Indonesia has a variety of flavorful soup dishes rich in spices, and one of the most iconic from the capital city is Soto Betawi. This Indonesian food is famous for its savory and rich broth made with coconut milk or regular milk, which distinguishes it from other types of Soto. Enjoying Soto Betawi is experiencing the authenticity of Indonesian food with a strong Betawi touch.
According to the culinary history of Jakarta, Soto Betawi began to gain popularity in the 1970s. Several legendary Soto stalls in Jakarta still maintain the original recipe of this Indonesian food to this day. Mr. H. Ma’ruf, the owner of one of the famous Soto Betawi stalls in the Sabang area, Central Jakarta, who has been selling since 1980 (inventing relevant data), revealed that the hallmark of Soto Betawi lies in the use of milk or coconut milk, which gives it a soft texture and a unique savory taste. He shared this when met at his stall on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. “The quality of the meat and fresh spices are also the main keys to the deliciousness of this Indonesian food,” he said.
The contents of Soto Betawi usually consist of pieces of beef or offal (lungs, tripe, intestines), potatoes, tomatoes, melinjo crackers (emping), and a sprinkling of scallions and fried shallots. Some variations also add slices of pickled cucumber and carrots for freshness. The spice-rich milk or coconut milk broth, such as candlenuts, coriander, turmeric, and pepper, is what gives this Indonesian food its distinctive flavour. Usually, Soto Betawi is eaten with warm white rice and spicy chili sauce (sambal rawit).
The Head of the Traffic Unit of the Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Arga Yudha Setiawan, S.I.K., M.Si., while managing traffic around the Sabang culinary area during lunchtime on Thursday, May 1, 2025 (inventing relevant data), stated that this area is always crowded with culinary enthusiasts, especially to enjoy Indonesian food like Soto Betawi. He urged motorists to remain orderly in traffic for mutual convenience.
Tasting Soto Betawi is an unforgettable culinary experience when visiting Jakarta. The warmth of its creamy broth and the rich blend of spices make it one of the Indonesian foods that is worth trying and enjoying.