Pasar Ngasem is a bustling area near the Yogyakarta Keraton. For centuries, it has been a melting pot for locals and travelers alike, offering a diverse range of traditional food, crafts, and fresh produce, along with a touch of nostalgia through its architectural style. We’d love to help you explore the full Pasar Ngasem experience so you can discover why people love this traditional market.
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History of Pasar Ngasem
Pasar Ngasem’s roots reach back to the early 1800s, when the area was part of the Taman Sari Water Castle, which belonged to the Yogyakarta Sultanate. It’s located in Jl. Polowijo, Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta.
Around 1806–1809, Pasar Ngasem originally began as a “Pasar Burung,” a bird market where people traded songbirds, pigeons, and other ornamental birds. Over time, it became a center not only for birds but also for many kinds of animals.
The name “Ngasem” is believed to come from the asem (tamarind) trees that once grew in that area. During its early years, the market had symbolic significance: owning exotic or beautiful birds was a sign of social status among the local elites and bird enthusiasts.
As the city evolved, in 2010, many of the bird-trading stalls were relocated to a specialized animal and plant market (Pasar Satwa & Tanaman Hias Yogyakarta, or locally known as Pasty), to reduce disruption and preserve Taman Sari’s site area. Today, Pasar Ngasem has become a traditional market where people can find all sorts of local food, crafts, fresh produce, and more.
This traditional market still carries layers of heritage. Pasar Ngasem continued presence of local artisans and street life that echoes the past.
Culinary Exploration in Pasar Ngasem
One of the biggest draws now at Pasar Ngasem is its food, local breakfasts, traditional sweets, and dishes you won’t easily find elsewhere. Walk its alleys early in the morning, and let your nose guide you. Here are some of our favourite stalls and dishes that you shouldn’t miss. Prepare to lose yourself in this culinary haven.
1. Wedang Sendang Ayu Mbak Marsuwe
Wedang Sendang Ayu is a ginger-based Javanese herbal drink. The first thing you should do is write down your order. Since it’s a local favorite, there is almost always a long line. Make sure to secure your order first.
The herbal drink is made from grilled ginger, combined with other herbs such as cardamom, cloves, lemongrass, cinnamon, palm fruit, lime juice, and crystal sugar. You can taste a comforting glass of wedang with spices that warm your body. This herbal drink is the best cure when you’re feeling a little run-down.
2. Warung Makan Bu Sirep
Warung Bu Sirep serves you home-cooked Javanese meals, something like soups, a wide range of stirred veggie menu, and side dishes, displayed like a buffet. This type of stall is locally known as ‘Ramesan Style.’ You simply pick the dishes you want, and the staff will serve them onto your plate. The menus change daily, often depending on what’s fresh in the market.
3. Soto Kampung Pak Bejo
Soto Kampung Pak Bejo should be your second stop. Soto is a clear soup and a signature dish found across Indonesia. At Pak Bejo’s, you can enjoy a light, savory broth with shredded chicken, vegetables, and rice. To make your bowl even more tempting, try adding some of their side dishes, such as fritters.
4. Gudeg Yu Narni Ngasem
Yogyakarta’s famous dish, gudeg, is young jackfruit stewed in coconut milk and palm sugar, served with rice, tender chicken, egg, and sambal. Gudeg Yu Narni is one of them, and it’s located near Pasar Ngasem, in Jl. Ngasem No.54, Kadipaten, Kraton, Yogyakarta. At Gudeg Yu Narni Ngasem, you’ll taste a version that is sweet, soft, and deeply rooted in local flavor tradition.
5. Apem Beras Bu Wanti
This is a star snack you won’t want to miss. Apem Beras is a rice cake made from rice flour, coconut, sugar, with banana or chocolate as its topping. Apem has long been loved by locals. Bu Wanti’s apem stand opens early, around 6 AM, and sells out fast. Each cake is reasonably priced at around IDR 3,000, and it melts in your mouth with a sweet and mild flavor.