9 Betawi Specialties for Local Culinary Lovers
If you love rich flavors and culinary traditions, you need to get to know these iconic Betawi dishes. Betawi cuisine is famous for its savory spices and unique flavor combinations that often come as a surprise. Its taste is perfect for those who enjoy comforting homemade-style food with deep flavors.
Betawi Dishes You Must Try!
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Here are 9 authentic Betawi foods you should definitely try:
1. Sayur Babanci
This dish is unique, its name alone sparks curiosity. Despite being called sayur (vegetable dish), you won’t find many vegetables in it. The broth is thick, dark-colored, and made with more than 20 types of spices. Its dominant taste is savory with a strong aroma of spices. This Betawi specialty is perfect if you love soupy dishes that stand out from the rest.
2. Gabus Pucung
At first glance, gabus pucung might remind you of rawon because of its black broth. The difference is, this dish uses fried snakehead fish and kluwek seasoning. Its taste is savory with a hint of bitterness from the kluwek, making it a delight for those who enjoy bold flavors and unique aromas.
3. Kerak Telor
Here’s the most famous street food from Jakarta. It’s made with duck eggs, sticky rice, spiced coconut flakes (serundeng), and roasted shrimp (ebi). The flavor is savory with a smoky touch, as it’s cooked directly over hot charcoal. This traditional snack is the best pick if you love crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside street food.
4. Soto Tangkar
If you’re a meat lover and enjoy coconut milk broth, this dish is a must-try. Soto tangkar uses beef ribs with spices like cardamom and cumin, giving it a distinctive aroma. The taste is savory and creamy yet still light on the stomach. It’s the perfect comfort food during the rainy season.
5. Nasi Ulam Betawi
Betawi-style nasi ulam offers a complex flavor profile. The rice is infused with herbs like pegagan leaves or basil, served with spiced coconut flakes (serundeng) and various side dishes such as eggs, dried beef (dendeng), or beef stew (semur). The taste is savory with a slight sweetness. If you love mixed rice with a touch of spices, this dish is a must-try.
6. Laksa Betawi
Unlike other regional laksa that often use seafood, laksa Betawi features free-range chicken or eggs, served in a rich coconut milk broth filled with spices. The result is creamy, savory, and satisfying—perfect for those who enjoy warm, hearty soups.
7. Tauge Goreng
Don’t be fooled by its name—although it’s called “fried bean sprouts,” this dish is actually stir-fried. It’s served with yellow noodles, tofu, and topped with tauco (fermented soybean paste) and oncom sauce. The taste is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s a great choice if you love fermented flavors in local dishes.
8. Soto Betawi
Soto Betawi is one of Jakarta’s most iconic dishes you simply can’t miss. Its broth is made with a mix of coconut milk, creating a savory and creamy flavor. It’s usually filled with beef cuts, offal, or tripe, served with tomato, emping crackers, and chili sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love warm, spice-rich, and flavorful meals.
9. Asinan Betawi
Fresh, crunchy, and tangy-spicy—that’s the signature of asinan Betawi. It usually consists of vegetables like cabbage, bean sprouts, and carrots that are pickled, then topped with chili-vinegar dressing, roasted peanuts, and crispy crackers. If you enjoy spicy local-style salads, you’ll love this dish.
Betawi cuisine is bold and unique. Each dish carries its own story and distinct flavor. If you love exploring different tastes, this list can be your culinary travel guide.
And if you sell Betawi specialties or want to ship food safely and quickly across cities, you can use Paxel’s delivery service. With same-day delivery and secure food handling, you can ensure your food stays fresh until it reaches customers. Let’s spread the love for Betawi food all across Indonesia!
