In recent years, Jakarta’s food scene has been swept by waves of global trends. Numbers of cafes in Jakarta serving croissants, viral matcha drinks, or fusion European-inspired desserts appear to be spreading rapidly through social media feeds and TikTok recommendations.
But amid the city’s obsession with the next international culinary trend, something quietly beautiful is happening: a revival of traditional Indonesian snacks.
These humble jajanan pasar, once found mostly in morning markets and neighborhood vendors, are now returning in a new form.
Thoughtfully curated cafés across Jakarta are bringing these nostalgic treats into stylish spaces, where vintage interiors, curated tea selections, and artisanal coffee meet the flavors of Indonesia’s culinary heritage.
Indonesian traditional snacks carry stories from generations past and are ideal representations for people who’d like to explore the authenticity of heritage. By presenting them in modern cafés, Jakarta’s new wave of culinary entrepreneurs ensures that these traditional flavors remain relevant in an era dominated by global tastes.
For those seeking a more meaningful culinary experience that blends heritage, aesthetics, and comfort, these five cafés in Jakarta offer a delightful journey into Indonesia’s timeless snacks.
JajanSiManis, Rajasa
Hidden in the leafy neighborhood of Kebayoran Baru, Jajan Si Manis feels like stepping into a nostalgic afternoon tea session inspired by Indonesia’s culinary traditions.
Located on Jalan Rajasa III in Selong, the café blends vintage décor with the comforting presence of traditional snacks presented in elegant plating. Think pastel-colored interiors, delicate tableware, and trays filled with classic Indonesian bites.
The café specializes in premium jajanan pasar priced from around Rp18,000 per piece. Guests can enjoy beloved classics such as:
- Pastel
- Arem-arem
- Onde-onde
- Dadar gulung
One of the highlights here is the high tea experience, priced at around Rp200,000, where guests can enjoy curated assortments of traditional snacks alongside tea.
Beyond snacks, the café also serves hearty Indonesian dishes like nasi bebek Madura, bakso Malang, and nasi campur Bali, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon gathering or brunch with friends.
Jajan Simanis
Jl. Rajasa III No. 14, Senopati, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
Instagram: @jajansimanis
Seroja Bake, Barito
Originally from Bandung’s vibrant Cihapit neighborhood, Seroja Bake has brought its signature Indonesian-inspired desserts to Jakarta, opening a charming outlet in Barito, South Jakarta.
Though the café is small, the atmosphere feels intimate and welcoming. Soft lighting, minimalist design, and a thoughtful menu create a cozy environment that attracts dessert lovers seeking something different.
What sets Seroja Bake apart is its creative reinterpretation of Indonesian flavors.
One of its most popular creations is the Pavlova Musim Buah, a light meringue dessert topped with seasonal fruits. But the real magic lies in how local ingredients subtly shape the menu.
Other highlights include Cassava tart (tart singkong) and Seasonal Indonesian-inspired sweets.
The café demonstrates how traditional ingredients like cassava, coconut, and palm sugar can evolve into refined desserts without losing their cultural identity.
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
For those who love heritage spaces, Kawisari Cafe & Eatery offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in Jakarta.
Situated in Menteng on Jalan Kebon Sirih, the two-storey café features a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of colonial-era houses, with wooden furniture, warm lighting, and artistic touches throughout the interior.
The café is closely associated with Kawisari Coffee, one of Indonesia’s historic coffee plantations. Naturally, coffee plays a central role in the experience.
But alongside its excellent brews, Kawisari also celebrates traditional Indonesian snacks.
Visitors can enjoy classics such as:
- Serabi
- Kue talam
- Various traditional cakes
The café also serves comforting Indonesian dishes, including nasi pecel, nasi jagung, and nasi besek.
Spending an afternoon here feels almost cinematic—like rediscovering the rhythm of Jakarta’s past through flavors and atmosphere.
Kawisari Cafe & Eatery
Jl. Kebon Sirih No.77, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat, 10340
Instagram: @tugukawisaricafe
Loka Nika, Hj Nawi
Just a short walk from the MRT Haji Nawi station, Loka Nika is a small café that captures the warmth of home.
The café’s ambiance is simple and cozy, making it a perfect quick stop for coffee and traditional snacks during a day out in South Jakarta.
Despite its modest size, the café offers an impressive selection of classic Indonesian bites, including:
- Bolu tape
- Klepon
- Kue talam
- Soes
- Kue lumpur
Prices remain refreshingly affordable, ranging from Rp4,000 to Rp13,000 per piece, making it one of the most accessible cafés for traditional snacks in Jakarta.
For commuters or casual café explorers, Loka Nika offers a comforting reminder that great flavors don’t always require elaborate presentation.
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
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Among Jakarta’s newest hidden gems, Tjerita Nyonya has quickly gained attention among local food enthusiasts.
Located in the lively Melawai and Blok M area, the café focuses on beautifully crafted jajanan pasar that are both visually appealing and delicious.
The snacks here stand out for their generous size, vibrant colors, and meticulous presentation, a modern interpretation of traditional treats.
Popular choices include:
- Klepon
- Various layered cakes
- Traditional sweet pastries
Many visitors say the biggest challenge at Tjerita Nyonya is arriving early enough. The snacks often sell out quickly, proof that Jakarta’s appetite for traditional flavors remains strong.
Tjerita Nyonya
Jl. Melawai 9 No.A7, Melawai, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12160
Instagram: @tjeritanyonya
A Delicious Way to Preserve Culinary Heritage
Food is perhaps one of the most powerful ways to preserve tradition, proving that heritage still deserves a place at today’s table.
By reimagining jajanan pasar in modern cafés, with thoughtful presentation and a contemporary ambiance, these humble treats are given new life.
In doing so, they create a bridge between past and present, inviting younger generations to rediscover and appreciate Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
