Two Decades of Yudhistira Tofu and Petis: From Street Cart to Semarang Souvenir Staple

SEMARANG — The savoury aroma of fried tofu infused with rich shrimp petis sauce draws visitors to Yudhistira Tofu and Petis (TPY). The culinary business has grown substantially over nearly two decades, evolving from a street cart operation in Jakarta into one of Semarang’s premier souvenir destinations.

Anto Sumardi, head of the Semarang Yudhistira Tofu and Petis store, explained that the enterprise began approximately 20 years ago as a modest street cart operation in Jakarta. The business has since expanded to operate several outlets across different locations.

“It started with a street cart in Jakarta and gradually expanded. In 2015, we opened our store in Semarang on Yudhistira Street with a souvenir shop concept,” Anto stated, noting that he has worked at TPY for seven years.

The business continued its expansion trajectory when TPY opened a new outlet at 42 Pamularsih Street in 2023. This outlet features a signature store concept that offers more than just souvenirs, providing an eating and drinking space for customers.

According to Anto, the competitive advantage of their tofu and petis dish lies in the distinctive and authentic flavour of the petis sauce. Petis serves as the primary component, with its preparation requiring special processing techniques.

The petis processing requires approximately two to three hours from raw ingredients to finished product. The petis is made primarily from shrimp extract combined with garlic and various other spices.

TPY currently offers two flavour variants: original and spicy. The product range encompasses ready-to-eat fried tofu and vacuum-sealed packages, with the latter being particularly popular as souvenirs.