The Perfect Blend of Spices and Meat Called Gecok Kambing

by Gusti Rayi | Oct 29, 2025 | blog

How was the table manner class at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta yesterday? Fun, right? There was even a live cooking demo! Now that you have learned how to dine elegantly, it is time to eat Gecok Kambing !

Who here loves goat dishes like Sate Kambing (Goat Meat Satay), Nasi Goreng Kambing (Goat Meat Fried Rice), or Tongseng Kambing (Goat Meat Tongseng)? High five, of course we do too because they are just so good! But hey, do not call yourself a true goat meat lover if you have not tried the perfect blend of spices and tender goat meat in a bowl of Gecok Kambing (Goat Meat Gecok).

Curious about how it tastes? Come on, let us give it a try together!

Source : seputar cibubur.pikiran-rakyat

A Legendary Dish from the 1940s

It’s totally okay if you have never tried it, Gecok Kambing is not as popular as other goat meat dishes, even though it has been around for decades.

The unique name “Gecok” actually comes from the traditional way of eating the meat by “digeget” (bitten) and “dicokot” (sucked or chewed). This flavorful dish originated from Tuntang, Semarang, and has been delighting taste buds since the 1940s.

Source : cookpad

Then, in the same year, a woman named Ibu Suratni opened a Gecok food stall in Watu Agung Village, Tuntang, becoming the pioneer of Gecok kambing eateries. In 1966, she decided to move her stall near Ambarawa Train Station, Kedung Jati. Thanks to the strategic location and the delicious taste of her dishes, Bu Suratni’s stall quickly gained more and more loyal customers.

Crafted with a Blend of Essential Spices

Spices are the heart and soul of Indonesian cuisine and Gecok Kambing is no exception. This dish is made with 25 selected spices, with long pepper (cabai jawa), black pepper, and cinnamon as its key ingredients.

Source : kompas

Long pepper (cabai jawa) is an essential spice, not only for enhancing flavor but also for its many health benefits. This plant is known to help lower blood pressure, relieve pain, boost appetite, and improve metabolism and immunity. That is why many people lovingly call it the “herbal chili” (cabai jamu).

Source : asset kompas

Meanwhile, black pepper is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, support brain health, and speed up recovery from colds and coughs. As for cinnamon, it’s known to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, stabilize blood sugar levels, and act as a natural antibacterial agent.

Source : fullyhealthy

The Flavor of Gecok Kambing

Once all the spices are gathered, they are mixed with goat meat and slow-cooked for hours. The result is tender, flavorful meat served in a rich, thick broth with a golden-brown hue, a true comfort dish that warms both heart and soul.

Source : sajiansedap

At first glance, Gecok Kambing may look similar to Tengkleng, but the difference lies in the flavor and texture of the broth. Gecok has a spicier taste, and its broth is grainier and richer, thanks to the addition of toasted grated coconut, which gives it a deliciously savory depth.

Source : RRI

Savoring Gecok Kambing at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro

So, who is curious about how delicious Gecok Kambing really is? Or maybe you would like to prove for yourself whether this traditional dish truly warms the body? No need to travel all the way to Ambarawa Station or Tuntang Village!

Now, you can taste it directly at the Food Exchange on the 8th floor or at the 10/10 Pool Bar in Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro. This dish, one of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX’s favorites, is prepared using the authentic original recipe, made from selected young goat meat, and served with crispy emping (melinjo chips) for the perfect finishing touch.

Source : 10/10 Pool Bar

More than just enjoying a legendary dish, every bite of Gecok Kambing also means you are supporting the preservation of Indonesian culinary heritage as well as empowering local small and medium enterprises, as all ingredients come from locally sourced products.

Source : 10/10 Pool Bar

And if you are feeling too tired to dine out, you can still enjoy Gecok Kambing in the comfort of your room. Simply book a room at Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro and order it through room service for lunch or dinner.

Source : novotelsuitesmalioboro

So, you have two options: enjoy the thrill of tasting Gecok Kambing while taking in a 360° view of Yogyakarta from the 10th floor, or indulge in ultimate comfort, finishing your meal and immediately relaxing in a spacious room with a soft, cozy bed.

Still undecided? Check out the pool bar and all the room facilities on Instagram @1010poolbar and @novotelsuitesmalioboro, and don’t forget to hit follow!