Pasar Beringharjo is the one place that always seems busy whenever you’re walking along Malioboro Street. As a cultural landmark, it stands out as the oldest traditional market in town and holds a special place in the hearts of locals.
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Beringharjo is a day market that bustles during daylight hours, offering a wide variety of local goods. It has become the go-to destination for both locals and tourists looking for an inclusive shopping experience. We’d love to tell you more about the “other side” of Beringharjo and the many layers of its charm.
History of Pasar Beringharjo
Pasar Beringharjo is the oldest market in the Keraton area of Yogyakarta (also known as the royal palace area). The name “Beringharjo” comes from two Javanese words: “Bering” (Banyan tree) and “Harjo” (prosperity). It evokes the idea that the market would be like a banyan tree, which can be a place where people gather, find protection, and thrive together.
The market’s origin began not as a grand building as we see now. The market, once built with open trading fields, was soon after the founding of the Yogyakarta Sultanate in 1758. In 1925, a permanent structure was built to host the stalls and shops more formally. Over time, Pasar Beringharjo grew, expanding its area to become one of the largest traditional markets in the city.
As times changed, so did the market. Moving forward to 2018, the local government allowed several parts of Beringharjo to remain open until 9 PM to serve tourists and locals in the evening. Overall, Pasar Beringharjo still embodies Yogyakarta’s ability to preserve its culture amidst ongoing modernization.
Where to Go in Pasar Beringharjo?
Pasar Beringharjo is located at Jl. Margo Mulyo No.16, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Yogyakarta. Operating hours are generally 8.30 AM – 9 PM daily. Inside the market, you will find multiple levels:
- Ground Floor: Fresh produce, spices, household goods
- Middle Floors: Textiles, batik, clothing, bags
- Upper Levels: Handicrafts, antiques, second-hand goods
Pasar Beringharjo is popular for buying batik. We’d love to share some local tips when you want to buy batik or something else in Beringharjo:
- Make sure you ask how much the fixed price is from the seller. Some of the seller didn’t put the price tag right on their product.
- You can compare one stall to another to get the best deal.
- Ensure you find the right size for your needs. Most sellers are happy to help you find your fit or will allow you to try the items on.
- Most stalls accept only cash. Even though QRIS payments are widely popular and common across Indonesia, this traditional market still relies on conventional cash transactions.
Aside from crafts and souvenirs, Beringharjo is also known as a food haven. You’ll find an abundance of authentic local flavors to discover. And we mean a lot. Here are some food stalls and flavors you should not miss while exploring:
1. Soto Pak Muh
A humble stall in a hidden alley. Soto is an Indonesian clear soup, served with rice and diverse toppings. Soto here is clear, light, and savory. The broth is gently spiced, with shredded chicken, rice cake, and fresh herbs. A bowl warms you after a long day of exploring.
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Location: Pusat Grosir Metro Beringharjo, Jl. Pabringan No.60, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Yogyakarta
2. Sego Empal Bu Warno
Sego empal is a local dish, made from rice with deep-fried beef slices in a sweet and spicy sauce. Sego Empal Bu Warno’s version is known for juicy beef sliced with well-balanced sweetness.
- Operating Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Location: Pasar Beringharjo 2nd Floor, Jl. Pabringan No.41, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @empalbuwarno
3. Sate Kere
Sate kere literally means “poor man’s satay,” in Javanese. Sate kere is made from simple ingredients (often tempeh, fat bits, or off-cuts) but is packed with flavor when grilled and dipped in peanut sauce. In Pasar Beringharjo, you can find it in Sate Kere Daging Sapi Bu Suwarni right in front of the south entrance gate area.
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Location: Jl. Pabringan No.16, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Yogyakarta
4. Soto Pites Mbah Galak
Soto pites is another version of soto dishes. What makes it different is that they smashed the chili right in the bowl. Creating more spicy sensation. You’ll enjoy a bowl of soto with shredded meat (chicken/beef option), vegetables, and broth slightly thickened by natural ingredients.
“Mbah Galak” is an iconic name among locals. In Javanese, “Mbah” means “grandparent,” lending a sense of tradition and authenticity to the stall. “Galak,” however, means fierce or grumpy. A nod to the founder’s reputation for rarely smiling. But don’t let the name scare you because the soto is so delicious that the stall is always packed with loyal customers.
- Operating Hours: 7 AM – 3 PM
- Location: Pasar Beringharjo 1st Floor, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Yogyakarta
- Instagram: @sotopitesmbahgalak