Explore Jakarta’s delicious and diverse culinary specialties, unique dishes that you must seek out to complete your travel experience in the capital.
Jakarta, a big city that is always busy, turns out to have a Betawi culinary heritage that is no less interesting to explore.
Each Betawi specialty comes with an authentic taste and a story behind its creation, showcasing the cultural diversity that has taken root in the capital. Here are 10 Typical Jakarta foods that are a must-try for anyone who wants to dive into the taste and traditions of Jakarta.
1. Soto Betawi
Soto Betawi is a thick soup dish with a savory taste that is very appetizing. The soup is made from a mixture of coconut milk and milk which makes the taste very distinctive.
The filling includes beef, offal, and other organs such as liver and lungs. Served with a sprinkling of crackers, fried onions, and lime juice, this soto has an extraordinary combination of flavors and textures.
Be sure to try Typical Jakarta Food to experience the authentic taste of this iconic dish and more of the city’s culinary delights.
2. Ketoprak
Ketoprak, a legendary street food in Jakarta, consists of tofu, rice vermicelli, and cucumber topped with thick peanut sauce.
Usually served with ketupat or lontong, ketoprak is even more delicious with the addition of crackers and fried onions on top.
The savory taste of the peanut sauce combined with the sweetness of the soy sauce and the spiciness of the chili sauce makes ketoprak a favorite choice for many people.
3. Betawi Pickles
Betawi pickles are a refreshing choice to eat on a hot day. Consisting of fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, mustard greens, cabbage, and lettuce, this dish is doused with peanut sauce mixed with vinegar and chili, resulting in a refreshing blend of sour, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Don’t forget, the addition of crackers and fried peanuts makes this dish even more delicious.
4. Geplak Cake
Kue Geplak is a sweet snack typical of Betawi made from rice flour, grated coconut, and sugar. The texture is dense with a distinctive sweet taste, often present in small, colorful blocks.
Usually found in traditional markets or souvenir shops, geplak is perfect as a souvenir. Although simple, this cake is proof of the timeless culinary richness of Betawi.
5. Betawi Laksa
Betawi Laksa offers a savory taste produced from a combination of coconut milk and rebon shrimp. This thick soup dish is served with rice flour noodles, egg slices, basil leaves, and fried onions.
Betawi Laksa has a strong aroma of spices, providing a warm and pampering taste. This dish is perfect to eat in the morning or when the weather is cold.
6. Betawi Steamed Rice
Nasi Uduk Betawi is a rice dish cooked with coconut milk and spices, resulting in a fragrant aroma and savory texture.
Usually served with side dishes such as fried chicken, dried tempeh, omelettes, and anchovy chili sauce, nasi uduk is a popular breakfast choice in Jakarta. The combination of soft rice with crunchy side dishes makes this dish always popular.
7. Cucur Cake
Kue Cucur, a Betawi specialty cake that is always present at traditional events, is made from a mixture of rice flour and palm sugar.
This cake has a soft texture in the middle and is slightly crispy on the edges, with a distinctive sweet taste from palm sugar. Now, kue cucur can be enjoyed with additional variations, such as cheese or chocolate, which gives a modern touch but still maintains its traditional taste.
8. Egg Crust
Kerak Telor is one of the legendary Betawi foods made from a mixture of sticky rice, eggs, and spices. The unique cooking process, which is by baking it until it forms a crispy crust, makes this food very special.
Once cooked, Kerak Telor is served with a sprinkling of roasted grated coconut and fried onions. This dish is often found at big events such as the Jakarta Fair.
9. Betawi Ulam Rice
Nasi Ulam Betawi is a combination of rice with various spices and fresh leaves such as basil leaves and melinjo leaves.
Its fresh and distinctive taste makes nasi ulam a healthy and delicious food. Usually served with salted fish or jengkol stew, nasi ulam presents a dish full of flavor with a soft texture and fragrant aroma.
10. Soto Tangkar
Soto Tangkar, a variant of Betawi soto, uses beef ribs as the main ingredient. The broth is rich in spices and has an alluring savory taste.
This soto is often served with French fries, perkedel, and fried onions which add to the deliciousness. This dish is perfect when eaten warm, especially with the addition of emping which adds a crunchy texture.
Visiting Jakarta would not be complete without trying the diverse and rich Betawi cuisine. Each dish carries a story and cultural richness that is the culinary identity of the capital city.
For culinary lovers, trying Betawi cuisine is a journey of taste that introduces the rich and delicious Betawi culture. Make sure to try Typical Betawi Food while you are in Jakarta and experience their unique delights for yourself!
