Last updated: October 13th, 2025 — 8:44 PM
In January 2020, I went for a brief morning walk
along Terusan
Borobudur Street, not far from where I was staying at OYO
Jalan Ikan Paus in Malang, East Java.
It was still around 8:00
a.m. when I started looking for breakfast. Malang is well known
as a culinary
hotspot, and it didn’t take long before I spotted a food cart
along the street a small mobile stall
with a few tables and chairs for customers. The banner caught my attention:
they were selling Nasi Pecel and Nasi Campur.
Wow! I decided to try Nasi Campur for
breakfast.
There’s something
truly special about starting your day in Malang City the cool
air, the busy streets, and the delicious aroma of local food being cooked in
small warungs.
During that morning walk, I stopped by a humble stall that served one of
Indonesia’s most comforting breakfast dishes: Nasi Campur
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What Is Nasi Campur in Malang City?.
The name Nasi Campur literally means mixed rice. It’s a complete meal that combines steamed rice with a variety of side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, tofu, vegetables, sambal, and sometimes beef or egg. Every plate looks slightly different depending on the seller and that’s part of the charm..
Mixed Rice (Nasi Campur) This hearty portion includes pieces of chicken, assorted vegetables, tempeh, peanut crackers, half a boiled egg, noodles, and tofu. The price is Rp 13,000 (excluding a glass of sweet tea).Photo by Asep Haryono
FOOD CART: This is the food cart I saw along Terusan Borobudur Street (photo taken on January 26). It looked quite interesting, so I decided to try the Nasi Campur here.Photo by Asep Haryono
BUSY: Mr. Gatot is the seller of this Mixed Rice (Nasi Campur) cart. He is originally from Surabaya and has been living in Malang since 2015. His food cart is located along Terusan Borobudur Street (photo taken on January 26).Photo by Asep Haryono
Have
you seen the photos?
There’s an explanation too, hehe something like that.
I sat on one of the
benches provided at Mas Gatot’s food cart, the seller of this
Nasi
Campur. While he was preparing my plate, we had a short chat. From
that brief conversation, I learned that Mas Gatot is
originally from Surabaya and has been living in Malang
since 2015.
“I’m originally from
Surabaya. I came to Malang about five years ago and have been selling this ever
since,” he told me.
Mas Gatot shared that
he sold his house in Surabaya and decided to move to Malang with his whole
family to start this small food business.
Oh yes the price for one portion of Nasi
Campur is 13K IDR, not including
a glass of hot tea, which costs around 3K IDR. The Nasi
Campur contains a variety of ingredients: pieces of chicken and
vegetables, shredded fried noodles, slices of tofu and tempeh, and crunchy
peanut crackers. The portion size is just right not too much, not too little simply perfect for my appetite.
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The stall owner greeted me warmly
and offered a mix of local favorites: fried tempeh, spicy sambal, a slice of
omelet, and tender beef in soy sauce. It was a simple meal, but so satisfying the kind that makes you feel instantly at
home.
Why Nasi Campur Is So Popular
- Nasi Campur*
is more than just food it’s a reflection
of Indonesia’s culinary diversity. In Malang, you can find different
versions depending on the stall or restaurant you visit. Some have a
strong Javanese taste with sweet and savory flavors, while others include
Chinese or Peranakan-style dishes.
- The
price is also friendly starting
from around Rp 12,000 to Rp 20,000 for a generous portion making it an affordable choice for locals
and visitors alike.
while sambal (spicy chili paste) gives the dish its signature heat. Toppings such as fried shallots, crackers, and sweet grated coconut (serundeng) enhance the flavor and crunch. Each serving is colorful, flavorful, and balanced offering a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory tastes that reflect Indonesia’s rich culinary diversity".
Recommended Nasi Campur Spots in Malang
If you love Nasi Campur as much as I do, here
are some well-known places you can try when you’re in Malang:
1. Nasi Campur Kaypang – Located on Jl. Husni Tamrin
No. 11, Klojen, this warung is famous for its variety of side dishes such
as crispy beef lung, spicy squid, and flavorful sambal. A favorite among locals
for its generous portions and affordable price.
2. Nasi Campur Haji Ridwan (Warung Lama
H. Ridwan) – Found
inside Pasar Besar Malang, this legendary place serves authentic
Javanese-style nasi campur with beef krengsengan, tempeh, tofu, and sambal
goreng. A nostalgic taste that reminds locals of home.
3. Depot Biru (Bu Sawar) – Situated at Jl. Rupat No. 12,
Kasin, this eatery is known for its traditional taste and hearty servings.
The nasi campur here comes with fried vegetables, serundeng, and spicy tempeh.
4. Warung Semur Gang Buntu – A cozy and affordable spot on Jl.
Zainul Arifin, famous for its home-cooked flavors like semur, fried
chicken, and perfectly cooked rice.
5. Nasi Campur Gang Jangkrik – Located at Jl. Letjen Sutoyo
No. 136, this long-standing restaurant offers a Chinese-style, non-halal
version with siobak, siokee, and char siu. A must-try for those who want to
experience a different take on nasi campur.
No matter which place you choose, each nasi campur
in Malang tells its own story a story of
flavor, tradition, and comfort.
How to Get to Malang City?
Malang City lies in East Java, Indonesia, about 90 kilometers south of Surabaya, the provincial capital. It’s a popular destination for travelers looking to enjoy cool weather, green hills, and delicious local food like Nasi Campur.
By Air: The easiest way is to fly to Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG), which serves daily flights from Jakarta, Bali, and other major Indonesian cities. The airport is only about 20–30 minutes from downtown Malang by taxi or ride-hailing apps.
By Train: You can also take a train from Surabaya Gubeng Station to Malang Kota Baru Station, a scenic journey of around 2.5–3 hours.
By Car or Bus: For a more flexible trip, travel by car or intercity bus from Surabaya
That morning, my first stop was to buy TRI and SIMPATI phone credit at Indomaret and Alfamart, which, interestingly, were quite far apart along Terusan Borobudur. That’s unusual because these two convenience stores are usually right next to each other practically neighbors! Do any of you know why Indomaret and Alfamart are often side by side? I’ve always been curious about that.
a beautiful destination in East Java, Indonesia.
Summary
Enjoying Nasi Campur in Malang is more than
just having breakfast it’s a local
experience that connects you with the city’s culture and people. Each bite
carries a taste of home, warmth, and community spirit that makes Malang such a
special place to visit.
So the next time you’re in town, don’t miss the chance
to enjoy a simple yet satisfying plate of Nasi Campur just like the locals do.
Have you tried Nasi Campur in Malang?
Share your favorite warung or breakfast spot in the comments below! I’d love to
hear your recommendations and food experiences.
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