When it comes to street food, Jakarta is a paradise for food lovers. The bustling capital of Indonesia offers a mix of traditional flavors, bold spices, and sizzling snacks served straight from roadside stalls. Whether you’re wandering through Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown), exploring street markets in Blok M, or just following your nose down an alley, these ten street foods are absolute must-tries.
1. Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)
Indonesia’s beloved nasi goreng is far from your average fried rice. Cooked with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, shallots, chili, and usually topped with a fried egg, it’s a flavorful, smoky dish often served with crispy crackers (kerupuk) and pickled veggies (acar).
🛒 Where to try: Warung street vendors around Sabang or Menteng.
2. Sate Ayam (Chicken Skewers)
These juicy, marinated chicken skewers are grilled over hot charcoal and drenched in rich, nutty peanut sauce. Served with rice cakes (lontong) and a splash of sweet soy sauce, sate ayam is one of Jakarta’s most iconic street eats.
🔥 Tip: Ask for spicy if you can handle the heat!
3. Kerak Telor
A uniquely Jakarta specialty, kerak telor is a Betawi-style omelet made with sticky rice, duck egg, dried shrimp, and crispy fried shallots. It’s cooked over charcoal until the edges are crispy and the flavors are smoky and intense.
📍 Where to try: Around Monas (National Monument), especially during local festivals.
4. Bakso (Meatball Soup)
These hearty meatballs are made from beef (or sometimes chicken) and served in a savory broth with noodles, tofu, boiled eggs, and fried shallots. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime and a dash of sambal (chili paste)!
🥣 Try it from: Mobile bakso carts with their signature clinking bowl sound.
5. Gado-Gado
Think of this as Indonesia’s version of a salad—gado-gado is a mix of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and boiled eggs, all smothered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. It’s fresh, filling, and vegetarian-friendly.
🥗 Best from: Warungs or roadside stalls near local markets.
6. Martabak (Sweet & Savory Pancake)
There are two types: Martabak Manis (sweet) and Martabak Telor (savory). The sweet version is a thick, buttery pancake filled with chocolate, cheese, and condensed milk, while the savory version is a deep-fried egg-stuffed pastry filled with minced meat and onions.
😋 Late-night favorite: Look for martabak stalls after 6 PM across Jakarta.
7. Siomay (Steamed Fish Dumplings)
A popular Indonesian twist on dim sum, siomay is a mix of steamed fish dumplings, tofu, potatoes, eggs, and cabbage, all doused in peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce. It’s soft, nutty, and satisfying.
🥢 Street cart staple: Often sold from bicycles with steamers on the back.
8. Es Doger
When it gets hot in Jakarta (which is often!), es doger is the perfect cool-down treat. This icy pink dessert drink combines coconut milk, fermented cassava, black sticky rice, and jellies with crushed ice and syrup.
🍧 Found at: Roadside dessert carts, especially near markets and malls.
9. Tahu Gejrot
This simple but bold dish features fried tofu cubes soaked in a sweet, spicy, tangy sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, garlic, and chili. It’s punchy, addictive, and best eaten on the go.
🌶️ Where to get it: Small street vendors with traditional clay bowls.
10. Ayam Penyet (Smashed Fried Chicken)
Crispy fried chicken smashed with a pestle, served with rice, sambal, and fresh vegetables. It’s spicy, satisfying, and one of Jakarta’s most beloved comfort foods.
🍗 Hot tip: The sambal makes the dish—ask for extra if you like it fiery.
Final Bites: Tips for Enjoying Jakarta’s Street Food
- Be adventurous, but cautious: Stick to busy vendors (high turnover = fresher food).
- Bring small change: Many vendors don’t have much change for large bills.
- Try it local-style: Don’t be afraid to eat with your hands—it’s the Indonesian way!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned foodie, Jakarta’s street food will win you over with its bold flavors and authentic vibe. So grab a seat on a plastic stool, soak up the street-side buzz, and dive in.
