Kenjeran and Its Iconic Smoked Fish: A Cultural and Culinary Experience in Surabaya

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Located about 9 kilometers from downtown Surabaya, Pantai Kenjeran or Kenjeran Beach is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. This coastal area is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its vibrant community life and rich culinary traditions.

The beach itself is divided into two main sections. They are Pantai Kenjeran Lama (Old Kenjeran Beach) and Pantai Kenjeran Baru (New Kenjeran Beach), also known as Taman Hiburan Pantai Kenjeran.

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Pantai Kenjeran Lama offers a more traditional beach experience, with activities like swimming, fishing, and boat rides. Meanwhile, Pantai Kenjeran Baru is better suited for family recreation, with modern amenities such as children’s playgrounds, gazebos, food stalls, and souvenir stands.

One of the beach’s most iconic views is the Suramadu Bridge, which stretches across the Madura Strait and creates a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset.

But beyond its scenic charm, Pantai Kenjeran is perhaps most renowned for one culinary specialty that is kan asap, or smoked fish. This traditional dish is not just a meal it’s a reflection of the local culture and livelihood.

In the nearby fishing village, many residents rely on the sea for their income, and smoking fish has been a longstanding method of preservation and flavor enhancement.

The process of making ikan asap involves smoking freshly caught fish over coconut husks and firewood. This gives the fish a unique aroma and rich, smoky flavor that can’t be replicated by modern cooking methods.

Several types of fish are used, including patin (Pangasius), pari (stingray), kakap (snapper), and cakalang (skipjack tuna). After smoking, the fish is typically served with sambal—a spicy chili sauce—and warm rice, making it a satisfying and flavorful local dish.

Visitors can buy ikan asap directly from vendors at affordable prices. For example, a skewer of smoked patin fish can cost as little as Rp3,000, making it accessible for all. Most vendors operate from midday until evening, so tourists can enjoy this delicacy throughout the day while strolling along the beach.

"Every day, we prepare around 400 smoked fish from eight different types. Patin is the most popular because it’s affordable just IDR 3,000 for each skewer," Cak Brengos, an owner of one of the smoked fish vendor at Kenjeran said.

Whether you come for the serene ocean views, the local seafood, or the warm hospitality of the coastal community, Pantai Kenjeran offers a unique travel experience.

The combination of natural beauty, traditional cuisine, and cultural heritage makes Kenjeran beach a must-visit spot in East Java, especially for those looking to discover the authentic charm of Surabaya’s coastline. (*)

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