Exploring Culinary Destinations and Coffee Shops Near the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus

KUDUS – The area surrounding the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus is no longer recognized solely as a venue for sporting events. As national-level tournaments increase in frequency, local eateries and coffee shops are experiencing a surge in growth and foot traffic. The influx of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators from various regions has generated a tangible economic impact for businesses in the Rendeng area.

This trend was clearly evident throughout July 2026, with the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 held from July 5–12, followed by the MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026 from July 15–18. Post-match, the stadium area remains busy as many visitors seek dining options or gather in local coffee shops to relax.

This activity is gradually establishing a new pattern: the Supersoccer Arena serves as the hub for sporting events, while its surroundings evolve into a vital support network for the needs of athletes and visitors during their stay in Kudus.

Culinary Destinations Post-Competition

Athletic championships at the Supersoccer Arena extend beyond the field. In the Rendeng area, restaurants and eateries have become integral to the experience for teams and their supporters. Whether following a match or during breaks, these establishments provide essential dining and recovery spaces.

OTI Fried Chicken Rendeng is among the businesses benefiting from this shift. Located at Jalan Mayor Kusmanto No. 20, Rendeng, Kudus, the family-friendly, casual restaurant operates daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Its proximity to the Supersoccer Arena has made it a preferred choice for athletes, officials, and parents attending regional sports events.

Lina Hidayati, the outlet manager, notes that customer volume rises significantly whenever the Supersoccer Arena hosts a sporting event.

“We frequently see a large number of visitors here. Both athletes and officials often dine at our outlet,” she said.

According to Lina, chicken breast dishes are among the most popular orders. Beyond the restaurant’s convenient location, the varied selection of crispy chicken served with an array of sambals and sauces remains a top choice for visitors following competitive activities.

"In terms of our menu, chicken breast remains our best-seller," she said.

Proximity to the venue is a key factor for customers choosing OTI.

"It is convenient because it is close to the event location," she added.

In addition to a spacious dining area, OTI Fried Chicken features a playground for children, a prayer room, and adequate parking facilities. These amenities make the restaurant not only a convenient dining spot for athletes but also a comfortable environment for families visiting with children or large groups.

According to Lina, many guests from outside the region are introduced to OTI Fried Chicken for the first time while attending championships in Kudus. Conversations about the available menu often serve as their introduction to this culinary brand established in the Rendeng area.

"Many visitors from out of town are unfamiliar with the menu at OTI Fried Chicken, as OTI primarily operates in the Semarang, Salatiga, and Pantura regions. Therefore, those from outside these areas are less familiar with the local menu," she explained.

With prices ranging from IDR 10,000 to IDR 35,000 per menu item, OTI Fried Chicken is an affordable choice for various demographics, including youth athletes, students, and families accompanying tournament participants. The influx of visitors from diverse regions has not only increased traffic in the dining area but has also brought together people from various backgrounds and stories at the same tables.

Local Eateries See Business Boost

The increase in activity is not limited to modern restaurants. Traditional food stalls around the stadium are experiencing a similar trend. Rumah Makan Mantap Jiwa, located in the Rendeng area, has also become a popular dining destination for athletes, officials, and family members of participants.

Operating daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM WIB, the eatery utilizes a buffet-style concept, allowing customers to serve their own portions of rice and vegetables before selecting side dishes. This format ensures quicker service, especially when groups arrive all at once following matches.

The menu consists primarily of home-style cooking, featuring dishes such as snakehead fish (gabus), chicken, catfish, assorted clear soups, vegetable stew (lodeh), and various traditional sambals. Among these, rice paired with snakehead fish and clear soup is a customer favorite. These simple dishes offer a comforting, home-cooked taste for patrons seeking a warm meal after athletic events.

Edo, the owner of Rumah Makan Mantap Jiwa, noted that the lunch period is the busiest time during the tournament.

"It usually gets crowded during lunch hour," he said.

The majority of patrons are athletes, officials, and family members visiting from various regions. According to Edo, the championship has significantly boosted his business revenue.

"Yes, it can increase by up to 50 percent. It's a nice boost to our income," he said.

He noted that the positive impact is also felt by other business owners in the Rendeng area.

"It's very helpful; the area around here is bustling," he added.

With a buffet-style concept and prices around Rp10,000 for a serving of rice, vegetables, and a main dish, Rumah Makan Mantap Jiwa has become an accessible option for people from all walks of life. Its affordability, fast service, and proximity to the Supersoccer Arena make it a preferred stop for groups of athletes, coaches, and families before they continue with matches or head home.

Iconic Local Cuisine Takes Center Stage

The vibrancy of the Rendeng area has also been noted by local residents, including Neni, a regular customer at OTI Fried Chicken Rendeng who visits almost every week to enjoy a meal.

According to Neni, the atmosphere around the stadium changes whenever a sports event takes place. The roads become busier, parking areas fill up quickly, and street vendors are overwhelmed with customers.

"From what I've seen, it's very busy, especially around the stadium. There have been several events this year. Every time I pass by here, it's crowded, especially the street food stalls in front of the stadium," she said.

As a Kudus resident, Neni sees these events as an opportunity to introduce local specialties to visitors from out of town.

"For breakfast, *lentog* is a top recommendation," she said.

In addition to *lentog*, she also suggested buffalo satay and Soto Kudus as must-try dishes while visiting the 'City of Kretek.'

Nur Asma, a teacher accompanying athletes from MTs NU Banat Kudus, shares a similar experience. During championships, she and her group prefer eateries within walking distance.

"The location is convenient, we can just walk, so we don't have to worry about additional parking," she said.

The tight match schedule makes time efficiency a primary consideration.

"During events, we always come here because it's closer," she added.

Although she is originally from Purwodadi, Nur Asma said she has come to enjoy Kudus’ local culinary offerings, which are known for their distinctively sweet flavor profile.

“Since the food in Kudus tends to be sweet, I’ve adjusted to it, and it really is delicious,” she said.

She also recommends soto kudus as a must-try dish for visitors from outside the region.

Coffee Shops Become Public Interaction Hubs

After recharging at local eateries near the stadium, many athletes, coaches, officials, and their families opt to continue their activities at coffee shops surrounding Supersoccer Arena. These establishments offer more than just beverages, serving as venues for rest, discussion, or waiting for the next match.

This trend has become increasingly evident whenever national championships are held at Supersoccer Arena. The arrival of thousands of visitors from various regions has boosted activity at coffee shops in the Rendeng area, which has evolved into a common meeting point for athletes, sports communities, and the broader public.

One such venue is Sudut Jumpa (Suju), located on Jalan Ekapraya Gang 3, Number 8, Rendeng, less than one kilometer from Supersoccer Arena. The coffee shop, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. WIB, operates as a 'creative space,' blending coffee culture with various creative activities and community engagement.

Beyond refreshments, patrons can utilize facilities such as a painting area, board games, and spaces frequently used by communities for meetings and collaborative projects. This concept has transformed Suju into more than just a post-match stopover; it serves as a central hub for athletes, coaches, families, and locals alike.

Samuel, leader of Sudut Jumpa, noted that the café was designed from the outset to be an inclusive space for all walks of life.

“We want Sudut Jumpa to be a place where anyone can hang out, study, draw, play, or even edit video. We chose a location near the SSA area to ensure it is easily accessible to everyone, especially during major sports events,” he said.

In addition to offering a variety of espresso-based drinks, Sudut Jumpa features house-blend beans sourced locally from the Lereng Gunung Muria region, utilizing Arabica as well as Arabica and Robusta blends tailored specifically for their signature beverages. These blends serve as the foundation for the menu items most requested by customers.

According to Samuel, the shop draws people of all ages daily, though the atmosphere shifts significantly whenever Supersoccer Arena hosts major championships.

She frequently observes athletes, coaches, and officials visiting after their matches conclude.

“When there are sports events, the number of visitors increases significantly. It is a huge boost for MSMEs like our coffee shop. We hope coaches, athletes, and visitors from outside Kudus continue to visit Suju,” she said.

Signature Drinks Also Take Center Stage

From behind the counter, Sudut Jumpa barista Rian Wildan Ramadhan has begun to recognize the habits of customers arriving during sporting events.

According to him, the best-selling menu items are not just black coffee, but also signature blends such as Cremosa, Pragola, and Banano. These three drinks are popular choices among visitors, including athletes stopping by after matches. Cremosa offers a smoother texture, while Banano blends espresso with a sweet flavor. These drinks are priced between Rp25,000 and Rp50,000.

“Athletes usually order Cremosa, Pragola, or Banano. Cremosa is our own creation; it is creamier and the sweetness level and coffee intensity can be adjusted. When there are events at SSA, the atmosphere is much livelier because of the influx of guests from outside Kudus,” he explained.

Naura Zalfa Nashira says the shop is a comfortable place to study or gather with friends.

“It is comfortable and well-equipped. It has air conditioning and a pleasant outdoor area. Sometimes, after a workout, I see running communities stop by here to hang out. There are also painting and Lego facilities, which makes you want to stay,” she said.

Keyla Dwi Ramadani shared a similar sentiment.

"I often see sports communities gathering here after their runs. During events at the SSA, I have also spotted coaches and athletes hanging out here," she said.

Pre- and Post-Match Hangouts at Local Coffee Shops

Located near the Supersoccer Arena, Bloomon Coffee and Space also experiences an increase in foot traffic whenever sports tournaments are held. Situated on Jalan Mayor Kusmanto in Rendeng, Kudus City, the coffee shop—open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM WIB—has become a popular spot for athletes' families and out-of-town visitors to recharge after their matches.

Bloomon offers a family-friendly atmosphere. With its spacious seating area, calm environment, and accessible power outlets, the coffee shop serves not only as a dining venue but also as a productive space for people to work on laptops, study, read, or wait for their next scheduled match.

Bloomon owner Lisa explained that the building, now a bustling coffee shop, was formerly a warehouse before being repurposed into a welcoming community space.

"Bloomon is centered on a family concept. This building used to be a warehouse, so we decided to put the space to better use by turning it into a coffee shop," she said.

According to Lisa, the various tournaments held at the Supersoccer Arena have had a positive impact on her business. Throughout the competitions, many parents of athletes spend their waiting time relaxing with food and drinks at the shop.

Lisa hopes that sports events in Kudus will continue, as they bring in more visitors from various regions and provide a tangible boost to local businesses.

"I hope that in the future, even more visitors attending these events will stop by, helping local businesses like ours continue to grow," she expressed.

"Events hosted at the SSA are quite beneficial for our coffee shop, as many parents dropping off their children for competitions stop by," she said.

She expressed hope that more sports championships would be held in Kudus to ensure local SMEs continue to reap the benefits.

"Hopefully, in the future, more event attendees will stop by so that local businesses like ours can also grow," she hoped.

Bloomon barista Gladis Naila noted that the rush usually begins in the afternoon and lasts until sunset.

In addition to parents, athletes frequently visit after competing to enjoy signature items such as Dirty Latte, Bloomon Shaken, and Aren Coffee. According to Gladis Naila, the crowd typically builds from early afternoon until evening. Many athletes even choose to walk from the competition venue to the coffee shop.

"We get a lot of young athletes here, so it gets busy. Some even walk from the event site. Usually, the rush starts around midday and continues until dusk," she said.

Beyond providing a family gathering space, Bloomon offers a variety of coffee-based drinks. For manual brew and cold brew menus, the shop uses Arabica beans, including Gayo and Flores Bajawa. Meanwhile, traditional coffee is prepared using a blend of Robusta, and espresso-based drinks feature a house blend for a balanced flavor profile. Prices for these menu items range from IDR 25,000 to IDR 50,000 per person.

The variety of menu options and the ambiance make Bloomon a popular retreat after matches. Some visitors come for a quiet cup of coffee, while others use the space to socialize with family, coaches, and fellow athletes before returning to competition.

Local Businesses Continue to Thrive

Head of the Kudus Regency Culture and Tourism Office, Abdul Halil, noted that the growth of restaurants and coffee shops around Supersoccer Arena demonstrates how sporting events serve as a catalyst for other economic sectors.

According to Halil, coffee culture has become an integral part of modern society, and coffee shops enhance the experience for visitors in Kudus.

"Coffee shops are now a lifestyle. They are highly effective in supporting sports tourism because visitors from various regions seek out communal spaces like this. Ultimately, this benefits local business owners and the community economy in Kudus Regency," he explained.

He hopes that more national and international sporting championships will be held in Kudus to broaden the economic impact on the local community.

"Our hope is for more than just one event; we want to host as many championships as possible in Kudus. This will increase the city's visibility across Indonesia and globally, while allowing hotels, homestays, coffee shops, SMEs, culinary businesses, and tourist attractions to grow accordingly," he concluded.

Economic Vitality in Sports Tourism

The various championships held at the Supersoccer Arena demonstrate that sporting activities generate an economic impact extending far beyond the pitch. Throughout 2026, the venue has hosted numerous national events, including the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026, HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, MilkLife Athletics Challenge Series 1 2026, MilkLife Archery Challenge National Junior Championship 2026, and the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026—a U-16 women's football tournament featuring teams from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Each championship brings a new surge of activity to the Rendeng area. The presence of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators drives demand for accommodation, dining, transportation, and gathering spaces. This environment creates opportunities for local restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, homestays, and MSMEs to integrate into the burgeoning sports tourism ecosystem in Kudus.

For local business owners, the value of these championships extends well beyond the matches themselves. Behind every sporting event lies a ripple of economic activity outside the stadium. Restaurants serve as refueling points for participants, while coffee shops provide essential hubs for meeting, networking, and rest.

This pattern highlights that sports tourism offers more than just athletic experiences; it provides a platform for the local economy to flourish alongside each tournament. (ITN/BROR/mainkekudus)