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Glodok Chinatown Jakarta

4.4
·9k reviews·, Indonesia

A bustling marketplace and culinary hotspot in Jakarta, offering authentic Chinese-Indonesian food, vibrant markets, and a lively cultural experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Lively atmosphere, food stalls active

CrowdMedium
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Petak Sembilan Chinese buddhist temple

Glodok Chinatown Jakarta

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Lively atmosphere, food stalls active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling marketplace and culinary hotspot in Jakarta, offering authentic Chinese-Indonesian food, vibrant markets, and a lively cultural experience.

4.4
(9k reviews)

"A vibrant and bustling street food destination that truly captures the spirit of local Chinese-Indonesian culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

Ask About Halal Options

Muslim travelers: always confirm halal status with vendors. Many places are non-halal. :pray:

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Navigate crowded streets and markets with ease. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Petak Enam Food Hub

Petak Enam Food Hub

Central area of Glodok Chinatown

A must-visit for diverse Chinese, Vietnamese, and Singaporean dishes. Try Kwetiaw, Laksa, and Nasi Lemak!

Street Food Galore

Street Food Galore

Along the main streets

Indulge in a wide array of traditional snacks and desserts like Es Potong and Es Cendol.

Traditional Market Exploration

Traditional Market Exploration

Throughout Glodok Chinatown

Discover stalls selling Chinese clothes, groceries, fresh produce, and local daily necessities.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Bustle

Glodok Chinatown is a vibrant, sensory overload! Expect crowded streets, especially during peak hours. Go with an open mind and comfortable shoes to navigate the lively markets and food stalls.

Foodie Paradise & Cultural Immersion

This is a prime spot for authentic Chinese-Indonesian cuisine. Don't be afraid to try street food, but for Muslim travelers, always inquire about halal options as many eateries are non-halal.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, food stalls active
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Market buzz, less intense heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Is this doable for me and mom for our travel to Jakarta, Indonesia in July / August?

Ask About Halal Options

Muslim travelers: always confirm halal status with vendors. Many places are non-halal. :pray:

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Navigate crowded streets and markets with ease. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Visiting Jakarta

reddit.com

Glodok questions

Cash is King

Many street vendors and smaller shops prefer cash. Have smaller denominations ready. :moneybag:

Explore Beyond Petak Enam

Don't limit yourself to one spot! Wander the side streets for hidden culinary gems and unique finds. :mag_right:

reddit.com

Chinatown @ Jakarta

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask About Halal Options

Muslim travelers: always confirm halal status with vendors. Many places are non-halal. :pray:

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Navigate crowded streets and markets with ease. :athletic_shoe:

Cash is King

Many street vendors and smaller shops prefer cash. Have smaller denominations ready. :moneybag:

Explore Beyond Petak Enam

Don't limit yourself to one spot! Wander the side streets for hidden culinary gems and unique finds. :mag_right:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Glodok Chinatown is celebrated as a vibrant hub for authentic Chinese-Indonesian food and culture, offering an impressive variety of dishes and a lively atmosphere. Visitors praise the delicious flavors and the immersive market experience, though some note the need for caution regarding halal options and the bustling crowds.

"A vibrant and bustling street food destination that truly captures the spirit of local Chinese-Indonesian culture. The variety of dishes here is impressive—from savory snacks to traditional desserts, everything feels authentic and full of flavor. The atmosphere is lively, colorful, and full of character. Perfect for food lovers looking to explore something rich in culture and taste."

acidguru

"China town in the North-side of Jakarta!

A lot of foodies and beverages, especially Chinese food! I recommend to go to Petak Enam and try Ho Lai restaurant (no pork no lard!)—they serves various of Chinese, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian food such as: Kwetiaw, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and surprisingly the taste were VERY TASTY! 😍

Beside that, you should also try the dessert & snack like Es Potong, Es Cendol, Cempedak (i guess this one’s also delicious since the queue were crowded, but sadly I haven’t tried this one), Kuo Tie and many more!

For my beloved Moslem friends, please always ask to the owner of the Restaurant about the halal thingy since there’s a lot of non-halal resto as well. :)

Enjoy Glodok everyone!"

Delira K

"A lot of traditional chinese food and snacks can find here. Can see many stall along the street like Chinese clothes, groceries, and local daily food, veg , fruit, fish , meat stall and etc.. meanwhile a lot of motorcycles across the street. Opp of the road side are quite a few of traditional medicine/ herbal shops. You can take 1-2 hours to explore here if you like the vibe."

Zann Loo

What People Like

Authentic Chinese-Indonesian food
Vibrant market atmosphere
Affordable street food

What People Dislike

Crowded streets
Non-halal food prevalence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Glodok Chinatown is accessible by taxi, ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab, or public transport. Many visitors find ride-sharing the most convenient way to navigate Jakarta's traffic. If using public transport, look for routes that pass through the Glodok area. Reddit

Glodok Chinatown is generally safe for tourists, but like any busy market area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Petty theft can occur in crowded places. Reddit

The best way to explore Glodok Chinatown is on foot. The streets are bustling with activity, and walking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and discover hidden food stalls and shops. Reddit

Driving to Glodok Chinatown is possible, but parking can be challenging due to the narrow streets and high volume of traffic. Ride-sharing services or taxis are often a more practical option. Reddit

When arriving, look for the main thoroughfares that are bustling with market activity. Petak Enam is a well-known food hub within Glodok Chinatown that serves as a good central point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance tickets required to explore Glodok Chinatown. It's a public market and street area, so you can wander freely. You'll only pay for food, goods, or specific attractions within the area. Reddit

Glodok Chinatown is generally open throughout the day and into the evening. However, individual shops and food stalls may have varying operating hours. The market buzzes most in the late afternoon and evening. Reddit

While it's always lively, Glodok Chinatown can get extremely crowded during peak meal times and on weekends. If you prefer a slightly less intense experience, consider visiting on a weekday afternoon. Reddit

There is no admission fee for the food stalls themselves. You pay for the food you order. Prices are generally affordable, making it a great spot for budget-conscious foodies. Reddit

Glodok Chinatown is usually open on public holidays, and often becomes even more vibrant with local celebrations. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific closures or special events. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You must try the diverse Chinese-Indonesian dishes like Kwetiaw, Laksa, and Nasi Lemak at places like Petak Enam. Don't miss traditional snacks and desserts such as Es Potong and Es Cendol. Reddit

Yes, there are halal options, but it's crucial to ask vendors directly about their ingredients and preparation methods, as many establishments are non-halal. Look for restaurants that explicitly state 'no pork, no lard'. Reddit

Petak Enam is a popular food hub within Glodok Chinatown, known for offering a wide variety of authentic Chinese, Vietnamese, and Singaporean cuisines. It's a great place to sample multiple dishes. Reddit

Food prices in Glodok Chinatown are generally very affordable, especially for street food and local dishes. You can expect to spend a few dollars for a satisfying meal or snack. Reddit

While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries or noodle dishes. It's best to communicate your dietary needs clearly to the vendors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant street life, colorful market stalls, and delicious food. The bustling atmosphere and unique architecture offer endless photo opportunities. Look for candid shots of vendors and shoppers. Reddit

Late afternoon and early evening offer the best light for photography, with the golden hour casting a warm glow. The vibrant night lights also create a unique atmosphere for night shots. Reddit

The main market streets, the food stalls at Petak Enam, and the traditional medicine shops offer visually rich scenes. Don't forget to capture the dynamic street scenes with motorcycles and pedestrians. Reddit

For busy streets, use a faster shutter speed to freeze motion. In low light, consider a wider aperture or increasing ISO. A versatile lens is recommended for capturing both wide scenes and details. Reddit

It's generally acceptable to take photos of the general atmosphere and stalls. However, for close-ups of individuals, it's polite to ask for permission first. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Glodok Chinatown can be an exciting, albeit busy, experience for families. The vibrant market atmosphere and diverse food options can be engaging for children. Focus on the food stalls and perhaps some of the more visually interesting market sections. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make navigation easier with little ones. Reddit

Be prepared for crowds and ensure you keep a close eye on children. While there aren't specific 'kid attractions,' the sheer novelty of the market and trying new snacks can be an adventure in itself. Bring snacks and drinks for picky eaters, and be patient as you navigate the bustling environment. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Glodok Chinatown is a dream destination for budget travelers, especially foodies. The street food and local dishes are incredibly affordable, offering a delicious and filling meal for just a few dollars. You can explore the market for hours without spending much, simply soaking in the atmosphere. Reddit

When shopping for goods, remember that haggling is common, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely. Stick to local eateries and street vendors for the best value. Carrying cash in smaller denominations will also make transactions smoother and help you manage your spending effectively. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Market Maze

Glodok Chinatown is a sprawling marketplace where you can find almost anything. From fresh produce and spices to fashionable clothing and electronics, the variety is astounding. It's a place where locals shop for daily necessities, so expect a truly authentic experience. Many stalls have been here for generations, offering a glimpse into traditional commerce. Don't be afraid to haggle politely for the best prices on goods. Reddit

Beyond the tangible goods, the market itself is a spectacle. The narrow alleyways are often packed with people, motorcycles, and vendors calling out their wares. The air is filled with a symphony of sounds and smells – from sizzling street food to the chatter of shoppers. It’s a place that truly engages all your senses, offering a vibrant and sometimes chaotic, but always fascinating, experience. Reddit

A Culinary Adventure

The food scene in Glodok Chinatown is legendary. Petak Enam is a central hub where you can sample a wide array of Chinese-Indonesian delicacies. From savory noodle dishes like Kwetiaw and rich Laksa to fragrant Nasi Lemak, the flavors are bold and authentic. Many reviewers rave about the taste, describing it as 'very tasty'. Reddit

Beyond the main dishes, Glodok is a treasure trove for desserts and snacks. Look out for refreshing treats like Es Potong (ice cream bars) and Es Cendol (a sweet, green jelly drink). For Muslim visitors, it's essential to be mindful that many establishments serve non-halal food. Always inquire about ingredients and preparation methods to ensure your meal aligns with your dietary needs. Reddit

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