When talking about Jakarta, don't just think of traffic jams and tall buildings. This city also has a myriad of Betawi culinary delights that will make you miss them! From main courses to refreshing drinks, they all have unique flavors that can't be found anywhere else. Let's get to know some of Jakarta's culinary icons that you must try:
Kerak Telor
Source: 1) By Dainsleaf - Public Domain, 2) By Gunawan Kartapranata - CC BY-SA 3.0
This dish is often a favorite at festivals or cultural events. It's made from sticky rice cooked with eggs, along with shrimp, serundeng, and special spices. Uniquely, kerak telor is cooked in a small pan without oil. While it may seem simple, the cooking process is truly artistic.
Soto Betawi
Source: 2Madison Cafe Menu Documentation
If you're craving something soupy and savory, soto Betawi is the answer. The thick broth, usually made with coconut milk or coconut milk, gives it a very creamy taste. The filling can be beef, lung, or offal, and it's served with emping (rice crackers) and warm rice.
Es Selendang Mayang
Source: By Scarlet.mayaputri - Own work, CC BY 4.0
This one is perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Es selendang mayang is made from chewy, colorful sago dough, served with coconut milk, melted brown sugar, and ice cubes. It's sweet, refreshing, and slightly savory. Besides being delicious, it's also beautiful!
Bir Pletok
Source: 1) By Swarabakti - CC BY-SA 4.0, 2) By Swarabakti - CC BY-SA 4.0
Don't worry, despite its name, this drink doesn't contain any alcohol. Bir pletok is a traditional Betawi drink made from a mixture of ginger, lemongrass, sappanwood, and other spices. It has a distinctive red color and a warming sensation.
Es Doger
Source: 1) By Gunawan Kartapranata - CC BY-SA 3.0, 2) By SATELLITE BM9 - CC BY-SA 4.0
Ice cream lovers must try this! Es doger is a cold drink consisting of shaved ice, black sticky rice, young coconut, slices of white bread, and pacar cina, topped with sweetened condensed milk and red syrup. The combination tastes sweet, rich, and refreshing.
Those are five Betawi culinary delights you shouldn't miss. Besides being delicious, each dish has its own history and traditions deeply rooted in Jakarta's culture. If you're curious to try one of these dishes, especially Soto Betawi, you can stop by 2Madison Cafe! Available with chicken or beef, choose according to your preference.
Written by Noverdy R
