If you’ve been in Indonesia during the Ramadan month, you might already be familiar with the word “takjil.” In the local context, takjil refers to snacks or light meals to be enjoyed during iftar, or fast breaking. In Arabic, the word actually means “to speed up,” though its entry in the Indonesian Thesaurus (KBBI) specifies it as “to speed up the fast breaking”.
In Jakarta alone, there are numerous pop-up markets that only open during the fasting month. These markets have been operating for years, and its vendors usually sell traditional delicacies that are synonymous with takjil, from various fritters to kolak (warm dessert made of palm or coconut sugar, pandan leaf, and coconut milk with toppings like banana or sweet potato), or jajan pasar (traditional snacks usually sold in markets) to es buah (fruit punch). Aside from the classic takjil faves, some vendors also specialize in traditional snacks or dishes originating from other provinces across Indonesia.
If you want to immerse yourself in the Islamic Holy Month celebration the Jakarta way, then we’d suggest dipping into it by checking out our recommended takjil spots below. Note, most vendors start their operation daily at 3pm and close at 7pm, so you’ll probably want to arrive early to secure your seats (and eats!) since they tend to sell out fast.
Also, mind you — these takjil markets can get very crowded and the increased foot traffic can even create congestion on the roads surrounding the area, so we would highly recommend using public transportation such as TransJakarta or MRT. Even ojeks would be better.
Pondok Indah Mosque
If you’re in south Jakarta, you can try visiting the Ramadan market held at the parking lot of Pondok Indah Mosque. We visited the market during the first week of Ramadan, however, and found it to be a bit of a letdown if you’re looking for snacks, since the selection here seems to cater more for people who are looking for “heavier” takjil. For example, you’ll find es kelapa muda (young coconut iced drinks), cantaloupe punch, mie kocok Bandung (Bandung-style shaken noodle), and even kebabs.
Nearest stop(s): Pondok Indah 2 or Tanah Kusir Kodim TransJakarta.
Jalan Panjang (Panjang Street)
The main thoroughfare that stretches from south to west Jakarta becomes a favorite haunt for locals seeking takjil during the fasting month. Vendors line up along Panjang Street, located in the Kebon Jeruk sub-district of West Jakarta, selling various snacks and dishes such as nasi rames and gudeg. As expected, the traffic here can be overwhelming, particularly as it nears the fast-breaking time. You’ve been warned about the driving thing already.
Nearest stop: Kelapa Dua Sasak TransJakarta.
Pasar Benhil (Bendungan Hilir Market)
You can never talk about takjil markets without mentioning Pasar Benhil, which has been around for over three decades. Its location in the Bendungan Hilir area, in front of the market with the same name, makes it convenient to reach from Jakarta’s main thoroughfare, Jenderal Sudirman-Thamrin street. Renowned as one of the biggest takjil markets in the city, you’ll be able to choose from a dizzying variety of affordable sweet and savory snacks, cold drinks, and classic Indonesian mains. Make sure to try the bubur kampiun (champion porridge), a Minang specialty for takjil, which consists of five different traditional porridge types.
Nearest stop: Bendungan Hilir MRT or TransJakarta
Jalan Sabang (Sabang Street)
One of Jakarta’s most popular street food spots is also joining the Ramadan festivities. Just like other places in the list, you’ll find classic takjil snacks, jajan pasar, fried vermicelli or iced young coconut drinks.
Nearest stop(s): Bank Indonesia or Sarinah TransJakarta
Cut Meutia Mosque
The combination of good location and wide open spaces makes Cut Meutia Mosque — located in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta — as one of the city’s ultimate faves for takjil hunters. There are tons of snack selections, such as traditional Betawi delicacies like kue pancong (coconut-flavored soft cakes). If you’re a history or architecture buff, then we’d also suggest taking the time to admire the beautiful mosque itself, which was built in 1910 in Art Nouveau style. The mosque is also home to the annual Ramadhan Jazz Festival, and this year’s edition will be held from Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18.
Nearest stops: Gondangdia Train Station or Stasiun Gondangdia TransJakarta
Kramat Raya Street
This is the place to go if you’re looking for Minangkabau dishes. From the aforementioned bubur kampiun and traditional lemang (glutinous rice cooked in hollowed bamboo sticks that are lined with banana leaves) to nasi Kapau (Kapau-style mixed rice, similar to nasi Padang) — get ready to stuff yourself with the spicy delicacies of West Sumatra. The row of Minang specialty vendors is located on Kramat Raya Street near Pasar Senen (Senen Market).
Nearest stop(s): Pasar Senen Train Station or Atrium TransJakarta
Masjid Agung Sunda Kelapa (Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque)
Also in the Menteng area, Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque has also been known as an OG takjil spot during Ramadan month. There are takjil delicacies, refreshments, as well as Betawi traditional sweets and dishes.
Nearest stop(s): Halimun, or alight at Taman Suropati using 4A/4C/5A TransJakarta bus
Soka Street
Moving up north, we reach Soka Street in the Rawabadak area of North Jakarta. This one has been a go-to takjil spot for generations of locals. Visitors may find snacks, takjil delicacies, iced cendol, or mains to take home for dinner or suhoor (meal before fasting).
Nearest stop: Walikota Jakarta Utara TransJakarta, or alight at Pintu Air Kali Sunter Cupeucang 1 using JAK-29 TransJakarta bus
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