As Indonesia’s sprawling capital, Jakarta serves as a melting pot for culinary traditions from across the country’s 17,000+ islands. The city’s food scene is as diverse as the nation itself, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to taste Indonesia’s rich gastronomic heritage in one location.
From humble street food stalls (known locally as kaki lima) to family-run warungs and upscale restaurants, Jakarta’s food landscape caters to every taste and budget. What makes Jakarta’s culinary scene particularly special is that it brings together authentic regional specialties that would otherwise require weeks of travel to experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll introduce you to 20 must-try Indonesian dishes that showcase the country’s extraordinary culinary diversity. For each dish, we provide details on its origin, flavor profile, where to find the best versions in Jakarta, and what price range to expect.
Whether you’re seeking fiery spices from West Sumatra, fragrant coconut-infused dishes from Java, or Chinese-influenced comfort foods that have become Indonesian classics, this guide will help you navigate Jakarta’s exciting food landscape like a local.
The 20 Must-Try Indonesian Dishes
Soto Betawi
Jakarta (Betawi)Rich beef soup, distinctively using coconut milk or fresh milk, often includes offal, potatoes, and tomato. A hearty dish that represents Jakarta’s native Betawi cuisine.
Kerak Telor
Jakarta (Betawi)Savory glutinous rice and duck egg omelette cooked over charcoal, topped with serundeng and fried shallots. A traditional Betawi street food and Jakarta’s signature dish.
Nasi Uduk
Jakarta (Betawi)Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk & spices, served with various side dishes (fried chicken, tempeh, etc.). A breakfast favourite that can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Gado-Gado
JavaIndonesian salad with blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh, egg, lontong, covered in peanut sauce. A nutritious dish with a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Rendang
West SumatraSlow-cooked beef simmered for hours in coconut milk and complex spices until tender and caramelized. Voted world’s most delicious food by CNN.
Sate Padang
West SumatraBeef or offal skewers grilled and smothered in a thick, spicy yellow-brown sauce made with rice flour. A distinctive variation of satay from West Sumatra.
Asinan Betawi
Jakarta (Betawi)Pickled vegetable salad (cabbage, bean sprouts, tofu) in a tangy sweet-sour peanut sauce with crackers. A refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Ketoprak
JakartaRice cake (lontong), tofu, vermicelli, and bean sprouts drenched in peanut sauce, topped with crackers. A refreshing vegetarian option with complex textures.
Nasi Goreng
Indonesia-wideIndonesian fried rice, often with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), egg, chicken/seafood, pickles & crackers. Indonesia’s national dish with countless regional variations.
Martabak
Indonesian-Arabic FusionSweet (Manis): Thick pancake with fillings like chocolate, cheese, nuts. Savoury (Telur): Pastry with egg & meat. A beloved late-night snack.
Bakso
Chinese-IndonesianBeef meatball soup served in savoury broth with noodles, tofu, greens, and sometimes wontons. A comfort food beloved by Indonesians of all backgrounds.
Bubur Ayam
Indonesia-wideSavoury rice porridge topped with shredded chicken, scallions, fried shallots, soy sauce, and crackers. A comforting breakfast dish enjoyed throughout the day.
Mie Ayam
Chinese-IndonesianYellow wheat noodles topped with seasoned diced chicken, often served with broth, greens, and wontons. A popular street food with countless variations.
Ayam Goreng Kremes
East JavaAyam Goreng Kremes – Crispy Javanese fried chicken with spiced flour crumbs.
Sop Buntut
Indonesia-wideFragrant, tender oxtail soup with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, flavoured with nutmeg/cloves. A refined dish popular in Jakarta’s restaurants.
Ikan Bakar
Indonesia-wideCharcoal-grilled whole fish (Ikan Bakar) glazed with sweet soy sauce and spices, served with sambal and vegetables on the side.
Siomay
Chinese-IndonesianSteamed fish dumplings, tofu, potato, cabbage, egg served with peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, and lime. A beloved street food with Bandung origins.
Pempek Palembang
South SumatraFishcakes (various shapes) made from fish and tapioca, served with a tangy sweet-sour vinegar sauce (cuko). South Sumatra’s most famous culinary export.
Sate Ayam
JakartaGrilled chicken skewers marinated in spices, served with rich peanut sauce, sweet soy glaze, and rice cakes. A classic street food favorite in Jakarta.
Laksa Betawi
Indonesia-wideThick, yellowish coconut milk soup with rice cakes, bean sprouts, basil (kemangi), egg, topped with emping. A Betawi classic with Peranakan influences.
Jakarta Food Map
Find the best locations to sample authentic versions of all 20 must-try dishes in Jakarta. Navigate the city like a local food expert.
Map Legend
Top Food Districts in Jakarta
Glodok (Chinatown)
Best for: Chinese-Indonesian fusion dishes, bakpao, bakmi
Glodok is Jakarta’s historic Chinatown district, where you’ll find an array of Chinese-Indonesian fusion dishes. The narrow alleys are packed with food vendors serving authentic bakpao (steamed buns), bakmi (noodles), and other Chinese-influenced Indonesian classics that highlight the cultural melting pot that is Jakarta.
Jalan Sabang
Best for: Street food, sate, nasi goreng, martabak
Jalan Sabang is one of Jakarta’s most famous food streets, coming alive at night with dozens of food stalls offering everything from succulent sate to sizzling nasi goreng. The vibrant atmosphere and condensed collection of Indonesia’s favorite street foods make this area a must-visit for culinary adventurers.
Menteng
Best for: Upscale restaurants, traditional Betawi cuisine
Menteng is an upscale residential area home to some of Jakarta’s finest restaurants serving traditional Indonesian cuisine with a modern twist. This district is perfect for experiencing elevated versions of classic dishes in more refined settings, while still maintaining authentic flavors and techniques.
Kota Tua
Best for: Historical ambiance, kerak telor, traditional snacks
Jakarta’s Old Town (Kota Tua) offers not just colonial architecture but also a taste of traditional Betawi cuisine. Vendors selling kerak telor, the iconic egg and sticky rice dish, line the historic squares. The area provides a unique opportunity to experience Jakarta’s culinary heritage against the backdrop of its historical center.
Kemang
Best for: Modern Indonesian cuisine, fusion restaurants
Popular with expatriates and trendy locals, Kemang features numerous restaurants offering creative interpretations of Indonesian classics alongside international cuisines. This district is ideal for those looking to experience how traditional Indonesian flavors are being reimagined by contemporary chefs in stylish, Instagram-worthy settings.
Pasar Baru
Best for: Indonesian-Indian cuisine, martabak, traditional markets
One of Jakarta’s oldest markets, Pasar Baru offers a unique blend of Indonesian and Indian influences due to the area’s historical Indian community. The district is known for its excellent martabak (both sweet and savory versions) and is a fascinating place to explore the intersection of multiple culinary traditions.
Jakarta Food Itineraries
Make the most of your time in Jakarta with these curated food itineraries. Whether you have one day or several, these routes will guide you to the best culinary experiences while helping you beat the city’s traffic.
One-Day Jakarta Culinary Adventure
Embark on a jam-packed day exploring Jakarta’s iconic dishes—from hearty breakfasts to indulgent late-night treats.
Breakfast at Bubur Ayam Cikini
Start your day with a steamy bowl of traditional chicken rice porridge topped with shredded chicken, scallions, and crispy crackers. Enjoy a cup of authentic teh tarik for the perfect start.
Mid-Morning Snack in Kota Tua
Wander through Jakarta’s historic Old Town and indulge in Kerak Telor—a crispy charcoal-cooked omelette of glutinous rice and duck egg with fried shallots.
Lunch at Padang Merdeka
Delight in a sumptuous serving of Rendang, slow-cooked beef in coconut milk and a blend of exotic spices. Complement your meal with fragrant rice and spicy side dishes.
Afternoon Refreshment
Cool off with a bowl of Asinan Betawi—a tangy pickled vegetable salad in a sweet-sour peanut sauce—or enjoy a hearty serving of Gado-Gado for an extra boost.
Dinner at Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih
Savor Indonesia’s signature fried rice—Nasi Goreng with goat meat, cooked with aromatic spices, sweet soy sauce, and a kick of sambal.
Optional Stop: Sate Padang
If you’re still hungry, visit a lively stall for Sate Padang—beef or offal skewers smothered in a rich, spicy yellow gravy unique to West Sumatra.
Late-Night Dessert at Martabak Pecenongan
End your culinary adventure with a decadent serving of Martabak. Choose between a sweet version packed with chocolate and cheese or a savory one filled with spiced meats and eggs.
Three-Day Jakarta Culinary Exploration
Dive deeper into Jakarta’s diverse food scene with this three-day culinary expedition, organized by region and dish type.
Day 1: Central Jakarta Classics
Morning: Nasi Uduk & Soto Betawi
Start with traditional Jakarta breakfast of fragrant coconut rice and rich beef soup at local warung stalls.
Afternoon: Gado-Gado & Ketoprak
Sample two distinct vegetable dishes with peanut sauce at renowned vendors in Menteng area.
Evening: Sate Ayam & Sop Buntut
Experience Jakarta’s favorite skewered chicken and hearty oxtail soup at upscale establishments.
Day 2: Regional Specialties
Morning: Padang Cuisine Exploration
Visit top Padang restaurants to sample Rendang, Sate Padang, and other West Sumatran specialties.
Afternoon: South Sumatran Delicacies
Try Pempek and other Palembang-style fish cakes at specialty vendors throughout the city.
Evening: East Java Flavors
Experience East Javanese cuisine like Pecel Lele and Rawon at authentic eateries in South Jakarta.
Day 3: Street Food Adventure
Morning: Glodok Market Crawl
Explore Jakarta’s Chinatown for Chinese-Indonesian fusion street foods like Bakso and Mie Ayam.
Afternoon: Blok M Food Court
Sample a variety of snacks and desserts like Kue Cubit and Martabak in South Jakarta’s food paradise.
Evening: Sabang Street Night Feast
End your Jakarta food journey at this iconic street food destination with countless options to choose from.
Jakarta Food Tips & Etiquette
Navigate Jakarta’s food scene like a local with these essential tips and cultural etiquette guidelines.
Essential Food Tips
Sambal on the Side
Request sambal separately to control the heat.
Rush Hour Timing
Avoid peak times to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Look for Crowds
A busy stall is often a sign of fresh and delicious food.
Bottled Water
Use bottled water, especially in smaller establishments.
Cash is King
Many vendors accept only cash, so have small bills ready.
Dining Etiquette
Right Hand Usage
Use your right hand for eating.
Cuci Tangan
Wash your hands before and after eating.
Communal Dining
At Padang restaurants, you only pay for what you eat.
Tipping
While not expected at street stalls, tipping is appreciated in restaurants.
Saying Thanks
A simple “Terima kasih” goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: Jakarta’s Culinary Legacy
Jakarta’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors and traditions—a true testament to Indonesia’s cultural diversity. Every dish tells a story of heritage and innovation, offering travelers a unique taste of the region.
From aromatic spices in traditional Betawi cuisine to modern twists found in street food, Jakarta invites you on a culinary adventure that transcends borders.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for new experiences, this guide is your passport to discovering Jakarta’s hidden culinary gems. Engage with vendors, savor every bite, and share your culinary journey with fellow food enthusiasts.
Food in Indonesia is more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and creativity.
📚 Further Reading: Jakarta Food & Travel Guides
Want to dive deeper into Jakarta’s incredible food scene? Check out these trusted guides for more insights, tips, and street food inspiration:
- Indonesia Travel – The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
- Jakarta Travel Guide: Indonesia’s Hidden Culinary Paradise
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