any time of day

Ask NUSANTARA AI

Curious about Soto? Keep exploring.

Explore With AI

What is the story behind Soto? What else should I eat in Java? Tell me about the culture of Java

Nusa Local

Local food experiences

Markets, kitchens and tables where Soto and its neighbours are part of daily life.

All local discoveries in Java →

Continue discovering

Connected to Soto