Surabaya (formerly Dutch: Soerabaja, Javanese: Suroboyo) is the capital of Jawa Timur (East Java) and the second-largest-city in Indonesia. Located on northeastern Java island and along the edge of the Madura Strait. The city is known as Kota Pahlawan “city of heroes” due to the importance of the Battle of Surabaya in galvanizing Indonesian and international support for Indonesian independence during the Indonesian National Revolution. Surabaya was once the largest city in Dutch East Indies and virtually the center of trading in the nation, exceeding those of Batavia, competing with the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong
Surabaya (Suroboyo) is locally believed to derive its name from the words “suro” (shark) and “boyo” (crocodile), two creatures which, in a local myth, fought each other in order to gain the title of “the strongest and most powerful animal” in the area.
Surabaya is a trading center of Majapahit, Singhosari and Kediri Kingdom. Nowadays Surabaya becomes a modern industrial city, economic and trading center in East Java, as well as home to the Navy. As a metropolitan city, Surabaya becomes the center of economic activities in East Java and the surrounding area. Most of the population is engaged in services, industry and trade. Many large companies are headquartered in Surabaya.
Lontong is a typical Indonesian food that developed in Javanese society, made of rice wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed over boiling water for several hours and if the water is running low, it is poured again and repeated several times. Yup, these Lontong are oriental foods from Surabaya!
Reportedly, the origin of the name Lontong Balap comes from the sellers who always run when carrying their heavy merchandise so that it looks like they are racing. Lontong Balap itself is one of Surabaya's specialties that serves fried tofu, lentho or green bean cakes, boiled bean sprouts, then doused with a sweet and savory sauce. The taste of Lontong Balap is even better when enjoyed with chili paste.
Lontong Kupang is also one of the typical Surabaya foods that you must try. Kupang itself is a kind of small shellfish that is boiled then given a splash of savory broth with lime juice and chili paste. So don't miss it to taste the delicious taste of this typical Surabaya food.