Indonesia boasts an incredible culinary diversity, with each region offering unique flavors and dishes. For expats living in Jakarta, exploring traditional Indonesian food is one of the best ways to understand the local culture and traditions. 

The variety of spices, cooking methods, and regional influences create an exciting culinary adventure that shouldn’t be missed. 

Here are some Indonesian dishes that may not yet be familiar to you, complete with explanations of their taste, ingredients, serving style, and recommended places in Jakarta where you can try.

1. Eungkot Keumamah – Acehnese Spiced Dried Tuna

Eungkot keumamah is an Acehnese specialty made from tuna that has been boiled, dried, and cut into pieces, then cooked with rich spices such as chili, shallots, garlic, turmeric, and coconut milk, resulting in a distinct spicy and savory taste. 

The drying process gives the fish a unique chewy texture and allows it to absorb the flavors deeply. This dish is best enjoyed with warm white rice. 

One of the best places to try eungkot keumamah in Jakarta is Mie Aceh Seulawah, located at Jl. Bendungan Hilir No. 8, Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta. 

This restaurant offers authentic Acehnese flavors and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM with a price range of under IDR 50,000 per person.

2. Kupat Glabed – A Comforting Dish from Tegal

Kupat glabed is a specialty from Tegal, consisting of cut ketupat (compressed rice cake) drenched in a thick yellow coconut milk sauce flavored with turmeric. 

The sauce is rich and creamy, with a slightly sweet and savory taste, making it a comforting dish enjoyed by many. Often served with crunchy crackers or skewered meat, kupat glabed offers a delightful combination of textures that enhance the overall experience. 

In Jakarta, one of the best places to try this dish is Warung Sate Tegal in Tebet, South Jakarta, which serves kupat glabed with authentic flavors.

Located at Jl. Gunung Sahari No. 5, Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta, this eatery is open 24 hours daily, making it a convenient spot for any time cravings. The price range is quite affordable, with dishes costing under IDR 50,000 per person.

3. Wadai Ipau – The Banjarmasin Lasagna

Wadai ipau is a traditional dish from Banjarmasin, similar to lasagna, consisting of layers of flour-based dough filled with a mixture of chicken, carrots, boiled eggs, and scallions, then baked until cooked, resulting in a savory taste with a soft texture. 

The dish is often topped with coconut milk sauce, making it even richer in flavor. One of the best places to try wadai ipau in Jakarta is Dapur Banjarmasin, located at Jl. Boulevard Raya Blok QF1 No. 2, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. 

This restaurant offers a variety of South Kalimantan dishes, including wadai ipau, and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a price range of IDR 50,000 – IDR 100,000 per person.

4. Mie Bancir – Sweet and Savory Banjarmasin Noodles

Mie bancir is a specialty from Banjarmasin, served with a thick reddish-brown broth, usually topped with shredded chicken, celery, and scallions, giving it a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy taste.

The noodles are soft and absorb the broth well, creating a flavorful bite every time. One of the best places to try mie bancir in Jakarta is Warung Mie Bancir Kalimantan, located at Jl. Cempaka Putih Raya No. 108, Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta. 

This eatery serves mie bancir with an authentic Banjarmasin taste and is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a price range of IDR 30,000 – IDR 60,000 per person.

5. Kue Rangi – The Crispy-Sweet Betawi Snack

Kue rangi is a traditional Betawi snack made from a mixture of sago flour and grated coconut, grilled until crispy, and served with melted palm sugar syrup, giving it a sweet taste with a crunchy outer layer and a soft inside. 

The coconut flavor balances the sweetness, making it an addictive treat. One of the best places to try this snack in Jakarta is the Kota Tua Area, where many street vendors still prepare kue rangi using traditional methods. 

These vendors usually operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, depending on the vendor, with prices ranging from IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 per serving.

6. Sayur Babanci – A Rare Betawi Curry

Sayur babanci is a rare Betawi dish. Despite its name, which translates to "vegetable stew," it is more similar to a thick curry made with various spices, coconut milk, and beef as the main ingredient, giving it a rich, spicy, and savory flavor. 

The mix of aromatic spices makes it a flavorful dish that stands out from other Indonesian curries. One of the best places to try this dish in Jakarta is Restoran Betawi Haji Muhayar, located at Jl. Balai Pustaka Timur No. 48, Rawamangun, East Jakarta. 

This restaurant serves a variety of authentic Betawi dishes, including sayur babanci. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a price range of IDR 50,000 – IDR 100,000 per person.

7. Lorjuk – Madura’s Unique Bamboo Clam Dish

Lorjuk is a type of bamboo clam commonly found in Madura. It is often processed into various dishes, such as lorjuk crackers or mixed into lodeh (vegetable stew), giving it a savory taste with a unique chewy texture. 

The natural umami flavor makes it a favorite among seafood lovers. One of the best places to try this dish in Jakarta is Warung Madura Pak Joko, located at Jl. Garuda No. 60, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. 

This eatery offers various Madurese dishes, including delicious lorjuk preparations. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a price range of IDR 30,000 – IDR 60,000 per person.

Experience the Rich Culinary Heritage of Indonesia

Exploring Jakarta’s traditional food scene is a journey of taste and culture. Whether you crave something spicy, savory, or sweet, the city has it all. But wouldn’t it be easier if you lived close to all these amazing food destinations?

Pondok Indah Golf Apartment offers the perfect home for expats who want easy access to Jakarta’s best dining spots.

Located in a prime area, it provides quick connections to business districts, malls, and top restaurants, allowing you to enjoy Indonesia’s rich food culture without the hassle of long commutes.

Live comfortably while experiencing Jakarta’s diverse flavors every day. Choose Pondok Indah Golf Apartment, where great food and a great lifestyle come together!