As the host of the 43rd ASEAN High-Level Conference (KTT) held from September 5 to 7, 2023, DKI Jakarta boasts a range of tourist destinations for delegates to explore. Beyond that, creative economic products like Jakarta’s street food are readily available and highly recommended for delegates to savor during the ASEAN KTT in Jakarta.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) recommends several street food items that delegates can enjoy during breaks or while attending the ASEAN KTT in Jakarta.
Betawi cuisine offers a variety of tantalizing snacks, ranging from appetizers to desserts, including street food. These Betawi traditional snacks are called “jajanan pasar” because they are typically found in traditional markets in Jakarta. Over time, these street foods have made their way into malls and modern shopping centers.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, stated in Jakarta on Monday, September 4, 2023, that Betawi cuisine has an authentic and unique taste that has been passed down from generation to generation.
“I hope that during the series of meetings, ASEAN KTT delegates take the time to savor Betawi cuisine to make their working visit to Indonesia, especially Jakarta, more memorable,” Sandiaga said.
Here are some must-try Jakarta street foods for ASEAN KTT delegates in 2023:
Kerak Telor
Who doesn’t know this iconic dish? Anyone visiting Jakarta can easily find this legendary Betawi street food. It’s known for its savory taste, soft interior, and crispy exterior. It’s perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee or warm tea in the afternoon.
This delicacy is made from duck eggs mixed with white glutinous rice, fried shallots, and dried shrimp. It’s seasoned with ground red chili, kencur (an aromatic herb), ginger, serundeng (coconut and spice mixture), pepper, salt, and sugar. The unique cooking method involves placing the pan over charcoal, allowing the kerak telor to cook until it’s thoroughly crispy.
Selendang Mayang
Selendang mayang is a popular Betawi snack made from rice flour and colorful food dyes (usually green, red, and white). It’s combined with syrup, coconut milk, and ice. This dish has a sweet, savory, cool, and refreshing taste, making it a perfect dessert.
Bir Pletok
Despite the name, “bir” means “beer” in Indonesian, Bir Pletok contains no alcohol. Instead, it’s a warming and invigorating beverage made from a blend of selected spices, including secang wood, cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, red ginger, turmeric, black pepper, pandan leaves, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom. Sugar and salt are added to enhance its flavor.
Kue Cincin
As the name suggests, this cake is shaped like a ring and has a brownish color due to the use of palm sugar. It’s commonly served at special events like weddings and circumcision ceremonies. Apart from palm sugar, it’s made from glutinous rice flour and toasted coconut.
Kembang Goyang
Kembang goyang, which translates to “shaking flower,” is often seen at Betawi celebrations. It’s called “shaking flower” because of its flower-like appearance and the shaking technique used to release it from the mold. This simple snack is made from rice flour mixed with salt and sugar, fried until crispy, and garnished with sesame seeds.
Talam Pandan
Talam pandan is a traditional Betawi cake that has spread throughout Indonesia. It’s known for its delicious taste and beautiful appearance, resembling a lotus flower with two distinct layers. The bottom layer is usually made of white, sticky rice flour, while the top layer is green, made from rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. It’s often decorated with pandan leaves, grated coconut, or sesame seeds.
Putu Mayang
Putu mayang is a traditional Betawi snack made from rice flour and coconut milk, resembling small, round noodles. It’s typically served with thick, sweet palm sugar syrup, giving it a uniquely sweet and savory flavor.
These delightful street foods of Jakarta provide delegates with an opportunity to savor the city’s rich culinary heritage during their visit to the ASEAN KTT.