Travelers who set foot in Purwokerto know that no trip is complete without bringing home traditional local treats. From iconic fried getuk to the tempting savory mendoan, plus contemporary snacks and classic breads, Purwokerto offers an exciting selection of souvenirs. Well-established shops and legendary stalls spread across the town serve thousands of visitors every week, ensuring everyone gets a taste of Banyumas’ vibrant culinary scene.
Finding the right place to buy souvenirs can be confusing, especially with so many options scattered through the city. To make your choice easier, here’s a closer look at six must-visit shops in Purwokerto, each with their own signature specialties, unique histories, and full range of snack options. These shops are not just destinations for delicious treats—they are also part of the area’s living heritage.
1. Sawangan No.1 Gift Shop: Home of Viral Mendoan and Complete Snacks
Located strategically on Mayjend Sutoyo Street, Sawangan No.1 earns its reputation as a top one-stop souvenir shop for all travelers. Tourists can find an array of local and modern snacks such as mino, bakpia, getuk, tempeh chips, and more. A popular highlight here is the mendoan jumbo, a giant-sized version of Banyumas’ iconic fried tempeh, measuring up to a meter in length.
This shop also features unique products like pink mendoan, which went viral on social media platforms recently. According to testimonials, Sawangan No.1 is favored thanks to both variety and freshness, with goods restocked daily by local producers. Easily accessible from the city’s main square, the shop operates from early morning to late evening, providing maximum convenience for visitors catching early or late transport.
2. Tempeh Chips and Mendoan Mirasa: A Legendary Family-Run Store
Just steps away from Sawangan No.1, Mirasa stands out as one of Purwokerto’s oldest mendoan hubs. Established back in the eighties, Mirasa specializes in original-recipe mendoan, drawing loyal customers through generations. This place is also recognized for its wide range of tempeh chips, which come in different flavors and packing sizes.
Unlike most outlets, Mirasa caters to both immediate cravings and take-home needs. Shoppers can buy freshly fried mendoan for snacking, or choose raw mendoan sets to cook at home. Many locals recommend this shop for those looking to relive the authentic Banyumas experience later with family and friends.
3. Tetap Asli Ny. Sutrisno: A Diverse Selection and Hearty Meals
Tetap Asli Ny. Sutrisno offers more than just snacks—it also serves hearty local meals for those seeking a break. Situated in South Purwokerto, this store sells popular Banyumas treats like klanting, fried getuk, traditional bakpia, as well as fruit salads (rujak), vegetable salads, and gado-gado.
One of its strengths lies in both the diversity of products and their homemade taste. According to regular visitors, the shop’s rujak buah and rujak sayur are crowd favorites, especially for those needing a quick meal before departing the city. Hundreds of customers pass through its doors daily, drawn by its clean setting and friendly staff.
4. Toko Kedung Jati Purwokerto: Affordable Prices, Rich Line-Up
Toko Kedung Jati is well-known among residents and tourists for its budget-friendly selection. The store, operating daily until late evening, provides a solid lineup of local delicacies such as crispy chips, jenang, original getuk goreng, nopia, and the vibrant klanting. All items are attractively packed, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
The affordable pricing has made Toko Kedung Jati a go-to for group travelers and local tour guides. Based on customer feedback, many especially appreciate the transparent pricing and honesty of staff, with product origins and ingredients explained clearly before purchase.
5. Roti Go: Centuries-Old Bakery with Traditional Excellence
For fans of classic baked goods, Roti Go is a Purwokerto icon. This bakery has stayed in operation since the late 19th century, making it one of Indonesia’s most enduring and historic bread shops. Most of the bread is still oven-baked traditionally, ensuring a strong aroma and unique taste.
Roti Go’s shelves are filled with a variety of house-made loaves, buns, sweet cakes, and dry cookies—none of which use preservatives. This appeals to health-conscious visitors who want long-lasting freshness with each packet. Locals routinely send Roti Go products to relatives as gifts, upholding a tradition that goes back generations.
6. Getuk Goreng Asli Haji Tohirin: Originator of Sokaraja’s Sweet Specialty
No culinary gift list from Purwokerto is complete without mentioning getuk goreng Haji Tohirin. Officially opened over a century ago, this store is credited as the pioneer of fried getuk in the region. The recipe is a tightly held secret, passed down through several generations of the founding family.
The hallmark of Tohirin’s getuk goreng is its soft, chewy texture balanced with a rich, sweet flavor that lingers. Owing to its popularity, Haji Tohirin now operates multiple branches. Chunks of this classic treat are sold in compact, travel-ready packaging, favored by visitors taking long train or bus rides home.
Comparison Table: The Top 6 Gift Shops in Purwokerto
| Shop Name | Location | Specialties | Unique Feature | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawangan No.1 | Jl. Mayjend Sutoyo | Mendoan Jumbo, Pink Mendoan, Bakpia, Snacks | Largest mendoan, viral items | 06:00–21:00 |
| Mirasa | Near Sawangan No.1 | Tempeh Chips, Mendoan (raw & cooked) | Oldest mendoan shop | 08:00–19:30 |
| Tetap Asli Ny. Sutrisno | Jl. Situmpur No.85, Karangbawang | Snacks, Rujak, Gado-gado | Hearty meals available | 07:00–20:30 |
| Kedung Jati | Jl. Kongsen No.41, Karangbawang | Chips, Jenang, Getuk Goreng, Nopia, Klanting | Affordable prices | 07:00–21:00 |
| Roti Go | Jl. Jenderal Soedirman, Kauman Lama | House-baked bread, cookies | Traditional baking, no preservatives | 08:00–19:00 |
| Getuk Goreng H. Tohirin | Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.151 | Fried Getuk | Centuries-old recipe | Varies by branch |
Why Purwokerto Souvenir Shops Make Travel Memorable
Each of these stores is woven into the social and culinary fabric of Purwokerto. The signature snacks—from mendoan and getuk goreng to locally-baked bread—aren’t just popular for their flavors, but also for the sense of nostalgia and cultural pride they bring. Many travelers end up returning on later trips, citing recommendations and memories from their first visits.
Savvy travelers often plan their visits around these shops’ opening hours, as some products sell out quickly, especially during weekends or holidays. It’s common to see both local shoppers and tourists queuing up patiently for their turn to take home these beloved local specialties.
Shopping for souvenirs in Purwokerto is more than a transaction—it’s an experience that connects you with the city’s traditions and people. Make sure to stop at these recommended shops before heading home and bring back a piece of Purwokerto’s warm hospitality along with your chosen delights. For anyone searching for gifts or authentic local flavors, these destinations have everything any visitor could hope for.
