What to Eat in Jakarta: Street Food to Heritage Favorites

When you arrive in Jakarta, you’ll be greeted by the rich aromas of sizzling satay, bubbling coconut curries, and smoky fried rice. From the busy streets of Sabang to the late-night stalls in Blok M, the city’s food scene is a delicious mix of tradition and creativity.

You’ll find iconic local dishes like soto Betawi (beef soup in creamy coconut milk), nasi goreng kambing (goat fried rice), and martabak manis (stuffed pancake) served fresh from roadside vendors. Jakarta’s food is bold, comforting, and often best enjoyed outdoors, whether at a hawker centre, a tucked-away warung, or a trendy food park like Thamrin 10.

This guide will lead you to the tastiest street snacks, hidden favorites, and helpful tips to enjoy Jakarta’s food like a true local. Get ready for a flavorful journey through the capital’s vibrant culinary streets.

Must-Try Local Dish in Jakarta

Soto Betawi

(Source: wikipedia)

I found this small place while walking through South Jakarta. It was a simple setup with a few plastic tables and a steady stream of locals. I ordered soto Betawi, and it came in a hot bowl with chunks of beef in a creamy, coconut-based broth. The smell was rich and savory. The beef was soft, the soup was thick and slightly sweet, and it came with white rice and some crackers on the side. It wasn’t fancy, but it was filling and tasted really good.

📖 About Soto Betawi
Soto Betawi is a local Jakarta beef soup made with coconut milk, herbs, and spices. It’s one of the city’s most well-known traditional dishes and is often eaten with rice and crackers. The name comes from the Betawi people, Jakarta’s native ethnic group.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for anyone who likes creamy, mild dishes. Family-friendly and easy to enjoy.

💡 Pro Tips
🍴 Ask for sambal if you want it spicy.
🍴 Add lime to cut the richness.
🍴 Emping (crackers) usually come with it—don’t skip them.

Martabak Manis

(Source: harianmuba.bacakoran.co)

I bought martabak manis from a street cart in Jalan Pecenongan Raya. The smell of sweet batter and melted butter made it easy to find. The seller poured thick batter onto a hot pan, then added margarine, condensed milk, chocolate sprinkles, and crushed peanuts. Once folded, it looked more like a cake than a pancake. When I took a bite, it was crispy on the edges, soft and fluffy inside, and super rich and sweet. It’s very heavy, best to share.

📖 About Martabak Manis
Martabak manis is a thick, sweet pancake filled with butter, chocolate, cheese, or peanuts. It’s a popular street dessert in Jakarta and is often sold in the evenings. Some places now offer trendy toppings like Oreo or Nutella, but the classic version is still the most popular.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for dessert lovers, families, and anyone who wants to try a famous Jakarta sweet snack.

💡 Pro Tips
🍴 Go at night—martabak is usually sold after 5 PM.
🍴 Ask for half-and-half (e.g., chocolate + cheese) if you want to try more than one flavor.
🍴 It’s very rich—bring a friend to share.

Ketoprak

I bought ketoprak from a street cart in Kebayoran. It was a simple setup with a small bench. The seller mixed rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, and rice cake, then poured peanut sauce on top. He made the sauce fresh using peanuts, garlic, chili, and palm sugar. It tasted sweet, a bit spicy, and very nutty. The tofu was soft inside and slightly crispy. It came with crackers for crunch. It was a light and tasty meal. No meat, but still filling.

📖 About Ketoprak
Ketoprak is a Jakarta street food made with tofu, rice noodles, and peanut sauce. It’s similar to gado-gado but simpler. Many locals eat it for breakfast or lunch.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for vegetarians, light eaters, or travelers on a budget.

💡 Pro Tips
🍴 Say “tidak pedas” if you don’t want it spicy.
🍴 Eat it fresh—crackers get soggy if left too long.
🍴 Ask for a boiled egg if you want extra protein.

Sate Taichan

(Source: nawabineka.com)

I visited Sate Taichan Bang Yoyo in Kemang around 8 PM. The place had bright neon lights and small outdoor tables. I ordered chicken satay, plain grilled skewers served with lime and spicy sambal. The chicken was tender and juicy with a subtle char from the grill. The tangy lime juice cut through the spice of the sambal, making every bite fresh and flavorful. It wasn’t heavy, just clean and satisfying. Perfect for a late-night snack.

📖 About Sate Taichan
Sate Taichan is a modern take on chicken satay made without sweet soy or peanut sauce. It's simply seasoned with salt, grilled, and served with lime and chili, giving it a spicy, sour kick. It became popular in Jakarta around 2014 and is now a common night snack across the city.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for night owls, spice lovers, and travelers looking for a light, flavor-packed snack.

💡 Pro Tips
🍴 Add extra lime for more tang.
🍴 Don’t skip the sambal if you like heat.
🍴 Go after 6 PM—this place gets busy late.

Nasi Uduk

I stopped by Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang Ibu Tati around 1 PM, right when it gets busy with locals and office lunches. The rice was fragrant cooked in coconut milk and spices. It came with fried chicken, tempeh, tofu, eggs, sambal kacang, and crispy shallots. Every bite mixed creamy rice with spicy sambal and crunchy sides, it felt like a complete and satisfying meal.

📖 About Nasi Uduk
Nasi uduk is Jakarta's version of coconut rice, plain rice cooked in coconut milk and aromatic spices, served with side dishes. It’s a traditional Betawi breakfast but eaten all day across the city.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for travelers who want a hearty, authentic meal on a budget. Family-friendly, not spicy unless you add sambal.

💡 Pro Tips
🍴 Arrive early for lunch or after 6 PM to avoid the crowd.
🍴 Try different side dishes—ayam (chicken), jeroan (offal), tempeh.
🍴 Skip the car—parking is limited; go via GoFood or delivery.

Street Food And Hawker Favorite in Jakarta

🥚 Crunch & Smoke Kerak Telor Cart in Kota Tua

(Source: caramakan.com)

I saw a small cart at Fatahillah Square in Kota Tua selling kerak telor. The seller cooked everything on charcoal, no gas. He mixed sticky rice, egg, dried shrimp, and coconut in a small pan. It cooked until the bottom was crispy. The smell was strong—like toasted coconut and egg. He scraped it off the pan and served it on brown paper. It was crunchy at the bottom and soft on top, with a mix of salty and nutty flavors. It’s a simple but unique snack.

📖 About Kerak Telor
Kerak telor is a traditional Betawi food. It’s usually found at tourist areas or local festivals. The recipe and cooking style have stayed the same for years—always over charcoal.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for snack lovers and those who want to try traditional Jakarta food.

🍧 Es Podeng – Jakarta’s Classic Ice Treat

I saw an es podeng cart near Taman Ayodya in Blok M. The seller was scooping ice cream into a plastic cup, then adding sticky rice, shredded coconut, avocado, bread pieces, and sprinkles. He poured some condensed milk on top and handed it over. It looked a bit strange but tasted good—cold, sweet, and soft. The toppings gave different textures—chewy from the sticky rice, creamy from the avocado, and soft from the bread. It was simple but refreshing, especially in Jakarta’s heat.

📖 About Es Podeng
Es podeng is a traditional ice dessert from Jakarta. It uses homemade-style ice cream and is topped with various ingredients like sticky rice, avocado, and bread. It’s cheap, filling, and popular as an afternoon snack.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for families, kids, or anyone looking for a sweet snack on a hot day.

🥜 Gado-Gado from a Street Cart in Menteng

I found a gado-gado cart parked near a side street in Menteng. The seller was preparing everything by hand. He mixed boiled vegetables, tofu, boiled egg, and lontong (rice cake), then crushed peanuts with garlic and chili in a stone mortar to make the sauce. He poured it over the dish and added a handful of crackers on top. The sauce was thick and nutty, with a little sweetness and just enough spice. The vegetables were soft but fresh, and the rice cake made it filling. It was a healthy, no-fuss meal with strong flavor.

📖 About Gado-Gado
Gado-gado is a traditional Indonesian salad with boiled vegetables, tofu, and peanut sauce. It’s commonly sold by street carts and is a popular lunch option in Jakarta. It's vegetarian and doesn’t use meat or fish.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for vegetarians, solo travelers, and anyone wanting a light but flavorful local meal.

🍠 Gorengan – Cheap, Hot, and Crispy Snacks on the Go

(Source: detik.com)

I saw a small cart near a bus stop in South Jakarta selling gorengan—fried snacks. The vendor was frying tofu, bananas, and cassava in a big pan. It smelled like fresh oil and banana. I picked a few: pisang goreng (fried banana), tahu isi (stuffed tofu), and cireng (fried tapioca). They were hot, crispy, and packed in a paper bag. It was cheap, fast, and tasty—perfect for a quick snack.

📖 About Gorengan
Gorengan means “fried snacks.” You’ll see these carts all over Jakarta. They sell simple foods like fried tofu, banana, and cassava. Locals eat them as afternoon snacks with chili or sweet soy sauce.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Great for snack lovers, kids, and budget travelers.

🍜 Bakso – Indonesia’s Favorite Meatball Soup

I spotted a bakso cart near a school in South Jakarta. The vendor had a steaming pot with meatballs floating in clear broth. I ordered one bowl, and he added noodles, tofu, fried shallots, and a splash of soy sauce. I also asked for chili, just a little. The meatballs were springy and soft, the soup was hot and comforting. It’s a simple dish, but filling and satisfying. Locals often eat this after school or work. It’s quick and always available.

📖 About Bakso
Bakso is Indonesia’s famous meatball soup, usually made from beef. It’s served with noodles, tofu, and broth. You can find it in street carts, warungs (small eateries), and even malls. Each place adds their own twist. Some offer giant bakso, some spicy versions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Perfect for families, students, and travelers looking for a warm, budget-friendly meal.

Signature Restaurant and Food Institution in Jakarta

🍽️ Classic Padang at Rumah Makan Pagi Sore

(Source: narasi.tv)

I visited Pagi Sore in Cipete for lunch. The restaurant felt clean and welcoming, with warm lighting and friendly staff. They brought out plates of rendang, ayam pop, gulai nangka, and sambal ijo. I tried the rendang: tender, moist pieces of beef in a rich, spicy sauce. The flavors were bold but not overwhelmingly hot, and it paired perfectly with steamed rice. Service was quick and efficient.

📖 About Pagi Sore
Founded in 1973 in Palembang by H. Lismar and H. Sabirin, Pagi Sore opened its first Jakarta branch in 2006. It’s known for consistent, premium-style Padang cuisine across its Jakarta locations

🍴 Don’t miss: Rendang, ayam pop, sambal ijo, gulai nangka

🕒 Reservation recommended? Not needed, but come before 12:30 PM to skip the lunch crowd
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Good for halal eaters, families, and anyone who wants classic Minang food

🍽️ Bold Flavors at Warung MJS, Menteng

(Source: decode.uai.ac.id)

I went to Warung MJS in Setiabudi for dinner. The place had a Javanese vibe, wooden tables, colorful walls, and a small fish pond inside. It felt relaxed and homey. I ordered their popular Ayam Setan, which is fried chicken with super spicy sambal. It came with rice and some fried tempeh. The chicken was crispy, and the sambal was really hot but tasty. I also had sweet iced tea to balance the heat. The staff were friendly, and the food came out fast.

📖 About Warung MJS
Warung MJS stands for "Mbah Jingkrak Setan." It’s known for Javanese food with strong spices, especially their extra-spicy sambal dishes. Locals like it for casual group meals and comfort food with a kick.

🍴 Don’t miss: Ayam Setan, tumis petai, sambal platter

🕒 Reservation recommended? Not needed usually, but come before 12:30 PM to beat the lunch crowd
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Good for halal diners, families, and anyone who appreciates established local favorites

🍽️ Fried Duck Heaven at Bebek Kaleyo

I had dinner at Bebek Kaleyo Tebet—the place was busy but well-organized, and service was fast. I ordered the fried duck with green chili sambal. The skin was crispy, the meat was soft, and the sambal was spicy but tasty. It came with warm rice, fried tempeh, and fresh vegetables. The portion was just right, and the price was affordable.

📖 About Bebek Kaleyo
Bebek Kaleyo started as a street stall in 2007 and now has many branches across Jakarta. They specialize in duck—fried, grilled, or with various sambals. Locals love it for the fast service, tasty food, and good value.

🍴 Don’t miss: Fried duck with green chili, crispy duck (bebek kremes), sambal bawang

🕒 Reservation recommended? No, but avoid peak hours (6:30–8:00 PM)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for families, halal eaters, and spicy food lovers!

Café, Bakery and Dessert Spot in Jakarta

🍓 Cozy Sips & Strawberry Shortcake at Scarlet House, Blok M

(Source: pergikuliner.com)

I visited Scarlet House in Blok M on a weekday afternoon. The café was small and clean, with white and pink decor. It had a quiet, relaxed feel mostly young people taking photos or hanging out. I tried the strawberry shortcake. The cake was soft, the cream was light, and the strawberries were fresh. It wasn’t too sweet, and it went well with the hot strawberry milk I ordered. Simple, fresh, and enjoyable.

📖 About Scarlet House
Scarlet House is a Korean-style dessert café known for its cakes and drinks. It’s popular on Instagram and TikTok for its aesthetic. While it’s not halal-certified, many items are alcohol-free and suitable for most diners.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for café-hoppers, dessert fans, and K-pop lovers

☕ Japanese Coffee Break at Kurasu Jakarta

I dropped by Kurasu in Jakarta on a late morning. The café had a clean, minimalist look. White walls, light wood furniture, and quiet lo-fi music. It felt calm and focused, with people working or quietly enjoying their drinks. I ordered their iced latte, made with single-origin beans. The coffee was smooth and strong, with a light, nutty aftertaste. It wasn’t too milky or bitter, just well-balanced and refreshing.

📖 About Kurasu Jakarta
Originally from Kyoto, Kurasu is a specialty coffee shop that brings Japanese brewing techniques to Jakarta. They focus on quality beans and simple drinks. The menu is short and clear, mostly espresso-based and filter coffee. Many of the items are halal-friendly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for coffee purists, remote workers, and minimalist café lovers

☕ Stylish Pastries & Buzz at KNOTS Kemang

I visited KNOTS in Kemang on a weekday morning. The café looked modern and clean, with concrete walls, big windows, and a mix of people—some working on laptops, others catching up with friends. I tried their popular hazelnut bow croissant. It was crispy on the outside, soft inside, and filled with smooth hazelnut cream. I also had a matcha latte, which wasn’t too sweet and paired nicely with the pastry.

📖 About KNOTS
KNOTS is a café by the Union Group, known for its high-quality pastries, especially croissants and cheesecakes. They bake hundreds of pastries fresh daily using French butter. It’s a popular spot for both locals and café fans.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for pastry lovers, café-hoppers, and those who enjoy pretty cafés

Local Snack or Food Souvenir

🎁 A Tasty Treat: Pisang Bollen Kartika Sari

I picked up a box of Pisang Bollen from Kartika Sari while passing through a Jakarta pastry shop that stocks Bandung souvenirs. I chose the chocolate‑cheese variety—inside flaky pastry, each bite revealed warm, gooey banana mingled with cheese and chocolate. It was sweet but not too heavy, with a light, crispy crust. Packed neatly in a sturdy box, it traveled well and stayed fresh.

📖 About Pisang Bollen Kartika Sari
This iconic pastry originated in Bandung in the 1980s and became famous across Indonesia for its flaky layers and flavorful fillings. Made with banana and cheese (or other flavors) encased in pastry, it’s a top choice for festive treats and travel gifts

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers looking for a compact, tasty, halal souvenir
🎁 Travel-friendly? Yes—it keeps fresh up to 4 days in a sealed box, and won’t get crushed easily.

🌿 Crunchy Emping Melinjo Chips

I picked up a bag of emping melinjo chips at Pasar Mayestik's souvenir stalls after browsing batik fabrics. I chose the lightly salted variety, each chip is thin, crisp, with a slight earthy bitterness from the melinjo nut. They’re wafer-thin and delicate but pack a flavor punch. Packaged in airtight bags, they stayed fresh in my suitcase.

📖 About Emping Melinjo
Emping are traditional Indonesian chips made from the melinjo nut, popular across Java and Betawi culture. They come in original, salty, sweet, or spicy variants and are often enjoyed solo or as a crunchy side with dishes like soto, nasi uduk, or gado-gado

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers seeking a compact, halal-friendly, and uniquely Indonesian snack gift
🎁 Travel-friendly? Yes—airtight packaging keeps them crisp, and they’re light in weight

🌟 Dodol Betawi – A Sticky Sweet

I spotted a stall at Setu Babakan Cultural Village where Dodol Nyak Mai was being made fresh. Watching them stir a huge pot over charcoal for hours made me curious, so I bought a small box. The dodol was soft, sticky, and mildly sweet—rich with coconut milk and palm sugar, with a subtle chew from the glutinous rice. It came packaged in a sealed box that made it easy to carry home.

📖 About Dodol Betawi
Dodol Betawi is a traditional Jakarta confection made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, palm and white sugar, stirred nonstop for up to 10 hours. It’s typically made for festive occasions like Eid, weddings, and cultural events in Setu Babakan.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit: Great for travelers wanting a compact, halal-friendly taste of Betawi culture.
🎁 Travel-friendly? Yes—packed in a box, non-perishable, and won’t get squashed.

Food Street and Dining Zone in Jakarta

🛣️ Satay, Sizzle & City Lights at Jalan Sabang

(Source: porosjakarta.com)

I visited Jalan Sabang around 6 PM. It was crowded, noisy, and full of delicious smells. Food carts lined both sides of the street, selling satay, fried rice, martabak, and more. I tried sate ayam—grilled chicken skewers with peanut sauce. The meat was hot and tender. Then I had a piece of martabak manis, a thick pancake filled with chocolate and cheese. It was sweet, soft, and very filling.

📖 About Jalan Sabang
This food street in Central Jakarta is popular for night-time eating. Locals and tourists come here for classic Indonesian street food.

📅 Best time to visit: 6–9 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Good for budget travelers and street food lovers

💡 Pro Tips:
🍴 Bring cash
🍴 Go early to avoid long lines
🍴 Try sharing dishes

🛣️ Night Market Flavors at Blok M Square

I hit Blok M Square around 7 PM. The area buzzed with lights, sounds, and the smell of grilled meats and fried snacks. There were food carts, small kiosks, and hawker tables packed with people. I tried nasi gule kambing (goat curry rice) served from a steaming pot. It was rich, spicy, and warming. Later, I grabbed martabak telur, a savory stuffed pancake with egg, veggies, and sauce. It was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, perfect evening street food.

📖 About Blok M Square
Located in South Jakarta, this lively night market is known for halal street food especially goat dishes, satay, and martabak. It's very popular with local families and students.

📅 Best time to visit: 6–9 PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Ideal for families, evening diners, and halal food explorers

💡 Pro Tips:
🍴 Most stalls are halal-certified
🍴 Bring cash
🍴 Go a bit early to avoid long waits

🛣️ Traditional Flavors at Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) Street Food

(Source: kumparan.com)

I visited Benhil right before Maghrib, and the street was alive with vendors setting up for the evening crowd. The smell of fried snacks, grilled chicken, and sambal filled the air. I got in line for ayam penyet, crispy smashed fried chicken served with hot sambal and rice. The seller was friendly, and the dish was spicy, juicy, and satisfying. Right next to it, I grabbed a portion of risoles (fried snacks filled with veggies and chicken), still warm and crunchy.

📖 About Bendungan Hilir (Benhil)
Benhil is a well-known food street in Central Jakarta, popular especially during Ramadan. It’s full of local street food, fried snacks, sambal-rich dishes, and traditional Indonesian meals.

📅 Best time to visit: 5–8 PM for peak snack and dinner time

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Persona Fit
Best for local food lovers, casual diners, and Muslim travelers

💡 Pro Tips:
🍴 Go early during Ramadan—it gets very crowded
🍴 Great for takeaway meals
🍴 Mostly cash-based stalls

Embark on a Flavor-Packed Adventure Through Jakarta’s Local Eats

After tasting my way through Jakarta, I can say this city truly satisfies every kind of foodie. From smoky street satay in Sabang to rich, comforting soto Betawi in humble warungs, every bite feels like a part of Jakarta’s culture. Whether it’s late-night martabak manis in Pecenongan or a quick bowl of bakso near Blok M, the city delivers bold, comforting flavors at every turn.

Jakarta is just a short hop away—and the food scene is well worth the trip. Book your flights from to Jakarta and find a hotel close to the city’s favorite dining spots. Want more tips on where and what to eat? Trip.com makes it easy to discover Jakarta’s local gems.

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