30+ Delicious and Legendary Jakarta Specialties You Must Try!

The capital city of Jakarta is not only a center of activity but also a culinary treasure trove rich in flavors. The strong Betawi culture adds to the charm of this city, making it an attractive destination for food lovers. From traditional to modern dishes, Jakarta offers a plethora of delicious foods that you must try. Here are over 30 typical Jakarta dishes that will delight your taste buds!

1. Ketoprak

Ketoprak is one of the street foods that is highly loved by the people of Jakarta. It consists of pieces of ketupat drizzled with thick peanut sauce, and is also complemented with fried tofu, vermicelli, and fresh bean sprouts. The sweet and savory flavor of the peanut sauce perfectly blends with the soft texture of the ketupat and the crispiness of the tofu. Ketoprak is often sold by street vendors, making it a practical choice for lunch or dinner. With its affordable price, ketoprak is a dish that is not only filling but also appetizing.

2. Kerak Telor

Another popular Jakarta specialty is kerak telor, a must-try snack. Made from a mixture of chicken or duck eggs, glutinous rice, dried shrimp, and fried onions, kerak telor is cooked in a flat pan until the bottom is crispy. This unique cooking process creates a crispy layer at the bottom, while the top remains soft and savory. Usually served with a sprinkle of fried onions and serundeng, kerak telor is an ideal dish to enjoy as an afternoon snack. The enticing aroma makes it hard to resist.

3. Soto Betawi

Soto Betawi is a culinary icon of Jakarta that is rich in flavor. Unlike other sotos, this one uses beef offal as the main ingredient, such as lungs and liver, providing a variety of textures. The thick and aromatic broth is usually enriched with coconut milk, making it even more delicious. Served with slices of tomato, green onions, and lime, Soto Betawi offers a balance of savory, sour, and spicy flavors. This dish is often enjoyed with warm white rice, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.

4. Soto Tangkar

In addition to Soto Betawi, Soto Tangkar is another famous variation of soto in Jakarta. It uses beef ribs as the main ingredient, providing a richer flavor and tender meat. Its thick broth and savory taste make Soto Tangkar a favorite among many. Usually served with rice and sambal, Soto Tangkar is a very satisfying meal, especially in cold weather. Many eateries in Jakarta serve this dish, and each place has its secret recipe that makes it unique.

5. Semur Jengkol

A Jakarta dish that may be controversial for some due to its strong aroma is semur jengkol. However, for fans, semur jengkol is an irreplaceable comfort food. Cooked with sweet spices and rich seasonings, this stew provides a deep and tempting flavor. The jengkol used has a chewy texture, and when cooked perfectly, it tastes delicious. This dish is often served with white rice and sambal, making it a popular choice among the people of Jakarta.

6. Sayur Babanci

Sayur Babanci is a unique dish in Jakarta because, despite its name containing the word "sayur" (vegetable), it does not contain fresh vegetables. Instead, this dish has a flavor similar to curry, rich in strong spices. Usually made from a mixture of coconut milk and special seasonings, Sayur Babanci offers a captivating savory taste. This dish is often served as a complement to rice or side dishes, and is perfect for enjoying with family.

7. Pindang Bandeng Betawi

Pindang Bandeng Betawi, also known as pindang serani, is a typical Jakarta dish that combines milkfish with special spices and sweet soy sauce. The milkfish used is usually fresh, providing a delicious taste and tender texture. The cooking process results in a rich and aromatic broth. This pindang is often served with rice and lalapan, making it a refreshing and appetizing choice.

8. Nasi Ulam

Next is Nasi Ulam, a Jakarta specialty that is similar to nasi uduk but has its own distinct characteristics. This rice is cooked with coconut milk and mixed with crushed peanuts and coconut serundeng, giving it a different flavor and texture. Nasi ulam is usually served with various side dishes, such as fried chicken, eggs, and vegetables. With its rich flavor and balanced composition, Nasi Ulam is a perfect choice for a delicious lunch.

9. Gado Gado

Who doesn't know gado gado? This refreshing Jakarta salad consists of various fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, long beans, and cabbage, served with tofu and tempeh. All these ingredients are drizzled with thick and spicy peanut sauce, providing a rich and appetizing flavor. Gado gado is often chosen as a healthy lunch option and is perfect to enjoy with white rice or lontong. This dish is not only delicious but also offers health benefits thanks to its abundant vegetable content.

10. Asinan Betawi

Asinan Betawi is a fresh dish typical of Jakarta that differs from other asinan because it uses more vegetables than fruits. A mixture of cauliflower, lettuce, bean sprouts, and white tofu is mixed with a refreshing sweet and sour dressing. This dish is often served with fried peanuts that add a crunchy texture. Asinan Betawi is the perfect choice to accompany heavy meals, making it a refreshing complement.

11. Gabus Pucung

Another delicious culinary option in Jakarta is Gabus Pucung. This dish is a unique culinary creation that uses snakehead fish and pucung fruit as the main ingredients. The pucung fruit, which used to be abundant in Jakarta, provides a distinctive and refreshing sour taste. The snakehead fish cooked with rich spices creates a tempting dish. Gabus Pucung is often served with warm rice and is perfect to enjoy in hot weather.

12. Laksa

Next is Laksa Jakarta. This Jakarta dish offers a different flavor from the more well-known overseas versions. With rich spices and components like noodles and tofu, Jakarta's laksa has a thick and enticing broth. This dish is usually served hot, providing the perfect warmth when enjoyed. Laksa is a favorite choice among the people of Jakarta, especially during rainy weather.

13. Akar Kelapa

This traditional cake from Jakarta has a shape resembling coconut roots. Made from a mixture of flour and coconut, Akar Kelapa offers a sweet taste that is perfect to enjoy with coffee or tea. This cake makes for a warm and appetizing snack.

14. Dodol Betawi

Dodol Betawi is a sweet treat often found during major celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. With a dark brown color and chewy texture, this dodol is made from natural ingredients like glutinous rice, sugar, and coconut milk. Its varying flavors, from sweet to savory, make this dodol very popular among all ages. This dish is also often given as a typical Jakarta souvenir.

15. Toge Goreng

Toge goreng is a simple dish consisting of bean sprouts, yellow noodles, and chives. Although it looks simple, the flavor of toge goreng is very appetizing. Cooked with the right spices and served hot, this dish is a perfect choice for a quick and filling lunch.

16. Manisan Kolang Kaling

Manisan kolang kaling is made from the atap fruit, which has a chewy texture and