Rawon Kalkulator is a legendary Surabaya eatery in the Taman Bungkul/Jl Raya Darmo area. It was originally known as Warung Sedap Malam, established around 1975 by Ibu Amanah. The nickname ‘Kalkulator’ (Calculator) arose because the vendor was famous for being able to calculate the total bill very quickly without any aids, like a human calculator. It is said that this stall moved several times before settling in the Taman Bungkul area. Interestingly, although it’s called “Rawon”, the place is actually known for having two main dishes, rawon and soto, with the rest being side dishes such as perkedel, salted eggs, lung, tripe, beef jerky, crackers, and emping. Some visitors say the rawon has a rich, savoury broth with large, tender pieces of meat, whilst the soto is often considered a lighter option but is still delicious. I tried the beef soto. The broth is lighter in colour, savoury, not as thick as the rawon, and easier to eat at lunchtime. If the soto has the distinctive character of an old-school Surabaya eatery, its strength lies not in the opulence of the presentation, but in the homely flavour that quickly feels familiar: warm rice, savoury broth, shredded chicken, a touch of freshness from lime or sambal, and the crisp, savoury texture of the accompaniments. I topped it off with a few potato patties. A good potato patty offers a soft, slightly sweet, savoury potato flavour with a light oiliness; it makes the soto feel more ‘substantial’. The lung slices provide a more playful contrast: there’s a savoury offal flavour, slightly chewy or crispy depending on how they’re fried, and it transforms a bowl of chicken soto that was initially light into something with more character. It’s worth a try.

First time eat at Rawon Kalkulator, location easy to find, side of the road, they served rawon and soto, with side dish like paru, tempe, telur asin, babat etc. i tried their rawon campur, the taste is really good, the meat is tender and big cut! Very nice, with kerupuk udang on top, really nice, the seating area can accomodate 30+ people, no aircon, but still okay, recommended for you who want to taste good rawon, oh ya, serving time, very fast! Oh ya, they only accept cash

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The food tastes good, the seasoning is well absorbed into the meat, and the beef is tender. I came on a weekday in the afternoon, so the place wasn’t too crowded, which was nice. However, I personally feel that the price is a bit overpriced for what you get. They also offer various side dish options like paru, tempe, telur asin, and usus, which is a plus. Overall, good taste, but the price could be more reasonable.

Very local looking place although the staff spoke English. Got the rawon with tea which was okay. Maybe I'm just not a big fan of rawon. Okay prices. Popular with locals and seating may be difficult. Cash only. Paid parking outside

When you looking for local food. Rawon or Black soup is favor by Surabaya peoples. But do not expect to be a neat or quite place. The customers put garbage on the ground. Looked messy. Well, the staff cleaning now and then. Other dish option is Chicken Soto only. Open until 3 AM. For meal and drink paid 48k.