Joanna James
A stunning archipelago steeped in the lush brew of nature and heritage, Indonesia is full of multi-cultural nuances, and its cuisine provides enriching insights into all the flavours of fascinating history. Here are some must-try dishes lovingly introduced by the Betawi in the eclectic Capital.
The Betawi clan is the original residents of Jakarta, with a cultural foothold in nearly every other ethnic population, especially when it comes to food! From the Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village to the fascinating subdistricts of Pasar Minggu and Rawa Belong, you can find, amidst flower markets, rare fruit trees, and traditional housing, the unique and poignant flavours and textures of this sensational cuisine. One unmissable dish that will warm you to your toes while stating up fireworks on your palate is this thick and silky coconut and whole-milk soup shot through with a selection of spices and stuffed generously with beef and offal to elevate it above any other soup in terms of flavour profile and comfort value.
If you're a die-hard fan of rice dishes, or even if you're not super committed to grains, Nasi Kebuli will transport you to cloud nine, comprising steaming rice cooked in goat broth with hints of milk and buttery ghee, accompanied by tender mutton cooked with sautéed spices.
If your tastebuds are craving something bold and beautiful, the exotic combination of savoury papaya in coconut milk, firm rice cake, and beans with an onion and prawn cracker garnish will transport you to an aromatic realm of spiciness, only made more perfect with a hard-boiled egg smacked on top.
If you like your desserts simple yet mouthwatering, head over to any street stall in the city and sample the dulcet notes of this traditional crispy yet soft rice flour cake, which retains a hint of savouriness despite the sweetness of added palm sugar.
If you're due for a quick brunch stop before setting out on a scenic day trip, nothing quite hits the spot like Nasi Uduk, which is creamy coconut-scented rice seasoned with lemongrass and spices and adorned with omelette slices, sautéed tofu, chicken, dried tempeh fried in sweet chilli sauce, and jengkol stew.
If you're in the mood for a delicious and healthy yet light snack to fuel you up in the middle of your exploring, this spicy duck egg omelette will greet you from the stalls near Monas and the Ragunan Zoo, so you don't have to venture far off the beaten track! This tastes of a medley of flavours from sweet sticky rice, charcoal-fried shallots, and shrimp to golden-brown toasted coconut and fluffy egg soufflé. If you're looking for a sophisticated apartment in Sudirman proffering prime access to the city's gastronomic enticements, venture no further than Ascott Sudirman Jakarta.
This glutinous and highly addictive sweet made from palm sugar or jaggery combined with coconut milk and sticky rice flour is certainly a labour of love to make but tastes like a cross between a sticky toffee bar and a sesame sweet. Whether you prefer trying the original in all its glory or the sesame and durian-flavoured variations, visit Condet, a picturesque Betawi heritage site, for this delectable confection and other traditional delights.
If you're in the mood for a healthier snack but Betawi cuisine has raised the bar for flavour, the colourful medley of vegetables, tempeh, and egg drizzled with lip-smacking peanut sauce and topped with crunch crackers will ensure that you will not be disappointed.
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