22.01.2026

What Snacks to Buy in Jakarta | 5 Authentic & Tasty Treats

Let's be honest: shopping for Indonesian snacks to bring home can be overwhelming. The markets are huge, the options are endless, and you don't want to waste luggage space on mediocre treats. As a frequent Jakarta visitor, I've learned which snacks are worth the suitcase real estate. This isn't just a list—it's your personal cheat sheet for choosing the best what food to buy in Jakarta that will actually impress your friends and satisfy your cravings later.

Quick Pick: Top 5 Jakarta Snacks for First-Timers

If you're short on time or decision fatigue, start with these winners:

Kerak Telor - The iconic savory egg "pizza"
Dodol Betawi - Chewy, sweet candy blocks (perfect for gifts)
Krupuk - Assorted crispy crackers (they travel well)
Kue Ape - Green pandan mini pancakes
Selendang Mayang - Iced dessert for hot days

Your Complete Guide: What Snacks to Buy in Jakarta

Here’s everything you need to know about Jakarta’s edible souvenirs, organized from "must-try" to "hidden gem."

1. Kerak Telor: Jakarta's Signature Street Food

Image Source: Kompas

Best for: Adventurous eaters, savory snack lovers
When people ask what snacks to buy in Jakarta that truly represent the city, kerak telor always comes first. Think of it as Jakarta's answer to a savory pancake or omelet—but with way more character.

What makes it special:

Made with sticky rice, egg (duck or chicken), and dried shrimp
Cooked over charcoal for that smoky flavor
Topped with fried shallots and shredded coconut
Served hot right off the griddle

Where to find it: Look for vendors around Kota Tua (Old Town) or at cultural festivals. It's becoming harder to find daily, so grab it when you see it!

Travel tip: This one's for eating on the spot, not taking home. But it's such an essential Jakarta food experience that it belongs on every visitor's list.

2. Dodol Betawi: The Perfect Sweet Souvenir

Image Source: Kompas

Best for: Sweet tooths, easy-to-pack gifts
If you're wondering what snacks to buy in Jakarta that actually travels well, dodol is your answer. These dense, chewy sweets are packaged for gifting and survive flights beautifully.

Varieties to try:

Original (brown, caramel-like flavor)
Durian (for the brave—it's pungent!)
Coconut (milder, creamy taste)
Mixed packs (great for sharing)

Why it's a great souvenir:

Lightweight and non-perishable
Authentically Betawi (Jakarta's native culture)
Available in pretty gift boxes
Loved by all ages

Where to buy: Traditional markets like Pasar Santa or souvenir shops in malls.

3. Assorted Krupuk: Indonesia's Famous Crackers

Image Source: Kompas

Best for: Crowd-pleasers, pantry staples
No guide on what snacks to buy in Jakarta would be complete without krupuk. These aren't your average crackers—they're light, crispy, and come in incredible varieties.

Most popular types:

Shrimp crackers (the classic)
Fish crackers (less sweet, more savory)
Cassava crackers (thicker and crunchier)
Vegetable crackers (often spinach or seaweed)

Pro shopping tip: Buy them raw (they look like plastic chips) and fry them at home. They expand to 3x their size and stay fresher than pre-fried versions.

4. Kue Pancong & Traditional Cakes

Image Source: Kompas

Best for: Breakfast souvenirs, unique textures
Jakarta's traditional cakes (kue) make wonderful Indonesian snacks to bring home, especially if you enjoy mild sweetness and interesting textures.

Top picks to look for:

Kue Ape - Green, mini pancakes with crispy edges
Kue Pancong - Coconut rice cakes (eat warm)
Kue Putu - Steamed green cylinders with palm sugar filling
Kue Lumpur - Coconut custard "mud cakes"

Storage advice: Most traditional cakes last 2-3 days at room temperature. Plan to enjoy them soon after buying or share immediately with friends.

5. Sweet & Savory Dry Snacks

Image Source: Kompas

Best for: Long shelf life, office sharing
Beyond the well-known items, Jakarta offers amazing packaged snacks that make perfect what food to buy in Jakarta for coworkers or large groups.

Underrated finds:

Emping (bitter melon seed crackers - an acquired taste)
Kacang disko (fried peanuts with crispy coating)
Biji ketapang (palm leaf-shaped cookies)
Stik keju (cheese sticks - Indonesian style)

Where to shop: Supermarkets like Ranch Market or Food Hall have excellent snack sections with good packaging.

6. Drink Mixes & Ingredients

Image Source: Kompas

Best for: Recreating the experience at home
One of my favorite what snacks to buy in Jakarta hacks is bringing home drink mixes and spices. They're lightweight and let you make Indonesian flavors anytime.

Smart buys:

Bir Pletok mix - Spiced "beer" without alcohol (great iced!)
Jahe Merah (red ginger) for tea
Instant spice pastes for nasi goreng or rendang
Pandan extract for baking

Jakarta Snack Shopping FAQ

What snacks are unique to Jakarta?
The most unique Jakarta snacks are Kerak Telor (savory egg cake), Dodol Betawi (specific to Jakarta's Betawi culture), and Selendang Mayang (a pink layered dessert). These are different from snacks you'll find in Bali or other Indonesian regions.

What's the best Jakarta snack to bring home as a gift?
For gifts, choose Dodol Betawi gift boxes or assorted Krupuk packs. They're lightweight, clearly Indonesian, and most people enjoy them. Avoid perishable items unless you're giving them immediately upon return.

Where should I buy snacks in Jakarta?

For variety & gifts: Try Pasaraya Grande in Blok M
For authentic/local: Visit traditional markets like Pasar Santa
For convenience & quality: Check Ranch Market or Food Hall in major malls
For specific specialties: Go to Kota Tua area for kerak telor vendors

How do I pack snacks for travel?

Choose dry, packaged items over fresh
Use hard containers for fragile crackers
Keep receipts for customs if needed
Consider vacuum-sealed options
Pack in carry-on if they're particularly special

Are Jakarta snacks spicy?
Most traditional Jakarta snacks are not spicy. They tend toward sweet, savory, or salty. If you're sensitive to spice, avoid snacks with "pedas" on the label and ask vendors before trying unfamiliar items.

How to Find All These Snacks in One Day

The best what snacks to buy in Jakarta are scattered across the city. Kerak telor is in North Jakarta, traditional markets are in Central Jakarta, and modern supermarkets are everywhere. Trying to find everything via taxi or public transport eats up your precious snack-hunting time.

Solution: Rent a car with WAHDAH

Create your own Jakarta snack tour without the transportation stress. With your own wheels, you can hit multiple markets, street food spots, and supermarkets in one efficient trip.

Why WAHDAH makes snack shopping better:

✅ Unlimited Mileage - Drive from Kota Tua to Pasaraya Grande to Ranch Market without worrying about distance charges

✅ Flexible Pickup/Drop-off - Get your car at the hotel, return it at the airport after your last snack run

✅ Well-Maintained Vehicles - Air-conditioned comfort between snack stops (essential in Jakarta heat!)

Ready to become a Jakarta snack expert?
[Book Your WAHDAH Car Here] and create your perfect edible souvenir itinerary. All the best what food to buy in Jakarta awaits—you just need the right wheels to find it!

Which of these Jakarta snacks are you most excited to try? Start with dodol for gifts and save room for fresh kerak telor. Your taste buds (and friends back home) will thank you!

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