Malang stands out as one of Indonesia’s ultimate destinations for authentic meatball or bakso enthusiasts. The city is famous for the abundance of bakso stalls offering everything from original recipes passed down through generations to viral modern creations that attract young foodies. For travelers and locals looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure, there are nine must-try bakso shops in Malang, each with its own specialty, loyal following, and unique flavor profile.
A bowl of bakso in Malang is more than just street food—it’s a timeless comfort dish that combines rich beef broth, springy meatballs, and a variety of flavorful fillings. Whether you’re in search of legendary stalls that have maintained their taste for decades or eager to try contemporary versions that fuse traditional and creative elements, this curated list will guide you to the top spots in Malang to satisfy your bakso cravings.
1. Bakso Solo Kidul Pasar
Known as an icon among bakso lovers in Malang, Bakso Solo Kidul Pasar is the go-to for those who appreciate classic flavors and nostalgic ambiance. Located on Jalan Halmahera, this humble eatery is packed daily with loyal customers. The clear broth is rich and savory, complementing the chewy, carefully crafted meatballs.
Customers often opt for the bakso campur, which comes with tender beef meatballs, tendon meatballs, fried dumplings, tofu, and crispy fritters. Despite frequent long queues, speedy and friendly service keeps visitors coming back. Prices per serving range from twenty-two thousand to twenty-four thousand Indonesian rupiah, offering great value for traditional bakso.
2. Bakso President
Bakso President has grown into a legendary establishment, partly thanks to its distinctive location adjacent to the railway tracks—a feature that adds an exciting twist to the dining experience. As trains pass by, visitors can feel the subtle vibrations while enjoying their meal. The diverse menu includes silky beef meatballs, tendon, boiled eggs, fried prawn balls, offal, and even smoked or grilled bakso.
During peak vacation seasons, this shop reportedly sells thousands of bowls daily. It has since expanded with branches in Pulosari and Pandean, cementing its status as one of Malang’s best-known bakso spots with prices ranging from twenty thousand to over fifty thousand rupiah per portion.
3. Bakso Bakar Pak Man
Bakso Bakar Pak Man claims the title as Malang’s pioneer of grilled bakso, captivating visitors for generations with its signature sweet-spicy marinade and unmistakable smoky aroma. Established on Jalan Diponegoro, it offers finely ground and tendon meatballs grilled with a special spicy soy sauce.
Each meatball is shaped small, making it easy for visitors to indulge in several pieces at once—many order ten or more. The shop provides complimentary tofu and vermicelli noodles, in keeping with the local custom. Although prices have risen over time, loyal patrons agree the taste remains as satisfying as ever.
4. Bakso Duro Kepanjen
For those seeking hefty portions and a rich broth, Bakso Duro Kepanjen in southern Malang is the answer. Its thick, savory soup pairs well with a generous assortment of add-ins like soft meatballs, tofu, fried snacks, and vermicelli. Its consistent flavors have made it a local favorite, especially during lunch hours.
What makes Bakso Duro Kepanjen stand out is the jumbo meatball option, ideal for anyone with a big appetite. Each serving is relatively affordable, costing between ten thousand and twenty-five thousand rupiah, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.
5. Bakso Sumsum Cak Hadi
Bakso Sumsum Cak Hadi, located in Singosari, has been serving customers since the early two-thousands. Originally, founder Cak Hadi sold bakso from a mobile cart before establishing a permanent shop on Jalan Kartanegara.
The hallmark of this place is its use of high-quality beef and a flavorful beef marrow broth. Patrons can mix and match individually priced items—starting at five hundred rupiah for fried sides and up to four thousand for stuffed tofu—allowing personalized combinations without breaking the bank. Despite the budget-friendly pricing, the quality is on par with some of Malang’s most renowned bakso establishments.
6. Bakso Sudi Mampir
Bakso Sudi Mampir draws a diverse crowd of students and workers thanks to its strong, savory broth and crunchy fried bakso, which crumbles deliciously in each bite. The large brown tofu, a crowd favorite, is both hearty and tempting. Besides bakso, the menu includes shumai, yellow noodles, white vermicelli, and crispy chicken offal chips.
Low prices make this place an everyday go-to; individual items start at as low as a thousand rupiah, while larger meatballs are offered for up to eight thousand. The laid-back setting and welcoming service further add to its charm.
7. Bakso Bakar Trowulan
Those craving a modern take on bakso should not miss Bakso Bakar Trowulan, famous for its spicy-sweet grilled meatballs. Even after being grilled, the meatballs retain their tender, juicy texture, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
Guests can opt for the grilled bakso or enjoy a hot soup complete with tofu and shumai. Each grilled meatball costs just three thousand five hundred rupiah, making it an affordable yet unmissable stop for anyone visiting the Lowokwaru area.
8. Bakso Damas
Bakso Damas redefines the eating experience with its self-service concept, allowing guests to customize their bowl according to their preferences. Situated on Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, customers assemble their favorite ingredients, choosing from tendon meatballs, quail eggs, shrimp shumai, offal, and a wide variety of fried accompaniments.
The freedom to determine portion size and composition, all for pocket-friendly prices starting from one thousand rupiah, appeals to young people and families alike. This flexible buffet-style offering makes Bakso Damas a standout in Malang’s bakso scene.
9. Bakso Mercon Cak Kar
In Singosari’s special economic zone, Bakso Mercon Cak Kar offers an adventurous twist with explosive flavors. Established by Karsono in the nineties, this shop was once a street-side cart before gaining fame for its fiery chili-stuffed “mercon” bakso.
Other creative variations include cheese-filled meatballs, quail egg, curry, and even lobster-stuffed options. The consistent and spicy beef broth draws food lovers from far and wide. Social media promotion and regular menu innovation ensure that Bakso Mercon Cak Kar is always bustling, particularly on weekends.
Malang’s bakso culture is far more than just a culinary tradition—it’s a dynamic part of local identity, marked by evolving tastes and passionate entrepreneurs. These nine reputable shops reflect the city’s spirit of innovation and craftsmanship, each adding their own spice to Malang’s rich food landscape. Exploring these recommendations promises not only a satisfying meal but also a genuine introduction to the heart of Malang’s street food heritage.
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