Indonesian – Martabak

Martabak is a popular Indonesian street food, known for its delicious, savory or sweet filling, and crispy exterior. There are two main types of Martabak: Martabak Manis (sweet Martabak) and Martabak Telur (savory Martabak). Both versions are beloved in Indonesia and are often sold by street vendors, especially in the evening.

Key Features of Martabak:

1. Martabak Manis (Sweet Martabak):

Dough: The dough is thick, soft, and fluffy, made with flour, sugar, eggs, and yeast, which allows it to rise when cooked.
Filling: The filling is usually sweet and can include a variety of ingredients like:
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Cheese
- Peanut butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Sugar
- Bananas
Cooking Method: The dough is poured onto a large griddle and cooked until golden brown, then topped with the chosen fillings. Afterward, it is folded and cut into smaller pieces for serving.
Serving Style: Martabak Manis is typically cut into squares or triangles and is enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

2. Martabak Telur (Savory Martabak):

Dough: The dough for Martabak Telur is thinner and more similar to a pastry dough. It is stretched thin and folded around the filling.
Filling: The savory filling is typically made with ground meat (often beef or chicken), eggs, onions, and spices like curry powder, garlic, and pepper.
Cooking Method: The filled dough is folded into a square or rectangular shape and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
Serving Style: Martabak Telur is often served with a side of pickled vegetables (acar) and sambal (spicy chili paste) to balance out the richness of the fried dough.

Regional Variations:

Martabak Aceh: A variation from Aceh, often spicier and with a different spice mix.
Martabak Bangka: In some regions, the sweet Martabak may have more traditional fillings like black sesame or coconut.

Cultural Significance:

Martabak is a favorite street food and snack in Indonesia, particularly in cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung.
It is often eaten in the evening or late at night and is sometimes sold by Martabak vendors who carry their cooking equipment and stall around neighborhoods.
Martabak is not just a dish but a part of Indonesia’s vibrant street food culture, where vendors compete to create their own variations and fillings.

Fun Fact:

Martabak is believed to have roots in Indian cuisine, particularly in the form of paratha (a type of flatbread) with savory fillings, which was adapted and modified by Indonesian street vendors.

Summary:

Martabak is a beloved Indonesian street food with two main types: Martabak Manis, a sweet, fluffy pancake filled with chocolate, cheese, or peanuts, and Martabak Telur, a savory, deep-fried pastry filled with seasoned meat and eggs. Both versions are popular snacks or meals, often enjoyed with condiments like sambal and pickled vegetables.