For Indonesians, martabak is no stranger to food. You can find martabak sellers on almost every street corner.
No wonder this food also attracts the attention of foreign tourists on vacation in Indonesia. This is seen in the TikTok video of @badgalcascas trying sweet martabak in Bali.
She and her friend bought a package of martabak pizzas containing a variety of toppings, including cheese, chocolate, Bischoff, and many others. After trying all the flavours, the foreign tourists were satisfied with the taste of the martabak and rated it 8/10.
The viral video was filled with netizens’ comments advising them to try other martabak variants.
@badgalcascas Trying and rating indonesian street food 🐵 @Martina Liang #martabak #bali #streetfood #tastetest ♬ La belle vie – Sacha Distel
“YOU MUST TRY ‘martabak telor’ IT’S SO GOOD! YOU MUST TRY IT NOW!” wrote one netizen.
Another netizen wrote, “You should get martabak, but the regular one, especially the cheese and chocolate combo. It’s heaven. ”
Martabak manis is a pancake-like sweet treat that is popular in Indonesia. Similar creations can also be found in neighbouring countries.
The texture and shape of a martabak are similar to those of a pancake, but they are thicker and filled with a variety of ingredients. Martabak is synonymous with two main flavours: sweet and salty.
In Indonesia, there are two types of martabak: Salty or Egg Martabak and Sweet Martabak, also known as “terang bulan.”
The history of martabak in Indonesia
Martabak arrived in Indonesia through a historical journey of trade and cultural exchange. In the country, martabak underwent customization with local ingredients and tastes. Various ethnic communities, such as Chinese, Arabs and Malays, influenced the martabak’s transformation.
The sweet martabak then has several different names in Indonesia. In Bangka Island, the name is “Martabak Bangka”. In Bandung, it’s called “Martabak Bandung”. It is said that sweet martabak became popular in the city of flowers after being ‘brought’ by a Bangka man named Bong Kap Djun.
Another name for sweet martabak in Indonesia is “Terang Bulan”. This refers to the bright moon-like shape of the martabak. The surface has dots with small holes and shines like the moon.
Well, what this foreign tourist in Bali tried was the Terang Bulan type. Curious about the taste? Check out these recommendations for Martabak Terang Bulan Bali.
Recommended martabak Bali
1. Martabak 777
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This is the Martabak outlet featured in the video above. Its branches are everywhere, from Nusa Dua to Canggu. Although the outlet is small, the selection of martabak types offered is quite complete. There are classic martabak options that usually only have 1 flavour, such as chocolate or cheese.
You can also try Martabak Pizza, like the one in the video. This type of martabak has many flavours in one dish. There is also the large Upside Down Martabak and the crunchy and thin Tipker Martabak.
Address: Jl. Pintas Siligita Selatan No.111A, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Badung Regency, Bali
2. Martabak Pecenongan 78 Bali
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In Indonesia, one of the most popular and legendary martabak places is Martabak Pecenongan 78. This martabak place has been around since 1960 and has many branches in Indonesian cities.
Based on its official Instagram, Martabak Pecenongan 78 already has many branches in various regions of Indonesia, such as Jabodetabek, Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Bali, Aceh, and Papua.
Martabak Pecenongan 78 has served a variety of flavours, including classic, Ovaltine, Cadbury, and green tea.
Martabak Pecenongan 78 also serves a sweet food menu and an egg martabak menu with chicken or beef filling. This martabak shop is known for its various filling variants and provides many toppings.
Address: Jl. Letda Tantular No.4, Dangin Puri Klod, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Denpasar City, Bali
3. Holand Martabak Terang Bulan Bali
In the Denpasar area, one martabak seller is quite legendary for always maintaining the taste of their bright moon martabak. The ingredients used are also premium, resulting in a good quality taste.
You could say Holland Martabak Terang Bulan is a hidden culinary gem that offers fantastic food and a delightful dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm and energetic presence of the staff, creating a friendly atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable meal.
Address: Jl. Teuku Umar No.240, Dauh Puri Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Bar, Denpasar City, Bali
4. Terang Bulan Mini Barito
Terang Bulan Mini Barito is an authentic Indonesian cake that comes in various flavours, from regular to premium. Interestingly, the martabak is served in mini form, so you can try many flavours in one purchase.
This is interesting because Martabak is usually quite large. You will find it easier to try various flavours without fear of feeling too full because the size of the martabak is indeed mini.
Address: Jl. Tukad Barito No.38, Panjer, South Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali
Why Foreign Tourists Should Try Martabak
Of course, martabak is one of Indonesians’ most familiar and favourite foods. But for expats in Indonesia, this Indonesian food is also a must-try.
1. Freshly made and warm
One of the characteristics that distinguishes martabak from other types of snacks is the presentation.
Martabak tends to be more commonly served impromptu so that buyers can still get the food warm. That way, the flavour of the martabak can still be fully preserved.
2. Sweet martabak puts you in a good mood
The sweet taste of martabak is often mentioned as a mood generator. So the hope is that when the prospective in-laws eat the martabak, they will immediately feel happy and accept the man who approached their daughter.
Martabak also goes well with a cup of coffee or tea, so while chatting, you can eat it. Chocolate martabak and cheese martabak might be good choices.
3. Many variations of flavors
Nowadays, many innovations have developed in the community regarding martabak. This is not limited to sweet martabak, which now uses a variety of toppings, and the presentation is no longer crescent-shaped.
In line with this, salty martabak has also kept up with the times with popular innovations, from mixing a lot of chilli in the filling to even adding melted cheese on top.
4. Good to eat anytime
Martabak can be eaten at any time of the day. Available in both sweet and salty versions, martabak can be a snack at any time of the day, evening or night.
Martabak sellers are synonymous with selling in the afternoon and evening. This is the best time to enjoy it, because people usually go off from works and want to hang out with their friend.
5. Can be eaten together
Martabak is closely related to food that can be eaten together because the portion is large. The large portion is indeed very suitable for enjoying together.
If you are gathering with family or friends, then this Indonesian food is the right choice.
