Surabaya has been the chief trading centre of eastern Java since the 14th century. It was controlled by the Dutch from the mid-18th through the mid-20th century, except for a brief period under the British in the early 19th century. During World War II Surabaya was occupied by Japan (1942-45) and heavily bombed by the Allies.
Indonesian Food. Traditional Surabaya Food Influences. Surabaya's traditional food is a unique blend of different cultures and cuisines, reflecting the city's rich history and cultural diversity. As a port city, Surabaya has been a melting pot of different cultures, and its cuisine reflects this diversity.