Enjoy the deliciousness of various Betawi snacks, from kerak telor to Betawi dodol, which offer unique flavors and are rich in history.
Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is not only the center of business and government but also the birthplace of various mouth-watering Betawi snacks.
Behind the hustle and bustle of the city , there are many delicious dishes that have become Betawi cultural heritage.
Although difficult to find everyday, these traditional snacks are still available in some places and special events. Here are 10 Betawi snacks that you must try!
1. Ape Cake
Kue Ape is a sweet snack that can be enjoyed by all ages. With a round shape, the center of this cake is thick and soft, while the edges are thin and crispy.
Usually green in color with pandan aroma, Ape cake now comes with various variants such as cheese, chocolate, and pineapple jam. This cake is widely sold in front of schools or in traditional markets.
2. Mayang Shawl
Selendang Mayang is a refreshing drink made from rice flour that is perfect for dealing with hot weather. This ice consists of colorful pieces of flour cake served with a mixture of syrup, coconut milk, and ice.
Apart from being refreshing, Selendang Mayang ice is also quite filling, making it the right choice to quench your thirst during the day.
As a Typical Betawi Food, this traditional drink can still be enjoyed at Betawi cultural events or at Setu Babakan, even though it is rarely found nowadays.
3. Leker Cake
Kue Leker is a Betawi adaptation of Crepes, a popular snack from the Netherlands. This cake has a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.
The classic Leker cake is filled with sugar and banana, but now there are modern variants such as chocolate, cheese, and green tea.
The name “Leker” comes from the Dutch word for “delicious,” and this cake can still be found in various markets and school areas.
4. Putu Mayang
Putu Mayang is a traditional cake with an attractive and colorful shape. Made from rice flour and served with brown sugar sauce and coconut milk, this cake has a distinctive chewy texture and a soft sweet taste.
Its attractive appearance with red, white, and green colors makes Putu Mayang a favorite snack at Betawi traditional events.
5. Egg Crust
Kerak Telor is probably the most famous Betawi snack. Made from a mixture of sticky rice, duck or chicken eggs, and roasted shrimp, this snack has a distinctive savory taste.
Served with fried onions and roasted coconut seasoning, kerak telor is usually cooked on a stove so it has an authentic aroma and taste. This snack is often found at big events such as the Jakarta Fair.
6. Pancong Cake
Kue Pancong is a traditional cake made from grated coconut and rice flour, resulting in a savory taste with a little sweetness.
Now, Kue Pancong has developed with the addition of various toppings such as cheese and chocolate which makes it still popular among young people. Usually sold on street carts , this cake is best eaten while warm.
7. Rangi Cake
Kue Rangi is a typical Betawi snack made from sago flour and grated coconut cooked until crispy. This cake has a crunchy texture with a sweet taste from the brown sugar sauce poured on top.
Kue Rangi is hard to find, but can still be found in certain places such as Setu Babakan, Jatinegara Market, and Mayestik Market. Its unique taste makes it perfect to eat with tea or coffee.
8. Cubit Cake
Kue Cubit is a popular snack that is usually sold in front of schools or traditional markets. Made from a dough of wheat flour, sugar, and eggs, this cake is cooked in a small mold so that it is tiny and can be taken with two fingers, like “pinching.”
Kue cubit comes with toppings such as chocolate, cheese, or nuts to enrich its taste. Although it originates from Betawi, this cake is also widely known in various regions with different variations.
9. Gemblong Cake
Kue Gemblong is a Betawi specialty cake made from sticky rice and coated with brown sugar. This cake has a chewy texture with a distinctive sweet taste . After being fried, gemblong is coated with brown sugar so that it has a shiny and attractive appearance.
Usually this cake is eaten as an afternoon snack with warm tea. Although simple, Gemblong cake is still popular because of its authentic taste.
10. Betawi Dodol
Betawi dodol is a sweet food that is often present at big events such as hajatan and Eid celebrations. Having a chewy texture and sweet taste , Betawi dodol usually comes in white sticky rice, black sticky rice, and durian flavors.
This dodol is widely sold in the Setu Babakan area and Betawi souvenir shops. The long manufacturing process and quality ingredients make Betawi dodol a special snack that is loved by many people.
Betawi snacks are not just food, but also part of a cultural heritage that needs to be preserved. From traditional sweet cakes to legendary savory snacks, all of these Typical Jakarta Food items hold a history and a distinctive taste.
When visiting Jakarta, be sure to try some of these snacks and experience the authentic Betawi culinary delights!
