MILKY WAY HIDDEN GEMS #2

JAKARTA HIDDEN GEMS!From classic, ubiquitous meals to secret family recipe and quirky creations, the wealth of taste at Jakarta’s lively street food scene reflects the city’s diversity and versatility.

While the metropolitan Jakarta is not short of lavish restaurants, street food remains one of the best ways to truly taste the city. Jakarta street food stalls are where you can feast on delicious meals; no fuss. Everything is straight and simple as you forget all finicky table manners and simply enjoy the meal, then pay later for the generous portion without breaking the bank.

Mixing together tasty food with delightful and casual local settings, the street food scene brings people together, from common foodies to celebrities, in enjoying unpretentious local delights.

GULAI TIKUNGAN

Every night, dozens of cars are parked at the sides of Mahakam street as people swarm in for a warming and delicious gulai. Known and loved for the spicy savoury taste, gulai consists of beef slices drenched in spices-rich sauce, served with rice and optional chili condiments. Gultik (short for Gulai Tikungan) serves rather small portions, but at less than $1 per serving, many people find it customary to order second (or third!) helpings of the aromatic gulai.

SEAFOOD AYU

In coastal North Jakarta, seafood can be enjoyed in both lavish settings and humble street food carts. Seafood Ayu serves restaurant-grade dishes in a humble tent, bringing unpretentious big portioned meals to the table, with a very affordable bill. They have everything from crabs, prawns, and clams, to various fish, ready to be prepared however you like — fried, grilled, or sauced. Don’t forget to order a serving of stir-fried water spinach (kangkung) to go with the scrumptious seafood.

BUBUR AYAM BARITO

Bubur Ayam (chicken congee) is an ubiquitous street food dish in Jakarta, especially popular as a breakfast dish. This food stall in Barito street has increasing numbers of fans across the city thanks to the dense, aromatic porridge and overflowing toppings. In addition to the usual shredded chicken and cakwe, a bowl of chicken congee at Bubur Ayam Barito is also served with cheese sticks. The unlikely extra has proven.