TEMPO.CO, Purbalingga - A steamy medium-sized white bowl was served before me. The spicy smell and the presentation of this culinary were full of temptations. I was sitting inside a Soto (yellow soup) Food stall Haji Misdar at Bancar area, in front of the District Court of Purbalingga, Central Java, Thursday, June 13.
Soto Purbalingga, or sroto as the locals call it, was served in front of me. This menu was different compared to a lot of similar ones in Java area. The broth and its presentation reminded me of konro soup from Makassar, with chunky peanut crusts.
The food stall was located at the Klawing river bank, serving different side dish: fried tempe ala Purwokerto and fried tofu. You could also drizzle fried peanuts on top of the soup, to give the crisp and delicious sensation.
When it was firstly served, I doubted I could finish the Rp 12,000-sroto. It was in a big portion, without so much broth. It was completely different from other soups in other parts of Java.
Not only the presentation, the taste of this sroto Purbalingga apparently was also different. Once it touched your tongue, the delicious and sweet beef was very dominant. The beef mixed with some innards gives you the soft and tender texture.
The food stall, having been operating for over 30 years, could become a good culinary destination for you during your visit to Purbalingga. Every day the stall opens at 09.00 – 19.00. "During holidays, the soup normaly finishes fast," said Wartini.
ISMA SAVITRI
