ZOAHARIAN.COM – Hunting for cheap and cheerful culinary delights in Jakarta doesn't always mean going to expensive restaurants. The Glodok area, West Jakarta, could be an attractive choice for food lovers who want to enjoy legendary dishes at pocket-friendly prices.

Known as one of the oldest Chinatown areas in Jakarta, Glodok has many eating places that have survived for decades. Interestingly, a number of street culinary delights in this area still maintain authentic recipes and flavors that attract customers from various generations.

Starting from noodles served in a large bowl, cap go meh ketupat, pikul cart meatballs, typical Palembang pempek, to Betawi ulam rice, everything can be found in this area.

Not only does it offer a distinctive taste, the food prices are also quite affordable. In fact, there are things you can enjoy starting from IDR 9,000 per portion.

Here are five legendary culinary delights in Glodok that are interesting to add to your culinary tourism list.

1. Bakmi Baskom Atun, has existed since 1995

The name Bakmi Baskom Atun has recently become increasingly popular after being widely discussed on social media. However, who would have thought that Mak Atun's street food has been selling since 1995.

The uniqueness of this restaurant lies in the way it is served. Cooked noodles, vermicelli and rice noodles are piled in a large bowl before being processed into an appetizing dish.

His favorite menu is noodles and fried kwetiau served with sweet and spicy peanut sauce and a sprinkling of fried onions.

To enjoy a portion of this dish, visitors only need to prepare money starting from IDR 22,000. There are also various fried foods such as bakwan and fried tempeh for around IDR 7,000.

The location is in Gang Kalimati, Pancoran area, Glodok.

2. Ketupat Gloria 65, Legendary Culinary Since 1965

Next there is Ketupat Gloria 65 Ny. Kartika Tjandra is a culinary icon in the Gang Gloria area, Glodok.

This eating place has been selling since 1965 and was started by Mrs. Kartika Tjandra. Until now, this culinary business has survived and been continued by the next generation.

The mainstay menu is ketupat cap go meh with thick, delicious coconut milk sauce. This dish is even more delicious with a sprinkling of ebi powder and a variety of side dishes.

Visitors can choose free-range chicken opor, boiled eggs, tofu stew, and liver fried chili sauce.

Prices for vegetable ketupat start at IDR 30,000. Meanwhile, a complete package with free-range chicken meat can be enjoyed for around IDR 60,000.

3. Bakso Pikul Pancoran, Maintaining Tradition Since 1990

Meatball lovers must also stop by Bakso Pikul Pancoran. Different from modern meatball places, this culinary seller still maintains the traditional pick-up cart concept.

Having been selling since 1990, Bakso Pikul Pancoran is one of the classic culinary choices that fans are still looking for.

The choice of meatballs is quite varied, ranging from smooth meatballs, veined meatballs, flattened meatballs, to tofu meatballs.

One of the menus that is in great demand is meatballs mixed with kwetiau with clear beef broth. The combination of chewy meatballs and savory sauce makes this dish suitable to eat while exploring the Glodok area.

The price is also relatively affordable, namely around IDR 25,000 per portion.

The cart can be found in the Toko Tiga Seberang area, not far from Petak Enam, Glodok.

4. Pempek Eirin 10 Ulu, Persistent Since 1981

For lovers of typical Palembang food, Pempek Eirin 10 Ulu could be your next destination.

This shop, which has been established since 1981, is known for offering various types of pempek with a fairly complete menu choice.

Some of the menus available include pempek submarine, lenjer, adaan, skin, and pempek curly. Not only pempek, visitors can also taste tekwan, model and red bean ice.

The taste of the pempek is even more complete with a splash of thick cuko which has a combination of sour, sweet and spicy flavors.

Regarding prices, small pempek starts at IDR 9,000, while large pempek submarine costs around IDR 26,000.

Pempek Eirin has two outlets close to each other in the Glodok area, namely near Petak Enam and around Asemka Market.

5. Nasi Ulam H. Nana, Betawi Taste Since 1983

It would be incomplete to explore Glodok culinary delights without tasting typical Betawi food. One thing you can try is Nasi Ulam H. Nana or also known as Sari Rasa.

This family culinary business has been selling since 1983 and still maintains the traditional taste of nasi ulam dishes.

Visitors can choose wet or dry ulam rice with a variety of side dishes, such as beef jerky, tofu stew, omelettes, and salted squid.

His favorite menu is complete nasi ulam served with stew sauce, serundeng, crushed peanuts and basil leaves.

The combination of these various complements produces a savory taste and distinctive aroma that is hard to forget.

The price for a portion ranges from IDR 25,000 to IDR 31,000. The location is in the Petak Sembilan area, Glodok.

Glodok, a legendary culinary paradise that is pocket friendly

These five eating places prove that the Glodok area is not just a trade center and Chinatown area, but also a culinary paradise with a long history.

Interestingly, each place offers a different food character. There are Peranakan dishes, typical Palembang culinary delights, and traditional Betawi food.

With prices starting from IDR 9,000, tourists can enjoy the experience of hunting for legendary culinary delights without having to spend a lot of money.

So, if you are in West Jakarta, the Glodok area can be an interesting destination for culinary tourism as well as getting to know the rich taste of traditional food that still survives today.