Angkringan: Business Concept, Advantages, and Menu Ideas

What is angkringan? For many Indonesians, especially those from Java, angkringan has become an inseparable part of the local culture. 

What started as a humble street food stall has now transformed into a promising business opportunity.

With its simple yet heartwarming concept, angkringan doesn’t just serve food and drinks, it offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere for everyone.

The angkringan business holds great potential, from its low startup capital to its strong cultural appeal. 

This makes it an excellent choice for beginners entering the culinary world. However, behind its simplicity lies a business strategy that can generate significant profits when managed properly.

This article will explore what angkringan is, its business concept, the advantages of running an angkringan, and menu ideas to inspire your own angkringan venture.

Understanding Angkringan

Angkringan is a traditional street food stall that’s deeply rooted in the daily life of the Javanese people, particularly in cities like Yogyakarta and Solo. 

Typically open from late afternoon until midnight, or even into the early morning, angkringan is known for its casual, welcoming vibe.

A signature feature of angkringan is its cart setup, complete with a simple canopy and seating such as wooden benches or mats. 

This is where customers enjoy their meals while engaging in relaxed conversations in a warm and friendly setting.

Interestingly, angkringan goes by different names depending on the region. In Yogyakarta, it's called angkringan; in Solo, it's known as HIK (short for Hidangan Istimewa Kampung, meaning “Village Special Dish”); while in Semarang, it's referred to as kucingan. 

Despite the different names, the core concept remains the same: affordable food, a relaxed vibe, and an open space for everyone.

Nowadays, angkringan is more than just a place to eat, it has become a social hub where people gather and share stories. It’s no wonder many people seek out the nearest angkringan to spend quality time with friends and family.

Read more: 22 Promising Food Business Ideas for Beginners in 2025 with Low Capital!

Angkringan Business Concept

If you're interested in starting a down-to-earth and timeless culinary business, angkringan could be a great choice. The key lies in understanding its concept. Angkringan is all about a laid-back atmosphere, a simple setup, and a strategic location, typically along busy streets or public areas.

This simplicity is actually its main charm. The open, modest setup creates an inclusive and comfortable environment. People from all walks of life feel welcome to drop by, eat, and chat freely. A successful angkringan isn’t just about affordable and tasty food, it’s about creating warmth and a sense of belonging.

Today, many entrepreneurs have started to modernize their angkringan carts while maintaining their traditional essence. This flexibility is what keeps the angkringan concept relevant and full of promise.

Advantages of Starting an Angkringan Business

Angkringan offers numerous advantages, making it a suitable venture for anyone looking to start a business:

1. Low Startup Capital

You don’t need a large investment to get started. A budget of around IDR 10–15 million is often enough, much lower than what’s required to open a cafe or restaurant.

2. Flexible Location Based on Your Target Market

You can set up your angkringan in various places, such as by the roadside, near campuses, markets, or residential areas. You can even move to different locations during bazaars or special events.

3. Simple and Easy-to-Manage Menu

Angkringan menus are generally simple, meaning preparation is quick and ingredients are easy to source and budget-friendly.

4. Accessible to All Customer Segments

With affordable prices, angkringan appeals to students, office workers, and the general public. The menu can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

5. Plenty of Room for Innovation

You can still get creative while staying true to the angkringan style. Consider adding modern menu items or offering delivery services.

Angkringan Menu Ideas

Source: instagram.com

Offering a variety of appealing menu items is key to attracting customers and encouraging repeat visits. To make your angkringan stand out, serve unique and flavorful options that reflect your personal touch.

1. Traditional and Innovative Dishes

One of the must-have angkringan dishes is nasi kucing, a small portion of rice served with simple toppings like sautéed tempeh, shredded chicken, or anchovies with chili sauce.

Fried snacks (gorengan) are also crowd favorites. Some options include stuffed tofu, fried tempeh, vegetable fritters, and fried bananas.

Satay is another popular option. Offer a wide variety such as chicken satay, chicken liver and gizzard satay, intestine satay, quail egg satay, and clam satay. 

The more options, the more appealing your menu will be.

2. Beverage Selection

Tea and coffee are staple drinks at any angkringan. You can enhance your offerings with tea variations like teh kampul (tea with lime slices), lemongrass tea, or teh tarik.

For something more refreshing, consider trendy drinks like iced sweet tea, iced coffee with milk, or fruit smoothies. These can help attract younger customers looking for a relaxing hangout spot.

3. Consistent Flavor and Affordable Pricing

Customers will return if your food is delicious and reasonably priced. Ensure quality by using fresh ingredients, proper cooking methods, and clean presentation.

Keep prices friendly to maintain broad appeal without sacrificing quality.

Read more: Modern Warmindo Innovation! Here's How to Get More Attention to Your Stall

Conclusion

Angkringan is more than just a food stall, it’s a symbol of community and simplicity. 

From a business perspective, angkringan offers tremendous potential thanks to its low startup costs and strong customer loyalty. 

It’s a great entry point for aspiring culinary entrepreneurs who don’t want to jump straight into opening a full-scale restaurant.

If you’re starting your own angkringan or culinary venture, streamline your operations with solutions from ESB. Try ESB POS, an all-in-one POS system designed for F&B businesses. 

Manage your menu, set up promotions, and handle table arrangements, all in one platform. For small businesses, try ESB POS Lite, complete with inventory features, simple bookkeeping, and no monthly fees. 

Contact us today and let’s grow your business together!