Bekasi’s Best Street Food Delights: A Food Lover’s Guide

Welcome to Bekasi, a vibrant city located just east of Jakarta. Often overlooked by tourists, Bekasi is a hidden treasure trove for street food enthusiasts. This bustling city offers a culinary adventure that is second to none, with its diverse selection of traditional Indonesian street foods. From the rich and savory Nasi Goreng to the sweet and indulgent Martabak, Bekasi’s street food scene is a delightful journey for the senses. Let’s embark on a three-day exploration to uncover the best street food that Bekasi has to offer.

Day 1 : Bekasi’s Best Street Food Delights

Bekasi, often overshadowed by its larger neighbor Jakarta, is a hidden gem for street food enthusiasts. This bustling city offers a culinary adventure like no other. From sizzling satay skewers to refreshing es kelapa, Bekasi’s street food scene is vibrant, diverse, and incredibly delicious. Join us as we explore the best street food delights that Bekasi has to offer.

Breakfast at Pasar Baru

Start your day with a visit to Pasar Baru, one of Bekasi’s most popular morning markets. Here, you’ll find a variety of breakfast options to kickstart your culinary journey. A must-try is Bubur Ayam, a savory chicken porridge topped with crispy fried shallots, Chinese crullers, and a splash of soy sauce. Pair it with a side of Kopi Tubruk, a traditional Indonesian coffee brewed from coarse coffee grounds.

Mid-Morning Snack: Tahu Sumedang

As you wander through the market, don’t miss out on Tahu Sumedang. These deep-fried tofu squares are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often served with spicy sambal for an added kick. They’re a perfect snack to munch on as you explore more of Bekasi.

Lunch at Alun-Alun Bekasi

For lunch, head to Alun-Alun Bekasi, a popular town square surrounded by food stalls. One of the highlights here is Nasi Goreng, Indonesia’s beloved fried rice dish. Cooked with a medley of vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat or seafood, it’s a comforting meal that never disappoints. Complement it with a glass of Es Kelapa, a cool and refreshing beverage made from young coconut.

Afternoon Delight: Martabak Manis

No visit to Bekasi is complete without sampling Martabak Manis. This Indonesian sweet pancake, also known as “terang bulan,” is typically filled with a variety of toppings such as chocolate, cheese, peanuts, and condensed milk. Its crispy edges and gooey center make it a delightful treat for the afternoon.

Dinner at Summarecon Mall Bekasi

As the evening approaches, make your way to Summarecon Mall Bekasi. The mall is not only a shopping haven but also a hotspot for food lovers. For dinner, we recommend trying Sate Ayam, succulent chicken skewers grilled to perfection and served with a rich peanut sauce. Another popular option is Soto Ayam, a traditional Indonesian chicken soup known for its aromatic broth and tender meat.

Night Market Adventure

Cap off your day with a visit to one of Bekasi’s lively night markets, such as Pasar Senggol at Summarecon Mal Bekasi. Here, the culinary options are endless. From Gado-Gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) to Siomay (steamed fish dumplings), there’s something to satisfy every craving. Don’t forget to try Kerak Telor, a unique Betawi snack made of glutinous rice, egg, and shredded coconut.

Bekasi’s street food scene offers a delicious and immersive experience into Indonesian cuisine. Each bite tells a story of tradition, community, and flavor that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, bring your appetite and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey through the streets of Bekasi.

Day 2: Exploring Hidden Gems

Breakfast at Warung Kopi Sruput

On your second day in Bekasi, start your morning at Warung Kopi Sruput. This charming coffee shop is beloved by locals for its cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee. Try their Nasi Uduk, a fragrant coconut rice dish served with a variety of side dishes like fried tempeh, egg, and sambal. Pair it with a cup of Kopi Joss, a unique coffee brewed with a piece of hot charcoal, for an invigorating start to your day.

Mid-Morning Snack: Risoles

As you continue your exploration, stop by a local snack stall for some Risoles. These Indonesian spring rolls are filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, and boiled egg, and then deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re often enjoyed with a side of spicy chili sauce, making them a perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.

Lunch at RM Sayur Asem Betawi

For lunch, head to RM Sayur Asem Betawi, a restaurant that specializes in traditional Betawi cuisine. A must-try dish here is Sayur Asem, a sour vegetable soup made with tamarind, corn, and a variety of local vegetables. It’s typically served with a side of steamed rice and sambal, offering a refreshing and flavorful meal. Don’t forget to try their Asinan Betawi, a pickled vegetable salad that’s both sweet and tangy.

Afternoon Dessert: Es Podeng

Beat the afternoon heat with some Es Podeng, a popular Indonesian dessert. This refreshing treat consists of shaved ice topped with a variety of toppings such as sweetened condensed milk, syrup, avocado, and sticky rice. It’s a perfect way to cool down and enjoy a sweet treat in Bekasi’s warm weather.

Dinner at Angkringan Yogyakarta

In the evening, make your way to Angkringan Yogyakarta, a culinary hotspot inspired by the street food culture of Yogyakarta. The highlight here is Nasi Kucing, tiny portions of rice topped with various side dishes such as fried anchovies, sambal, and tempeh wrapped in banana leaves. The casual and vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect place to try a variety of street food items. Pair your meal with Wedang Ronde, a warm ginger drink with glutinous rice balls.

Nightcap: Sekoteng

End your day with a nightcap at a local drink stall, where you can try Sekoteng. This traditional warm drink is made from ginger and served with pieces of bread, mung beans, peanuts, and coconut. It’s a comforting beverage that will warm you up as you unwind from a day of culinary exploration.

Day two of your Bekasi street food adventure has come to a delightful end. Tomorrow, get ready to delve deeper into more local favorites and hidden gems. Stay tuned for another day of savory and sweet discoveries!

Day 3: The Ultimate Foodie Experience

Breakfast at Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang

Begin your final day in Bekasi with a visit to Nasi Uduk Kebon Kacang, a local favorite for breakfast. Nasi Uduk is a traditional Betawi dish made from steamed rice cooked in coconut milk, served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, sambal, and sliced cucumber. The rich and fragrant flavors make it a perfect start to your day.

Mid-Morning Snack: Kerak Telor

As you explore more of Bekasi, try a unique Betawi snack called Kerak Telor. This traditional snack is made from glutinous rice cooked with egg and topped with shredded coconut, fried shallots, and a variety of spices. It’s often prepared on a charcoal stove, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. You can find kerak telor vendors throughout the city, especially near popular tourist spots.

Lunch at Bebek Kaleyo

For lunch, make your way to Bebek Kaleyo, a restaurant famous for its duck dishes. Try their signature Bebek Goreng, crispy fried duck served with steamed rice and a side of sambal. The succulent and flavorful duck paired with the spicy sambal makes for an unforgettable meal. Don’t forget to order a refreshing Es Teh Manis (sweet iced tea) to complement your meal.

Afternoon Treat: Kue Cubit

No food adventure in Bekasi is complete without trying Kue Cubit. These mini pancakes are a popular street food snack, often topped with chocolate sprinkles, cheese, or colorful rainbow sprinkles. The name “kue cubit” translates to “pinch cake,” as they are small enough to be pinched between your fingers. They are light, fluffy, and make for a delightful afternoon treat.

Dinner at Seafood Ayu

In the evening, head to Seafood Ayu for a seafood feast. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, prawns, squid, and crabs. A must-try dish is Ikan Bakar, grilled fish marinated in a blend of spices and served with sambal and steamed rice. The vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make for a memorable dinner experience.

Late Night Bites: Sate Padang

Cap off your day with a visit to a late-night street food stall for some Sate Padang. These beef satay skewers are served with a thick, spicy sauce made from rice flour and a medley of spices. The tender meat and rich, flavorful sauce make it a perfect late-night snack. You can find Sate Padang vendors throughout Bekasi, especially in the busy night markets.

Your three-day street food adventure in Bekasi has come to an end, but the culinary delights of this vibrant city will surely leave a lasting impression. From savory dishes to sweet treats, Bekasi offers a rich and diverse street food scene that is a true reflection of Indonesian culture. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore and enjoy the best of what Bekasi has to offer. Safe travels and happy eating!