10 Halal Culinary Gems in Glodok, Jakarta: Muslim Travellers Ultimate Foodie Guide

Glodok, Jakarta's oldest Chinatown, has never lost its charm. Beyond being a bustling center for trade and a historical landmark, Glodok is also widely known as an unparalleled culinary paradise. As you wander through its vibrant streets, you'll discover legendary dishes that have stood the test of time for decades, sitting side-by-side with trendy, viral foodie spots that have taken social media by storm.

Also read: 10 Authentic Halal Middle Eastern Restaurants in Jakarta

For all you food enthusiasts who love exploring new tastes and hunting for the latest popular eateries, Glodok is an absolute must-visit destination. Your taste buds will be spoilt for choice throughout the day, from sweet and light treats to savory and spicy delights. Here are some of Glodok's most viral culinary finds that are sure to enrich your gastronomic adventure.

1. Djauw Coffee, perfect for a hearty breakfast

Image credit: @djauwcoffee

Start your culinary adventure bright and early at Djauw Coffee. This aesthetically pleasing kopitiam, with its charming vintage touch, offers a variety of dishes ideal for a hearty breakfast. Craving something savory? They have delightful lontong sayur (rice cakes in vegetable curry) and nasi lemak. If you prefer something sweet, you can order a delightful combination of toast with kaya jam and half-boiled eggs. What makes Djauw Coffee unique, apart from its old-school kopitiam charm, is their coffee brewed using hot sand, much like Turkish coffee. If you get the chance to visit, don't forget to try their signature butter coffee!

Address: Jl. Kemenangan Raya No.58B, RT.6/RW.6, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00-17:30

2. Cempedak Goreng Cik Lina, crispy, sweet perfection

Image credit: @cempedak_goreng_ciklina

Pisang goreng (fried banana) is common, but have you ever tried fried cempedak, a tropical fruit closely related to jackfruit? Cempedak Goreng Cik Lina is one of the most sought-after snacks in the Petak Enam area. Started in 1997, its sweet and rich flavor, coated in a perfectly crispy batter, has made it a viral sensation among food lovers. Cempedak Goreng Cik Lina is best enjoyed fresh off the fryer. You can also find frozen packs to fry at home!

Address: 9, RT.6/RW.2, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00-20:00

3. Donat Ellie, traditional doughnut with a nostalgic hint

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This business, which began in 2000, has not only survived but thrived, becoming one of Glodok's most beloved spots. Donat Ellie serves traditional doughnuts that will surely evoke a sense of nostalgia. Their doughnuts are incredibly soft, with just the right level of sweetness, and are often served warm. Donat Ellie offers two popular variations: chocolate and powdered sugar, both customer favorites.

Address: Jl. Pancoran No. 33-35 Pancoran, RT.9/RW.2, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00-18:00

4. Bakso Adam, always a long queue

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For bakso enthusiasts, a stop at Bakso Adam in Glodok is an absolute must. Their meatballs are famous for their springy texture, and the beef broth is incredibly savory and rich. You can choose from various types of meatballs, for example chewy tendon meatballs, enjoyed with vermicelli, kway teow, or beef fat. The consistent deliciousness means there's always a long queue, and you might even find yourself struggling to find a seat!

Address: Jl. Pancoran No.68, RT.1/RW.6, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00-21:00

5. Kuotie Shantung Ling, crispy outside, juicy inside

Image credit: @kuotieshantungling

No foodie hunt in Chinatown is complete without trying guotie. These pan-fried dumplings, originating from China, are a sought-after dish known for their crispy skin and savory, juicy meat filling. One of the most viral guotie spots in Glodok is Kuotie Shantung Ling, located in the Petak Enam area. Although the original guotie uses pork, the guotie here uses chicken and shrimp filling. You can choose between deeply fried for extra crispiness or simply pan-fried. A freshly cooked guotie, dipped in their special sauce, creates an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Address: Jalan Pancoran 43, Petak 6, Glodok, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00-19:30

6. Lit Bakehouse, a heaven for pastry lovers

Image credit: @lit_bakehouse

Looking for a cozy spot in Glodok to relax with delicious bread and cakes? Lit Bakehouse is your answer. This popular spot is renowned for its crispy and varied pastries. From fragrant butter croissants to the unique Esther (combining pistachio and raspberry), and the famous French pastry: kouign-amann. Beyond pastries, you can also indulge in cakes, doughnuts, and a wide selection of beverages, both coffee and non-coffee.

Address: Jl. Pancoran V no. 31, Glodok, West Jakarta 11120
Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 (Mon-Fri), 08:00-17:00 (Sat-Sun)

7. Wo Ai Pao, Taiwanese baked bao

Image credit: @woaipao

Bakpao (steamed buns) are typically steamed, but not at Wo Ai Pao. Bringing Taiwanese street food to Petak Enam, here you'll witness the bakpao dough being baked in a charcoal oven, resulting in a unique flavor and aroma. Wo Ai Pao offers several variations: black pepper chicken, honey chicken, red bean, and chocolate. The combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior is guaranteed to make you crave for more!

Address: Jl. Pancoran No.43, Glodok, Jakarta, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday), 09:00-17:00 (Saturday-Sunday)

8. Laksa La Hoe, Glodok's legendary Bogor-style laksa

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One of Glodok's truly legendary culinary delights is Laksa La Hoe. The moment you arrive, you'll feel an immediate sense of old-world charm and authenticity. Opened 40 years ago, this laksa stall has garnered a loyal customer base, and now, due to its increasing popularity, La Hoe is almost never quiet. The star, of course, is their rich and flavorful Bogor laksa, served with fragrant broth infused with basil and crispy fried shallots. Don't miss out on their equally delicious Mie Belitung. Laksa La Hoe also sells fried cempedak and other Indonesian traditional sweet snacks.

Address: Jl. Pancoran No.5 No.10, RT.8/RW.2, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: 07:00-16:00 (Tue-Sun)

9. Kari Lam, a strong flavor with over 50 years of history

Image credit: @kari_lam_glodok

Speaking of legendary culinary spots, Kari Lam has been serving its delicious curry since 1973. They offer a rich and thick curry, packed with spices, accompanied by tender beef or chicken pieces and potatoes. You can choose between rice or vermicelli as your carbohydrate. The taste is undeniably superb—truly satisfying and perfect for a fulfilling lunch.

Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Selatan III No.10 7, RT.5/RW.6, Pinangsia, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00-15:00

10. Power Puff, a sweet treat to end your culinary journey

Image credit: @powerpuffindo

Sweet delights always make the perfect ending to a meal. In Glodok, one of the viral treats ideal for concluding your culinary journey is Power Puff, soft and light cream puffs. For the filling, you can choose from several flavors, including matcha, durian, choco hazelnut, and strawberry. However, their most famous variant is the Burning Puff, where vanilla custard is sprinkled with sugar and torched, creating a delightful crispy caramel layer.

Address: Jl. Pancoran No.43, RT.1/RW.6, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, West Jakarta City
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 (Monday-Friday), 07:30-18:00 (Saturday-Sunday)

Also read: Jakarta's Halal Culinary Gems & Souvenir Shopping For Malaysian Travellers

Glodok's Chinatown is truly a culinary treasure trove that you won't fully explore in just one day. From legendary dishes passed down through generations to trendy, viral street snacks, every corner holds a delightful flavor surprise waiting to pamper your taste buds. Besides the culinary spots mentioned above, you can also try numerous other street foods like kue mipan, siomay, mochi, and various other traditional snacks. Make sure to prepare your stomach and some cash, as some stalls might not accept cashless payments!