Rawon Setan Embong Malang: The Dark, Spicy Legend of Surabaya
Iconic Local Favorite • Late-Night Legend • Always Busy
If you’re in Surabaya and craving a truly authentic, full-flavored local dish, Rawon Setan is an absolute must-visit. Located on Embong Malang, just minutes from major hotels like JW Marriott, this legendary eatery has built a name for itself with its bold, aromatic, and addictive take on Indonesia’s famous black beef soup—rawon. Open late into the night, it’s a favorite of both locals and tourists, with a lively, no-frills atmosphere that adds to its charm.
Rich Black Broth • Tender Beef • Deep Flavors
What makes Rawon Setan special is its signature broth—dark, rich, and deeply flavorful thanks to the use of keluak (black nut), traditional spices, and long hours of slow cooking. The beef is meltingly tender, served generously in every portion, and soaks up all the goodness of the broth. It’s warm, comforting, and full of character—spicy, earthy, and slightly nutty, just the way rawon should be.
Simple Sides • Sambal & Egg • Build Your Bowl
Customize your meal with traditional sides like telur asin (salted egg), bean sprouts, emping (melinjo crackers), and, of course, a generous spoonful of sambal if you like it spicy. Mix it all with a plate of warm rice, and you’ve got a deeply satisfying, soulful dish that represents the very best of East Javanese comfort food.
Fast Service • Local Vibe • Affordable Price
Despite how busy it gets, service at Rawon Setan is quick and efficient. Don’t expect luxury—it’s all about the flavor and speed here. Prices are reasonable, portions are large, and the entire experience feels refreshingly grounded and real. You might share a table, you’ll definitely sweat a little—but you’ll leave full and happy.
Perfect for Late-Night Cravings • Local Culinary Experience • Must-Try for Tourists
Open until late, Rawon Setan is the perfect spot for supper after a night out or for curious foodies looking to experience Surabaya like a local. It’s not just a meal—it’s a rite of passage. No fancy presentation, no modern twist—just traditional rawon, made the old-school way, served with confidence and a bit of attitude.
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Final Thoughts: A Spicy, Soulful, Late-Night Surabaya Essential
Rawon Setan Embong Malang isn’t just famous—it’s legendary. With its bold broth, generous beef, and unapologetically spicy soul, this place captures the heart of East Javanese cuisine in one unforgettable bowl. Whether you’re a local loyalist or a first-time visitor, one thing’s for sure: no trip to Surabaya is complete without tasting...
Read moreI came to this place because of all the amazing reviews on Google Maps and honestly I have no idea how it got such a high rating the reality is way different the place doesn’t feel clean or well taken care of it’s not filthy but definitely not what you’d expect from a place with this kind of reputation the tables weren’t properly cleaned and the whole vibe just felt messy and unorganized now for the food the portion was surprisingly small especially considering the price the soup had a weird slightly sour taste it wasn’t bad but it didn’t taste fresh either I’d still give it maybe a 7 out of 10 just for the flavor but that’s pretty much the only good thing the prices are ridiculously high and honestly not justified at all maybe it’s just because the location is near Tunjungan Street but still that’s no excuse for charging this much for such an average meal what made things even worse is that they don’t even accept electronic payments no cards no QR just cash in 2025 how can a place like this still not have any electronic payment options that’s just annoying and unprofessional overall the experience was disappointing overpriced and overrated I wouldn’t come back again and honestly I wouldn’t recommend...
Read moreWhat is rawon? Rawon is black meat soup often served with sprouts and sambal, how can soup be black? It’s because one of the ingredients called “Kluwek” or pangium’s fruit fun fact pangium’s fruit is poisonous but when fermented pangium’s fruit is edible
Okay now come to the reviews First of all, this place is well known or u could say legendary because it’s been here for a long time
For taste. if you never try rawon you should try it here, good for first timers, but if you frequently eat rawon in many different places this rawon taste so usual.
For the price, oh no.. i think this place needs price tag on every menu and every single item, or you’ll got ripped, for single portion of rawon with rice cost Rp. 38.000 ($3.5) and they serves you with some additional buffet such as cow’s lungs, meat, perkedel, salted egg, tempe. But it’ll cost you more if you took some of it.
Location. This warung located in front of JW Marriot hotel, easily accessible, no parking spot, and...
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