10 Best Foods in Jakarta You Must Try at Least Once

​​If you look closely, Jakarta isn’t just a city. It’s a melting pot of flavors from across Indonesia and beyond. From humble street food rooted in regional traditions to modern restaurants serving global cuisine, the capital offers a culinary landscape where every craving can be satisfied in one place.

For foodies, finding the best Indonesian food in Jakarta is an adventure in itself, leading you through narrow alleys and bustling markets to that perfect bite.

Ready to go on a flavor hunt? Here are Bob’s 10 most wanted foods in Jakarta that you absolutely have to try at least once!

10 Top Picks for the Best Foods in Jakarta 

RM Sepakat Mayestik

Since 1967, Rumah Makan Sepakat has been a sanctuary for Minangkabau food lovers. Located in the busy Blok M area (specifically Jalan Melawai IX), the atmosphere is always abuzz. You’ll see everyone from solo seniors to office workers lining up for their lunch fuel. While most Padang places stack plates on your table, here you line up at a glass booth to pick your favorites.

The undisputed star is the Gulai Gajeboh—tender beef brisket fat cooked in a tangy asam padeh sauce. It’s rich, spicy, and usually the first thing to sell out! If you’re not a fan of fat, their Ikan Bawal Bakar (grilled pomfret) and Gulai Tunjang are top-tier. 

It’s a place where history meets flavor, and according to the owner, Yofie Ahmad, many customers who used to date here now bring their children and grandchildren!

Also Read: 7 Best Street Foods in Jakarta That You’ll Definitely Adore!

Martabak Bangka Akim

If you think all martabak look the same, head over to Jalan Tanjung Duren No. 45, West Jakarta. Martabak Bangka Akim turns this classic snack into a masterpiece by rolling it like a Swiss cake roll. This unique "Martabak Gulung" started as a fun experiment by the owner, Akim, and turned into a viral sensation.

The texture is incredibly soft and "legit," especially if you opt for the Pandan flavor with a generous smear of Wisman butter. The filling—usually a mix of chocolate, cheese, peanuts, and sesame—is so abundant it spills out when you take a bite. It’s a takeaway-only spot with a few plastic chairs for the queue, so be prepared to wait! 

A pandan roll with extra Wisman might cost you around Rp72,000, but one bite of that savory-sweet goodness makes it worth every penny!

Bubur Ayam Cikini

Since the 1960s, Bubur Ayam Cikini on Jalan Cisadane has been the go-to for a comforting bowl of porridge. Founded by H.R. Suleman, who had Indian roots, the shop originally sold martabak before pivoting to Chinese-style porridge tailored to Indonesian tastes. Unlike the watery versions you might find elsewhere, this porridge is thick, savory, and cooked with kampung chicken broth.

What makes it one of the must-try foods in Jakarta is the "Bur-Tel" (Bubur Telur). A raw kampung chicken egg is cracked into piping-hot porridge, creating a creamy, silky texture without any fishy smell. They don't use MSG or preservatives, relying on tongcai (preserved radish) and salty soy sauce for flavor. 

Open from 6 AM to 11 PM, it's the perfect spot for an early breakfast or a late-night supper!

Soto Betawi H. Maruf

You can't talk about food in Jakarta without mentioning Soto Betawi, and H. Ma’ruf is royalty in the scene! 

Operating since the 1940s, this family business has survived the fast-food era by sticking to its guns. Now managed by the third generation, Mufti Maulana, the restaurant maintains a recipe that is "sacred."

The broth is a delicate balance of milk and beef stock, offering a subtle, creamy flavor that isn't overly salty. They use high-quality beef and offal, served in a clean, renovated space that still keeps its "old-school" soul. It’s a taste of history that has been enjoyed by everyone from students to high-ranking officials. 

For the best experience, visit their legendary spot at the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) area, Bob’s Besties!
 

Also Read: Things to Do in Jakarta: 3 Fun-Filled Days of Where to Go, Eat, and Stay!

Ayam Goreng Buni Mangga Besar (Buni Fried Chicken)

In the heart of Mangga Besar lies Ayam Goreng Buni, a legendary fried chicken stall that has been around since 1958. Founded by Tan Pang Nio, the name "Buni" comes from the Buni trees that used to line the alleyway where they first started. Today, it’s a bustling eatery that even attracts celebrities and food influencers.

Their signature dish is the Ayam Goreng Ketumbar (Coriander Fried Chicken). The chicken is marinated deeply with spices, resulting in a savory, aromatic crunch that pairs perfectly with their fragrant Nasi Uduk. Don't forget to dip your chicken into their signature sambal for that extra kick! Located near Kota Tua, it’s a perfect pitstop after a day of sightseeing.

Bakmi Apo

If you're a noodle enthusiast, Bakmi Apo is a mandatory stop!

Famous for its Bakmi Karet (rubber noodles), this shop offers a unique texture—thick, firm, and satisfyingly chewy. Established in 1960 by a grandmother nicknamed "Apo," the business is now a family affair, even involving the well-known DJ Patricia Schuldtz.

While the original is in Pasar Baru, they’ve expanded to areas like Cinere and South Jakarta. Their Bakmi Karet Ayam Kampoeng is the crowd favorite, topped with succulent steamed chicken. They also offer delicious side dishes like bakso goreng and siomay. 

Starting at around Rp35,000, it’s an affordable luxury for anyone seeking authentic Chinese-Indonesian flavors without breaking the bank!

Gado-Gado Cemara

Operating for over 72 years, Gado-Gado Cemara is the gold standard for Indonesian salad. What sets them apart is the sauce. Why? Because they don't just use peanuts, but also mix in cashews (kacang mede) for a richer, creamier finish. The vegetables—spinach, cabbage, long beans, and sprouts—are always blanched to perfection, ensuring they stay fresh and crunchy.

The sauce here isn't spicy by default, so you can customize your heat level with the sambal on the table. A regular portion is quite large and comes with a mountain of crackers (emping and kerupuk kuning). While the price is slightly higher than your average street stall (around Rp37.000 for a regular portion), trust Bob, the quality and history in every bite are undeniable, Bob’s Besties!

Also Read: 8 Best Affordable Steaks in Jakarta That Will Satisfy Your Cravings on a Budget!

Laksa Lao Hoe

Hidden in the labyrinth of Glodok’s Petak Sembilan, Laksa Lao Hoe feels like a time machine. The name "Lao Hoe" means "Old Person," and the interior is decorated with antique furniture and old photos. It’s one of the most atmospheric places to enjoy good food in Jakarta.

Their Laksa is a Peranakan-style masterpiece—fresh, aromatic, and free from artificial preservatives. The yellow coconut broth is light yet flavorful, usually served with rice noodles, chicken, and egg. To complete the meal, order their marinated Ayam Goreng. It’s the ultimate comfort food after a long walk through the historic Chinatown district!

Cakue Ko Atek

Since 1971, Ko Atek has been frying up Jakarta's most famous cakwe (fried dough) and kue bantal (sweet fried bread) in a tiny green shop in Gang Kelinci, Pasar Baru. The secret to his legendary crunch? He uses pure coconut oil instead of palm oil. This ensures the dough stays crispy and non-greasy for hours.

Ko Atek prepares the dough himself every night, frying it fresh starting at 10 AM. You can watch him skillfully stretch the dough before tossing it into the bubbling oil. At only Rp5,000 a piece, it’s a steal. Pro tip: get there early! They often sell out before 4 PM because locals snap them up for afternoon snacks.
 

Also Read: 10+ Interesting Places in Jakarta That are Well Worth the Visit

Ayam Goreng Mat Lengket

Don't let the name scare you—"Lengket" (sticky) refers to how the flavor sticks to your memory!

Ayam Goreng Mat Lengket in Jatinegara Kaum has been a local favorite since 1973. This place is so famous that even President Jokowi visited during his time as Governor.

They exclusively use kampung chicken, frying up to 400 chickens a day on weekends. The meat is lean and flavorful, served alongside a savory Nasi Uduk and a sambal that people rave about. It’s a simple, no-frills establishment, but the constant stream of cars parked outside proves that this is truly one of the 10 most wanted foods in Jakarta!

Stay Close to the Flavors at Bobopod Jakarta!

Exploring the culinary wonders of the capital is a lot easier when you have a comfy home base. If you're planning a food crawl through these legendary spots, why not stay at Bobopod? With several locations across the city, you'll never be too far from the action!

If you’re looking for a futuristic stay near Pasar Baru, Bobopod Juanda is a great pick, while Bobopod Tanah Abang offers a cozier pod experience in the heart of Tanah Abang. Both strike the perfect balance between affordability and high-tech comfort, making them ideal for recharging after a full day of eating your way through the city.

Ready for a Jakarta food adventure? Book your pod now via the Bobobox App and get ready to taste the best the city has to offer!

Writer: Ratna Asih
Featured photo: Freepik