Jakarta Old-Fashioned Cuisine — From Kota Tua to Cikini Alley
Jakarta is a city where Betawi (native Jakarta) cuisine, Chinese-style noodles, and colonial-era cafes coexist. Traffic is heavy, so allow ample time for travel using the Gojek or Grab apps; Soto Betawi is hearty and suitable for lunch thanks to its coconut milk broth. Avoid ice from street vendors and bring bottled water.
Cafe Batavia
Cafe Batavia
Bakmi GM Kazamada Main Branch (Bakmi GM)
Bakmi GM (Gajah Mada flagship)
Soto Betawi Haji Maruf (H. Ma ruf)
Soto Betawi H. Ma'ruf
Gado-Gado Bonbin
Gado-Gado Bonbin
Sate Khas Senayan
Sate Khas Senayan
Cafe Batavia
Cafe Batavia
A café and restaurant in a colonial-style building in Fatahillah Square. It is a great place to enjoy Nasi Goreng with a view of the square from the window seat on the second floor.
Bakmi GM Kazamada Main Branch (Bakmi GM)
Bakmi GM (Gajah Mada flagship)
The original location of Jakarta's representative noodle chain, which started in 1959. The combination of Bakmi Special and fried wontons (Pang Sit Goreng) is the unwritten rule.
Soto Betawi Haji Maruf (H. Ma ruf)
Soto Betawi H. Ma'ruf
A renowned restaurant for Soto Betawi dating back to the 1940s. If you order half meat and half offal, you can taste the essence of rich coconut broth.
Gado-Gado Bonbin
Gado-Gado Bonbin
Jjikini, a long-standing restaurant established in 1960 known for its Gado-ga-do (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). There is a wait during lunchtime, so visiting right after opening is recommended.
Sate Khas Senayan
Sate Khas Senayan
A leading brand where you can enjoy chicken and goat satay in a clean environment. It is a safe choice for your first Indonesian satay experience and is fully air-conditioned.
