Embong Malang has emerged as one of Surabaya’s most popular districts, offering a seamless blend of historical charm and modern urban life. Among the row of cafes and restaurants lining this street, Rawon Setan - Embong Malang stands out as a must-visit culinary destination. With a 4.2 rating from nearly 10,000 reviews, the restaurant has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering authentic East Javanese flavors. Visitors are greeted by a relaxed yet stylish ambiance, perfectly suited for savoring signature dishes like rawon, featuring its legendary rich, dark, and aromatic broth. The establishment’s greatest strength lies in its ability to maintain a beloved flavor profile that has attracted a wide range of patrons, including celebrities, for years.
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Why Visit This Destination
The appeal of Rawon Setan - Embong Malang extends beyond its exceptional taste to its strategically central location in Surabaya. Situated on Jl. Embong Malang, it offers convenient access for those exploring the city center while providing a comfortable dining experience in a vibrant yet relaxed area. The restaurant is a top choice for culinary enthusiasts seeking authentic Javanese cuisine backed by a proven track record. Its widespread popularity, evidenced by thousands of positive reviews, confirms its ability to satisfy diners from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, its casual and trendy atmosphere makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual lunch breaks to evening gatherings.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Upon visiting, guests can choose from various dining options, including dine-in, delivery, and takeout. Open-air seating is available, allowing you to enjoy the city air alongside your meal. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to unwind briefly from your daily routine. The restaurant serves meals throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to dinner. For those with late-night schedules, the establishment remains open until 03:00 WIB on Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, making it an ideal spot for late-night culinary cravings. Delivery services are also available for those preferring the comfort of home.
Culinary Offerings
The signature dish that defines this establishment is Rawon Setan, a rich, dark-broth beef stew prepared with premium cuts of meat. The iconic black broth is derived from kluwek (Indonesian black walnuts), imparting a distinctive savory depth and aromatic complexity. The beef is typically prepared as sandung lamur or tenderloin, slow-cooked until tender, and served alongside salted eggs, short bean sprouts, and crispy beef skin crackers. In addition to rawon, guests can explore complementary dishes such as offal satay and quail satay, which numerous patrons note are exceptionally well-seasoned. Each meal is paired with warm steamed rice, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile in every bite. A comprehensive selection of toppings allows you to customize your dish to personal preference.
Pricing and Cost
To enjoy a meal at Rawon Setan - Embong Malang, expect to budget between IDR 50,000 and IDR 75,000 per portion. This price range is highly reasonable given the quality of the meat and the restaurant’s prime location in a premium Surabaya district. Some patrons report that a mixed rawon portion costs approximately IDR 40,000, though standard main course and add-on prices typically bring the total bill within the stated range. The restaurant accepts debit card payments, eliminating concerns about carrying large amounts of cash. This ensures a seamless and satisfying dining experience without payment complications.
Operating Hours
The restaurant operates daily, with schedules adjusted for weekdays and weekends. On Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, it is open from 08:00 to 03:00 WIB, accommodating patrons seeking late-night dining options. On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, the restaurant closes earlier at 23:00 WIB. These extended hours provide flexibility for various dining needs, whether for morning breakfast or evening snacks.
Getting There
Rawon Setan - Embong Malang is located at Jl. Embong Malang No.78/I, Genteng, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60261. The venue is highly accessible via multiple transportation modes, including private vehicles and ride-hailing services. Drivers have ample parking options nearby, including street parking (both paid and free) and structured paid lots. Despite its busy urban setting, access to the restaurant remains relatively smooth, ensuring a hassle-free arrival. After parking, a short walk leads directly to the entrance, conveniently situated along the main road.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To maximize your dining experience, consider the following recommendations. First, be mindful of portion sizes; several patrons note that a single bowl of rawon is often sufficient for two people when paired with rice, allowing you to share and manage costs effectively. Second, exercise caution with certain menu items that may carry premium pricing, such as the meat-and-salted-egg combination; verify the actual price before ordering. Third, inspect the cleanliness of your table and surrounding area before seating, as some reviews indicate occasional lapses in floor maintenance. Finally, to avoid peak-hour queues or service delays, visit outside of rush hours or prepare for a brief wait given the restaurant’s popularity.
Visitor Reviews
"Dining here for the first time, I was impressed by the generous amount of beef in the rawon. In fact, one bowl is easily enough for two people if you just add more rice. The service was quick, and we didn’t even need to call for the bill since the staff had already calculated everything. A fantastic spot in the heart of Surabaya."
"In my opinion, this is a classic rawon experience. The beef portions are substantial, with 4–5 pieces per bowl. My advice to future visitors: be cautious with combo items like the meat-and-salted-egg mix; always check the actual price beforehand. I was slightly disappointed, as the indoor area is quite cool, but the floor cleanliness could be better given the scattered cracker crumbs and trash."
"The rawon is genuinely quite good, though a few pieces of beef were slightly tough, and the price feels a bit high for the portion size. What disappointed me most was the service; it was slow and disorganized, and we had to pick up our own food because delivery was delayed. Honestly, the service was poor enough to deter me from returning."
"This rawon is well-known for being frequently visited by Indonesian celebrities. The taste is decent, but the rice portion is quite small, including the rawon. Toppings are available in a wide variety. Compared to over a decade ago, both the flavor and portion sizes have shifted significantly."
"Headed here at night and absolutely loved it. The legendary rawon is genuinely delicious, though slightly pricey—a mixed rawon portion runs around 40,000 IDR, hihi, but it’s worth it. The beef is incredibly tender, and the beef skin crackers are crispy with minimal MSG. The offal and quail satays are wonderfully infused with spices."
With its distinctive qualities and authentic flavor profile, Rawon Setan - Embong Malang remains an essential culinary destination for anyone visiting Surabaya. While some reviews note minor variations in taste and service, its enduring popularity underscores the consistent quality of its signature dish. Guests can expect a dining experience that firmly captures the robust flavors of East Java in every bite. Do not miss the opportunity to savor this legendary rawon firsthand and make this meal an integral part of your culinary adventure in the City of Heroes.
