Solo - No visit to Surakarta (Solo) would be complete without trying one of the city's most iconic culinary institutions, Sate Kambing Pak Manto. Founded by the late Sumanto, affectionately known as Pak Manto, the restaurant has been serving its famous mutton dishes since 1990. From humble beginnings, Pak Manto built his business through hard work and dedication, transforming it into one of Solo's most celebrated dining destinations. Today, the restaurant continues his legacy and remains a favourite among locals, tourists, and even Indonesian dignitaries.
I ordered 10 sticks of mutton satay, three sticks of Sate Buntel, and a refreshing glass of Teh Tawar (unsweetened tea).
The mutton satay was cooked beautifully over charcoal, producing a smoky aroma that immediately whetted my appetite. The meat was incredibly tender with just the right amount of fat, making every bite juicy and flavourful. The satay was lightly seasoned, allowing the natural sweetness of the mutton to shine through without being overwhelmed by spices.
The highlight of the meal, however, was the Sate Buntel. A true specialty of Solo, Sate Buntel is made from finely minced mutton wrapped in a thin layer of lamb fat before being grilled over charcoal. This unique preparation keeps the meat exceptionally moist while creating a wonderfully rich flavour. The texture was soft and succulent, quite different from traditional satay, and I could immediately understand why it has become one of Solo's signature dishes.
To balance the richness of the meal, I paired everything with a glass of Teh Tawar, whose clean, unsweetened taste refreshed the palate after each mouthful.
My dinner at Pak Manto lived up to its legendary reputation. The quality of the meat, traditional cooking techniques, and decades of culinary heritage made it one of the most memorable meals of my trip to Surakarta. If you are a fan of mutton, this is undoubtedly a restaurant that deserves a place on your travel itinerary.
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