Jakarta is a city that never sleeps, and neither does its food scene. Beyond restaurants and trendy cafés, the heart of Jakarta’s culinary identity lies on the streets, where small stalls, roadside tents, and humble carts serve dishes packed with history and flavor.
Many of these street food spots have existed for decades, becoming iconic for their loyal customers, familiar tastes, and affordable prices. If you are looking to taste the best street foods in Jakarta, these legendary options should be at the top of your list.
Let’s devour this list together!
1. Gulai Tikungan (Gultik) Blok M
Located at the corner between Jalan Mahakam and Jalan Bulungan, Gulai Tikungan, affectionately known as “Gultik” has become a legendary nighttime destination in South Jakarta.
Once the sun sets, the area transforms into a lively culinary hub filled with the aroma of rich coconut milk broth and spices. Gultik features tender slices of beef, tendon, and fat cooked in a fragrant gulai sauce made from galangal, cloves, cumin, ginger, and bay leaves.
Despite its flavorful depth, Gultik remains surprisingly affordable, with portions starting from very friendly prices. You will see office workers, students, night-shift workers, and local residents all crowding the stalls until late at night here.
It is not just the taste that keeps people coming back, it is the casual, communal experience of eating on plastic stools surrounded by the energy of Blok M nightlife. Gultik has been around since the 1980s and remains one of the best street foods in Jakarta.
2. Sate RSPP, Kebayoran Baru
Sate RSPP, located in front of the Pertamina Central Hospital, has been serving customers since the 1960s. The stall is known for its perfectly grilled chicken and lamb satay, with each skewer offering generous chunks of meat and skin.
The smoky aroma from the charcoal grill blends with the savory-sweet peanut sauce to create a flavor that feels both traditional and comforting.
What makes Sate RSPP stand out among the best street foods in Jakarta is the balance in its seasoning, neither too spicy nor too sweet, making it enjoyable for all ages.
The stall is simple, just tents and folding tables, yet it often attracts long queues every evening. Locals swear by the tenderness of the meat, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the skin, and the nostalgic taste that remains consistent over decades. For many, eating here feels like stepping into a memory shared across generations.
3. Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih
Dating back to 1958, Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih is an icon in central Jakarta and one of the best street foods in Jakarta. Prepared in a massive round wok, the mountain of rice is mixed with slices of tender goat meat and cooked with aromatic spices and clarified butter (minyak samin), giving it a distinctive Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
The dish has a rich fragrance that you can detect even from afar, attracting customers who follow the smell to find the stall. Despite being considered street food, the portions are hearty and the flavor deep. Some diners pair it with pickles and crackers for a refreshing contrast.
It is slightly pricier than typical street fried rice, but its reputation and consistency justify its legendary status. Located near Sarinah and Jalan Sabang, this spot is especially busy late at night, perfect for those craving something warm and flavorful after a long day.
4. Bubur Barito, Gandaria
If you are craving comfort food, Bubur Barito in Gandaria is one of the best best street foods in Jakarta. Operating since 1992, this street-side porridge stall is known for its thick and creamy chicken congee topped with shredded free-range chicken.
What makes it unique is the crispy cheese sticks sprinkled on top, replacing the usual crackers and giving the dish an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Some diners also choose to crack a raw egg over the steaming hot porridge, letting the heat create a silky finish. Open from late afternoon until late evening, Bubur Barito is popular among families, late-night workers, and young people looking for a warm, satisfying meal.
Its comforting taste, strategic location, and casual atmosphere make it a beloved staple of Jakarta’s street food culture.
5. Seafood 68 Santa
Seafood 68 Santa in South Jakarta is another longtime favorite, known for serving large and fresh seafood dishes at affordable prices. Established in the 1980s, the stall continues to attract seafood lovers with its generous servings of crab, shrimp, squid, fish, and shellfish. Everything is cooked to order, resulting in meals that are fresh, flavorful, and free from any fishy smell.
The most recommended dish is the crab with Padang sauce, rich, spicy, and perfect when paired with warm rice.
The bustling atmosphere, smoky grilling station, and communal tables make dining here lively and exciting. If you want a seafood feast without heading to a restaurant, Seafood 68 Santa is one of the best street foods in Jakarta
6. Mi Ayam Gondangdia
Mi Ayam Gondangdia has been delighting customers since 1968. This classic chicken noodle stall serves springy noodles topped with sweet-savory chicken, fresh scallions, and rich broth. The flavors reflect Chinese-Indonesian heritage, offering a nostalgic taste that has remained consistent for decades.
Most guests often add bakso (meatballs) or crispy wontons for a more filling meal. The stall attracts both loyal regulars and curious newcomers, proving that simple, well-made food never goes out of style.
If you want to experience Jakarta’s everyday comfort food, Mi Ayam Gondangdia is a must-try and one of the best street foods in Jakarta.
7. Kuliner Sabang (Sabang Food Street)
Jalan Sabang, officially known as Jalan H. Agus Salim, is one of the most vibrant street food destinations in Central Jakarta. As evening falls, the entire street comes alive with food stalls, sidewalk tents, and small eateries serving an impressive variety of dishes from across Indonesia.
You can find everything from satay, soto, nasi goreng, pempek, mie Aceh, ayam penyet, to Chinese-style claypot dishes and even local-style coffee shops. This makes Sabang the perfect place for groups with different tastes, as there is truly something for everyone.
One of the most charming aspects of Kuliner Sabang is its lively nighttime atmosphere. The street buzzes with office workers grabbing dinner after work, travelers exploring Jakarta, and groups of friends enjoying late-night hangouts.
Located just behind Sarinah and close to major city landmarks, Sabang is very easy to reach. If you want to sample the best street foods in Jakarta in one convenient and culturally rich spot, Kuliner Sabang is a must-visit destination.
Also Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Jakarta at Night for First-Time Visitors
If you are planning to visit Indonesia and eager to explore the best street foods in Jakarta, we highly recommend staying at one of our properties in the city. Visit the Ashley Hotel Jakarta website and choose the perfect hotel for your stay in Jakarta.
One of our locations is right in the heart of Jalan Sabang, allowing you to simply step outside and enjoy the vibrant food stalls by foot, no need to worry about parking or traffic. With cozy rooms, modern facilities, and a warm atmosphere, Ashley Hotel Jakarta makes your culinary journey easier, more comfortable, and definitely more memorable.
Let’s explore the best street foods in Jakarta while you are discovering stories, memories, and flavors that last a lifetime with Ashley.
Find your perfect hotel, explore the Ashley Hotel website today.