Try tengkleng gajah yogyakarta, is it really using elephant meat?

Jogja, a city in Indonesia, is famous for its rich culture and amazing food. One dish you’ve got to try when you’re here is Tengkleng Gajah—a meal that definitely sparks curiosity.

But don’t let the name fool you! Despite being called “Tengkleng Gajah,” it doesn’t actually have elephant meat in it. Let’s dive into the story behind it!

What’s Tengkleng Anyway?

Tengkleng is a type of soup from Solo made with goat meat, innards, and bones. It’s similar to goat curry, but the soup is thinner and lighter.

So, why is the place called “Tengkleng Gajah Sleman”? It’s not because of elephants—it’s because the portions here are huge, like they’re made for an elephant!

Warung Tengkleng Gajah

This eatery, which has been around since 2006, originally only served goat-based dishes. Over time, thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations from happy customers, it became quite popular—even attracting tourists from outside Yogyakarta who come to try its signature dishes.

As soon as you step into the warung, you’ll notice the open kitchen. It’s pretty cool because you can watch the whole process of cooking Tengkleng, from start to finish, before it’s served at your table.

The place has an open-concept vibe, with rows of long tables neatly arranged—perfect for accommodating lots of visitors.

What makes it even better is the mouthwatering aroma that hits you when your dish arrives, still steaming hot. It’s guaranteed to make your hunger skyrocket while you wait to dig in!

Menus at Warung Tengkleng Gajah

Here, visitors can choose from 11 different goat-based dishes, all customizable to suit their taste—whether you prefer something sweet, savory, or spicy.

One of the highlights is their satay, available in two styles: classic grilled goat satay or fried goat satay.

Other options on the menu include goat curry, goat fried rice, tongseng goat (a savory stew), and tongseng goat head. For the tongseng goat head, you can choose between the regular version or a fried one for something a little different.

The crowd favorite, of course, is the Tengkleng Gajah. This dish can be prepared in a few ways—original style, as tongseng or fried, or with spicy sambal bawang for heat lovers.

The Tengkleng Gajah is always served hot, with large goat bones still covered in tender meat. To fully enjoy it, you’ll need a straw to sip out the flavorful bone marrow. And don’t worry—you can grab as much nasi Padang (steamed rice) as you want to go with your meal.

The broth is rich and thick but not overpowering. If you’re into sweeter flavors, the fried Tengkleng or the goat satay with soy sauce will be right up your alley.

Read More: 20+ recommended places to try Gudeg in Yogyakarta the iconic culinary of Yogyakarta

What Makes Tengkleng Gajah Special

Tengkleng Gajah Jogja isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that leaves you impressed. The moment it’s served, the mouthwatering aroma hits you, making it hard to wait before digging in. Here are a few things that make Tengkleng Gajah so special:

1. Deliciously Fresh

Perfectly Cooked Meat: The Tengkleng is served hot, with tender meat still clinging to the bone, keeping all the flavors intact.

Hands-On Experience: If you’re a fan of goat marrow, you can dig in with your hands for an authentic and satisfying eating experience.

2. Easy to Enjoy

Helpful Tools: Don’t want to get messy? Straws are available to sip the flavorful marrow easily, making the meal hassle-free.

Appetizing Aroma: The thick, spiced broth smells amazing, making your mouth water even before you take a bite.

3. Exciting Menu Options:

Wide Variety: With 11 goat-based dishes to choose from, like fried Tengkleng and goat satay, there’s something for every taste.

Unique Dishes: From goat curry to tongseng goat head, each dish has a unique flavor. There are even sweeter options that are perfect for kids!

4. Convenient Hours:

Flexible Schedule: Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, so you can drop by whenever it suits you.

Holiday Notes: On holidays, the warung might close early because it gets so busy, and ingredients sell out fast.

Facilities

Warung Tengkleng Gajah Jogja doesn’t just serve amazing food—it also offers great facilities to keep visitors comfortable. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Spacious Parking

Finding a parking spot is easy, thanks to the large parking area near the warung. This makes it super convenient for anyone arriving by car or motorcycle.

2. Cozy Dining Area:

The dining space is clean and comfortable, designed to make your visit relaxing. The tables and chairs are arranged to ensure you can enjoy your meal in peace.

3. Clean and Well-Maintained Toilets

The warung provides clean and hygienic restrooms for its guests. Having access to a well-kept toilet adds to the overall pleasant dining experience.

Pricelist

Menu & Prices

Food:

• Tengkleng Gajah (Tongseng/Fried): Rp 69,000
• Tengkleng Gajah Sambal Bawang: Rp 69,000
• Tengkleng Gajah with Curry Broth: Rp 69,000
• Goat Fried Rice: Rp 30,000
• Goat Tongseng: Rp 30,000
• Goat Satay: Rp 30,000
• Fried Satay: Rp 30,000
• Goat Curry: Rp 30,000
• Innards Curry: Rp 30,000
• Sambal Bawang Innards: Rp 30,000
• Small Tengkleng Gajah: Rp 30,000
• Small Goat Tongseng: Rp 25,000
• Small Goat Satay: Rp 25,000

Drinks:

• Iced Tea: Rp 5,000
• Iced Orange: Rp 5,000
• Iced Cendol: Rp 10,000
• Iced Dawet Ayu: Rp 10,000
• Hot Tea: Rp 3,000
• Hot Coffee: Rp 5,000
• Hot Orange: Rp 5,000
• Mineral Water: Rp 5,000

5 Most Recommended Tengkleng in Jogja

Jogja is packed with delicious Tengkleng spots that are a must-try for tourists visiting this special city. The region is already known for its amazing variety of culinary delights that cater to every taste.

As you explore the streets of Jogja, you’ll find not only its unique dishes but also the warm and welcoming vibes of the city at every corner. Whether you’re craving something sweet, spicy, or savory, Jogja’s got you covered.

One standout dish is Tengkleng, a goat-based specialty. There are plenty of warungs (food stalls) serving mouthwatering Tengkleng all across the city—just waiting to be discovered!

If you’re visiting Jogja, trying delicious Tengkleng is a must! Here are five recommended Tengkleng spots around Yogyakarta that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Tengkleng Bhenjoyo

Tengkleng Bhenjoyo has four branches, but the busiest ones are located at Pojok Beteng Wetan and Jalan Parangtritis KM 1. You can choose between fried or soup-style Tengkleng here, with options like bones, innards, and goat legs.

2. Tengkleng Gajah

Located at Jalan Kaliurang KM 9.3, Bulurejo, Minomartani, Sleman, Tengkleng Gajah lives up to its name with big portions of goat meat on the bone. It’s perfect for those with a big appetite. The menu includes options like Tengkleng with curry broth, Tengkleng Gajah with sambal bawang, and the original Tengkleng Gajah.

3. Tengkleng Pawon Umi Nunung

Tengkleng Pawon Umi Nunung, found on Jalan Monjali 20, Ngaglik, Sleman, serves dishes made from goat bones cooked with special spices. They also offer a non-spicy Tengkleng, which is great for kids.

4. Tengkleng Kambing 86

Tengkleng Kambing 86 is located on Jl. Kh. Ahmad Dahlan, Nyangkringan, Bantul. It got its name because it’s right across from the Bantul Police Station. A Tengkleng package with rice and a drink is only around Rp 20,000—great value for money!

5. Tengkleng Hohah

Tengkleng Hohah is located at Jl. Wonosari No. KM. 7, Mantup, Baturetno, Bantul, Yogyakarta. It’s called “Hohah” because the flavor is so spicy it makes you exclaim “hohah!” In addition to their Tengkleng, this place also serves giant satay klatak skewered on 45 cm-long metal sticks.

Read More: 10+ Recommended Places to Enjoy Bakpia in Yogyakarta, the Infamous Traditional Snack of Yogyakarta

Tengkleng Gajah Recipe that You Can Try!

Tengkleng Gajah is usually served hot and is often enjoyed with white rice or ketupat. It has a savory and spiced flavor that makes it a favorite for many Indonesian food lovers. Here’s an easy recipe for making Tengkleng Gajah that you can try:

Goat Tengkleng without coconut milk is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a delicious goat dish with a lighter broth. It’s savory and full of spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg goat rib bones, chopped
• 500 grams goat meat, chopped
• 5 bay leaves
• 3 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 5 cm ginger, smashed
• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 liters of water
• Oil for sautéing

Spices (Blend them):

• 10 cloves garlic
• 10 shallots
• 3 cm turmeric
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• Pepper to taste

How to cook

1. Heat some oil in a pan for sautéing. Sauté the blended spices until they become fragrant and cooked through.
2. Add the chopped goat meat and rib bones into the pan with the spices. Stir until the meat changes color.
3. Add the bay leaves, lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves into a pot. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil.
4. Once it boils, lower the heat and simmer on low for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.
5. Adjust the taste by adding salt, sugar, and pepper to your liking.
6. Once it’s done, serve the hot Tengkleng Gajah with white rice or ketupat.