A Taste of Yesterday: Must-Try Traditional Indonesian Cafes in Jakarta

Jakarta’s food scene is experiencing a revival of traditional Indonesian snacks, known as jajanan pasar, as cafes blend heritage flavors with modern aesthetics.

A Revival of Traditional Indonesian Snacks

In recent years, Jakarta has seen a surge in global culinary trends, with cafes offering croissants, matcha drinks, and fusion desserts. However, amid this international influence, a renewed appreciation for traditional Indonesian snacks is emerging.

These jajanan pasar, historically found in morning markets and local vendors, are now being reimagined and presented in stylish cafes, combining vintage interiors, curated tea selections, and artisanal coffee with Indonesia’s culinary heritage.

Culinary entrepreneurs are ensuring these traditional flavors remain relevant in an era dominated by global tastes, offering a meaningful experience that blends heritage, aesthetics, and comfort.

JajanSiManis, Rajasa

Jajan Si Manis, located in the Kebayoran Baru neighborhood, offers a nostalgic afternoon tea experience inspired by Indonesian culinary traditions. The café features vintage décor, delicate tableware, and classic Indonesian bites.

Specializing in premium jajanan pasar priced around Rp18,000 per piece, Jajan Si Manis offers classics such as pastel, arem-arem, onde-onde, and dadar gulung. A high tea experience is available for approximately Rp200,000, featuring curated assortments of snacks alongside tea.

The café also serves Indonesian dishes like nasi bebek Madura, bakso Malang, and nasi campur Bali.

Jajan Simanis

Jl. Rajasa III No. 14, Senopati, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
Instagram: @jajansimanis

Seroja Bake, Barito

Seroja Bake, originally from Bandung, brings its Indonesian-inspired desserts to Jakarta with a charming outlet in Barito, South Jakarta. The café offers a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and minimalist design.

Seroja Bake is known for its creative reinterpretation of Indonesian flavors, including the Pavlova Musim Buah, a meringue dessert topped with seasonal fruits, as well as cassava tart (tart singkong) and other seasonal Indonesian-inspired sweets.

Seroja Bake

Jl. Mendawai I No.68, Kramat Pela, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12310

Instagram: @serojabake

Kawisari Cafe & Eatery, Kebon Sirih

Kawisari Cafe & Eatery, situated in Menteng, offers an atmospheric experience in a vintage space reminiscent of colonial-era houses. The café is associated with Kawisari Coffee, one of Indonesia’s historic coffee plantations.

Alongside its coffee, Kawisari celebrates traditional Indonesian snacks, including serabi, kue talam, and various traditional cakes. The café also serves Indonesian dishes like nasi pecel, nasi jagung, and nasi besek.

Kawisari Cafe & Eatery

Jl. Kebon Sirih No.77, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, 10340

Instagram: @tugukawisaricafe

Loka Nika, Hj Nawi

Loka Nika, located near the MRT Haji Nawi station, is a cozy café offering coffee and traditional snacks. The café offers a selection of classic Indonesian bites, including bolu tape, klepon, kue talam, soes, and kue lumpur, priced between Rp4,000 and Rp13,000 per piece.

Loka Nika

Jl. RS. Fatmawati Raya No.47F, Cipete Sel., Cilandak Barat, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12410

Instagram: @lokanika.id

Tjerita Nyonya, Melawai

Tjerita Nyonya, a new hidden gem in the Melawai and Blok M area, focuses on beautifully crafted jajanan pasar. The snacks are known for their generous size, vibrant colors, and meticulous presentation.

Popular choices include klepon, layered cakes, and traditional sweet pastries. The snacks often sell out quickly.

Tjerita Nyonya

Jl. Melawai 9 No.A7, Melawai, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160

Instagram: @tjeritanyonya

By reimagining jajanan pasar in modern cafés, these establishments are preserving Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage and inviting younger generations to rediscover traditional flavors in a contemporary setting.