The 30 Best Street Foods to Try in Jakarta | Pan Pacific Jakarta

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The 30 Best Street Foods to Try in Jakarta

Looking for the best street foods that Jakarta has to offer? What are the must-try local dishes in this cosmopolitan Indonesian city?

Jakarta's streets hum with the vibrant mosaic of Indonesian street food—an enticing symphony of tastes beckoning exploration. Each corner of the city offers a unique blend of flavours, spices, and aromas, weaving together a tapestry of tastes that promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

As you wander through the bustling lanes, you're not just exploring Jakarta but journeying through the rich and diverse flavours that define Indonesia's culinary landscape. From the sizzling satays grilled to perfection over open flames to the comforting warmth of a bowl of Soto Betawi, every dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the melting pot of cultures that Jakarta embodies.

Our culinary experts at Pan Pacific Jakarta have curated a list of 30 must-try foods that capture the essence of Jakarta's street food scene. This guide is not just a list; it's your passport to experiencing the heart and soul of the city through its most beloved street cuisines.

 

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Must-Try Iconic Savoury Dishes

In Indonesia's bustling capital, let the enticing aromas and delicious sights of savoury street dishes lure you in. Here, we have rounded up 10 must-try delights that locals would swear by — politely and gently of course.

  • Nasi Goreng: Nasi Goreng is Indonesia's version of fried rice. This iconic dish combines cooked rice with spices, vegetables, eggs, and your preferred protein choice, seasoned with the country's ubiquitous sweet soy sauce and terasi (Indonesian shrimp paste). Known for its savoury yet slightly sweet profile and alluring aroma, it is considered a staple in Indonesian cuisine. 

  • Soto Betawi: A traditional Indonesian soup originating from Betawi, the native people of Jakarta. This aromatic and flavourful soup, created by combining coconut milk with a blend of spices such as lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, is characterised by its rich and creamy broth. The soup typically features tender beef cuts, tripe, and offal, all simmered to perfection. Soto Betawi is often garnished with fried shallots, lime leaves, and a hard-boiled egg, adding layers of texture and taste. It is commonly served with rice and emping crackers.

  • Bakso Malang: A haven of meatball goodness, Bakso Malang comprises steaming bowls embracing a rich and flavourful broth brimming with bouncy beef balls, and veggies.

  • Nasi Uduk: A fragrant delight where rice is simmered in coconut milk, infusing each grain with a rich and aromatic essence. Paired with crispy chicken or savoury tempeh and a medley of flavourful accompaniments, it's a culinary masterpiece that dances on your palate.

  • Ketoprak: A humble salad made with cucumber, tofu, and rice cake, Ketoprak is often dressed in a creamy peanut sauce. This adds a rich and nutty touch, making it a refreshing yet simple dish to fill the tummy.

  • Sate Ayam: Another truly Indonesian dish, chicken skewers are grilled after soaking up turmeric and coconut milk flavours. The best way to enjoy it is by dipping the grilled chicken in peanut sauce, which adds a delicious twist to the meal.

  • Gado-gado: A hearty Indonesian salad that combines a variety of vegetables, such as blanched spinach, bean sprouts, watercress, boiled potato, and green beans, with hard-boiled eggs, fried tofu, and tempeh. This rich assortment is generously drizzled with peanut sauce, topped with crispy shallots and prawn crackers, and enriched with the savoury complexity of shrimp paste. 

  • Mie Ayam: Featuring springy yellow noodles coated in a savoury sauce, Mie Ayam is topped with chicken as its protein. The noodles provide a pleasant chewiness, while the spicy sauce adds flavour, complementing the tender chicken topping. This simple yet satisfying Indonesian noodle dish harmoniously combines textures and tastes.

  • Ayam Geprek: A favourite street food where an Indonesian crispy battered fried chicken is crushed and mixed with hot and spicy garlic sambal, creating an intense flavour burst. The cooking method enhances the chicken's crispiness while the addition of chilli and garlic provides a spicy and aromatic punch. 

  • Bubur Ayam: Need something lighter? Bubur Ayam is a nourishing and hearty chicken congee (rice porridge), cooked until it reaches a thick consistency, mixed with tender chicken pieces. This Indonesian comfort food is well-suited for a warm and comforting breakfast or a late-night snack. 

Explore the Sweet Symphony of Indonesian Desserts

Es Campur shaved ice Es Campur shaved ice

 

Dive into the sweet and creamy realms of Indonesian desserts, where the fusion of sugar, spice, and everything nice creates an unforgettable taste adventure.

  • Martabak Manis:  Imagine a fluffy, sweet pancake that’s a canvas for creativity, extravagantly topped with condensed milk for a velvety finish. Its diversity in fillings from chocolate sprinkles to cheese adds personalised twists, ensuring each bite is a rich and indulgent experience. 

  • Pisang Goreng: A classic Indonesian street snack made by deep-frying ripe bananas after coating them with a simple batter. The fried bananas are often dusted with sugar or served with various accompaniments.

  • Es Campur: Translating to "mixed ice" in English, Es Campur is a refreshing shaved ice dessert with jellies, condensed milk, coconut milk, and avocado.

  • Bir Pletok: This genuine Betawinese drink is made with spices, including ginger, pandan leaves, boiled sappan wood, and lemongrass. The original packaging for bir pletok was a bamboo tube shaken for 1-2 minutes with ice and the drink inside to produce the distinct "pletak-pletok" sound. The Betawi people used to drink bir pletok at night to warm their bodies, and you too can enjoy this delicious and warming beverage.

  • Cakwe: An Indonesian delight with Chinese roots, this golden-brown fritter is crisp outside and airy inside. It's usually paired with dipping choices like chilli or sweet soy sauce. It can also be eaten with congee or coffee.    

 

Embark on Spicy Culinary Adventures

Kerak Telor, Betawi cuisine Kerak Telor, Betawi cuisine

 

You probably have heard of the plush ION Orchard, a juggernaut of a shopping mall offering anything from street fashion to luxury brands. On the 56th floor of the mall is ION Sky, a 360-degree panoramic lookout that offers sweeping views of Singapore’s city centre. 

To spice things up, download the ION Sky mobile app to identify Singapore landmarks through Augmented Reality. And if you feel like indulging, go for an exquisite rooftop dining encounter at 1-ATICO, offering three different dining experiences under one roof. 

 

Get directions to ION SKY

 

Uncover Hidden Culinary Gems

Unearth Indonesia's culinary treasures with hidden gems like Lontong Cap Go Meh and Tempe Mendoan. These dishes, rich in flavour and heritage, showcase the unseen splendour of Indonesian cuisine, celebrating the fusion of diverse cultural influences in every bite.

  • Asinan Betawi: Betawi vegetable pickles are the perfect snack to satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds on a hot day. Their refreshing taste and delicious peanut sauce, infused with a mouth-watering blend of sour, spicy, and sweet flavours, make them an irresistible treat. Not to mention, the added ebi and shrimp paste take their flavour profile to the next level.

  • Tempe Mendoan: Thinly sliced tempeh coated in seasoned rice flour batter, deep-fried to crispiness. Known for its distinctive texture and savoury flavour, Tempe Mendoan is commonly served with sweet soy sauce, making it a popular snack or appetiser. 

  • Roti Buaya: Roti Buaya is a traditional food served at Betawi weddings. Introduced by the Portuguese and Dutch settlers in Batavia (Jakarta), this bread symbolises the fidelity of married couples, as crocodiles mate with only one partner. Unlike in the past, Roti Buaya is served fresh and soft today, making it a delicious treat for everyone at any time.

  • Pempek Palembang: This well-known Indonesian dish is a fish cake made with finely ground fish, starch, and seasoning, shaped into cylinders or spheres and deep-fried. It is usually served with sweet and tangy "cuko" sauce, garnished with cucumber slices and dried shrimp.

  • Bubur Kacang Ijo: This sweet Indonesian porridge is made with green mung beans, coconut milk, and palm sugar, offering a rich and sweet flavour. Served warm, it can be garnished with toppings like coconut milk, sliced jackfruit, or fried shallots. Enjoyed as a dessert or snack, this comforting dish is particularly popular during Ramadan and festive occasions in Indonesia.

 

Indulge in More Delightful Desserts

Putu Ayu Cake, One of the Indonesian Traditional Snacks Putu Ayu Cake, One of the Indonesian Traditional Snacks

 

Indulge in more sweet Jakarta delights as we explore its diverse array of tempting desserts.

  • Kue Putu Ayu: A traditional Indonesian dessert, these steamed pandan cakes are visually appealing with their vibrant green, white and brown colours. The pandan flavour, derived from the aromatic pandan leaves, infuses the cakes with a unique and fragrant taste. The highlight of Kue Putu Ayu lies in its filling—a luscious centre of palm sugar (gula aren) which adds a delightful sweetness to every bite.
  • Es Selendang Mayang: It's a traditional Indonesian drink from Jakarta that you've got to try! It's square-shaped and has the perfect combination of chewy and sweet. Plus, the colours of the drink are so vibrant - green, white, and red - just like a dancer's shawl. It's the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day, made with brown sugar, syrup, coconut milk, and ice cubes.

  • Es Durian: This dish caters to those who love bold flavours. Renowned as the "king of fruits," durian brings its distinctive taste and aroma to this dessert. The spotlight is on creamy durian-flavoured ice, which delivers a refreshing experience. Satisfying the sweet tooth with durian's richness, it creates a velvety texture in every spoonful.

 

Amidst the wide selection of delectable dishes, Jakarta has rightfully earned its reputation as the culinary capital of Indonesia. The city's vibrant streets and bustling markets are a testament to its rich culinary heritage, offering an array of flavours that cater to every palate. 

For those embarking on their first visit to the city, the expert team at Pan Pacific Jakarta stands ready to provide further insights into its irresistible street food scene. Feel free to reach out with an inquiry — our team will be delighted to assist you in navigating the culinary delights Jakarta has to offer.

 

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