Yogyakarta: Night Food Tour by Becak & Street Snacks

Summary

Javanese street food, becak rides and night games in Yogyakarta

You’ll ride through Yogyakarta’s lively streets by becak rickshaw with a local guide, sampling Javanese street food and snacks at every stop. Try smoky kopi joss coffee and join locals for quirky games at Alun-Alun Kidul—all included. Expect laughter, drizzle or not, and a city that feels warmer after dark.

What’s the experience like?

Handing me a tiny cup of kopi joss, our guide Eka grinned like he knew what was coming. The coffee hissed as he dropped in a burning coal—smelled smoky, almost earthy. I tried not to flinch (failed). We’d just squeezed into the chaos around Tugu Jogja, lights everywhere and scooters weaving past. There were seven of us, plus Eka, piling into those old-school becaks—my knees nearly touched my chin but honestly, I didn’t care. The city felt different at night, kind of softer but more alive.

We stopped every twenty minutes or so—first for sweet martabak pancakes (I still think about that peanut crunch), then spicy satay skewers from a cart where the owner’s daughter kept giggling at my Bahasa. Eka explained each dish without fuss; sometimes he’d just hand something over and wait for our faces. The air smelled like grilled chicken and clove cigarettes. At one point it started to drizzle, so we got these thin raincoats that made us look like a very lost wedding party.

I didn’t expect the games at Alun-Alun Kidul—neon-lit pedal cars shaped like ducks, kids everywhere trying to walk blindfolded between two banyan trees (masangin). It’s supposed to bring luck if you make it through. I missed by a mile; Eka laughed so hard he almost dropped his herbal drink. By the end my stomach was full but my head was even fuller—so many little moments with strangers who didn’t stay strangers for long. Walking back under those blinking lights, I kind of wanted the night to keep going.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening walking and food tour

• Meet at Tugu Jogja 6:30 pm
• Board becak rickshaw to Stop 1
• Enjoy coffee and street food
• Walk to Stop 2
• Guided tour and local snacks
• Walk to Stop 3
• Guided tour and local snacks
• Board becak rickshaw to Stop 4
• Taste authentic Javanese food
• Board becak rickshaw to Stop 5
• Try herbal drink
• Board becak rickshaw to Stop 6
• Last food tasting
• Board becak rickshaw to Stop 7
• Play traditional game
• End tour 9:30 - 10:00 pm

Top questions

What time does the Yogyakarta night food tour start?

The tour starts at 6:30 pm from Tugu Jogja (Yogyakarta Monument).

Is transportation included on this Yogyakarta street food tour?

Yes, all rides in traditional becak rickshaws are included throughout the tour.

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available?

Yes, the tour is suitable for any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

How long does the night walking & food tour last?

The tour usually ends between 9:30 and 10:00 pm.

Do I need to bring anything special for this Yogyakarta evening tour?

No special gear is needed—just wear comfortable clothes and bring your camera.

Is this small-group tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What kinds of foods are included on this Yogyakarta night food tour?

You’ll try various Javanese snacks, drinks like kopi joss coffee and herbal drinks, plus authentic street foods at several stops.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes—a raincoat will be provided if it rains during your tour.

What’s included

Your evening covers all becak rickshaw rides across central Yogyakarta with an English-speaking local guide leading the way. Every stop includes authentic Javanese snacks and street foods (with options for dietary needs), drinks like kopi joss coffee and herbal infusions, entry fees for fun activities at Alun-Alun Kidul—including traditional games—and even a raincoat if there’s rain along the route.