Joanna James
A kaleidoscopic cityscape shimmering with old-world glamour and cutting-edge exhilarations, Jakarta is a scintillating sensory feast for every calibre of wanderlust-chaser, with an emphasis on tastebud-tingling delicacies. Here are some gourmet vendor stall dishes you can’t miss!
Known as the 'Big Durian' and as divisive as its creamy, spiked native fruit, Jakarta captivates tourists who are either enamoured by its lively grunginess and eclectic mix of authentic experiences or those who harbour strong opinions against it. Regardless, everyone agrees that its decadent food culture is nothing short of exceptional. The culinary scene showcases a vibrant array of flavours, ranging from sweet, spicy, salty, and sour to the distinctive umami savoriness. For a heartily delicious staple to fuel your whirlwind escapades in this captivating cosmopolis, indulge in Nasi Goreng, Indonesia's ubiquitous national dish. This flavourful creation consists of turmeric fried rice, sumptuously marinated meat, fresh seafood, egg slices, diced vegetables, and an array of irresistible accoutrements, including zingy sauces and salty anchovies. It's an experience that promises to satisfy your taste buds and immerse you in the rich culinary heritage of this dynamic city.
Jakarta has no shortage of slurp-worthy concoctions, from the vibrant Indo-Chinese Ifu Mie made of deep-fried egg noodles doused in a luxuriant sauce mixed in with meat, seafood, and veg stir-fry to the lush flavours and textures of Ketoprak, an acquired taste comprising vermicelli noodles tossed in sweet soy sauce, melt-in-the-mouth tofu seared to perfection, bean sprouts, crackers, and veggies slathered in peanut drizzle. However, if you’re in the mood for a stomach-warming noodle soup richly flavoured with beef tendon, condiments, fried shallots, soy sauce, and lime, Soto Mie will have you hooked with the first mouthful!
After a long, satisfying day of touring theatrically thematic recreation realms, hopping between upmarket artisan boutiques, and bartering at rustic open-air meccas, nothing quite hits the spot like a soul-comforting bowl of Bubur Ayam or chicken congee, composed of shredded poultry, fried scallion, and well-salted vegetables with a garnish of fresh celery, peanuts, and Chinese-style churros, presented with an essential dollop of spicy sambal. If you’re looking for classy and convenient accommodation, budget hotels in Jakarta don’t get more indulgently sophisticated than the likes of POP Hotel Airport Jakarta.
Jakarta’s cobbled Old Town streets showcasing eclectic heritage architecture, retro-chic trendsetting neighbourhoods, cutting-edge mega malls, enticingly quirky museums, and lively jewel-toned markets have a way of working up a formidable appetite! If you’re looking for a guilt-free snack like no other, these generous skewers of juicy charcoal-grilled mutton, chicken, and seafood, crusted with flakes of garlic and glazed with lip-smacking peanut or pineapple sauce can be gobbled up by the dozen!
If your palate is divided between spicy succulence and sweet indulgence, you don’t need to compromise! Arguably the most popular of all Indonesian street eats, this piquantly flaky pastry comes in two addictive varieties, whether you feel like deep-fried dough squares sandwiched in juicy marinated meat, eggs, and herbaceous garnish served with sweet chilli dip or the crispy golden-brown Martabak Manis topped with your most toothsome fantasy, from condensed milk, Nutella, and cream cheese to sliced tropical fruit, crushed Oreos, or roasted peanut and milk chocolate sprinkles.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
