The hunt for something fresh and sweet for breaking the fast has helped the rise of seasonal snack and food markets across the town.

An exciting and satisfying culinary trail may begin on any sidewalk, but the most popular places for street food can be found in the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) marketplace or the Kramat area in Central Jakarta.

In Benhil, visitors are lured to taste traditional food from across the archipelago, from tasty rendang (beef cooked in spices and coconut milk) from West Sumatra, konro (beef rib) soup from South Sulawesi, to a variety of traditional snacks, with many of them being offered in one place for the month only.

People flock Bazaar Ramadhan, another food station during the month in Bendungan Hilir (Benhil), Central Jakarta. JP/P.J.Leo
In the Kramat area, food is served until around 11 p.m., much later than the stalls in Benhil that close soon after breaking the fast. Although the food stalls in Kramat open daily, it is much busier during Ramadhan as vendors offer larger seating areas, along with plenty of food and snack options.

But more markets have been springing up throughout the month, offering mouthwatering choices for many who cannot break the fast in the comfort of their homes, but have to break their fast on the road.

Street vendors offer takjil along Jl. Panjang, West Jakarta. JP/Arief Suhardiman
A seasonal snack and food market on Jalan Panjang, in Kebon Jeruk area, West Jakarta, allows motorists to get their preferred snacks and fresh drinks straight from their vehicles, as most vendors stand along the congested road.

“People buy my snacks from their cars then I approach them to deliver it and get paid,” says Amparyani, a vendor.

Another market in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, spoils people’s taste buds with more choices of food and snacks. Some stalls even come with tables and seats for those who are wanting to break the fast on the spot.

Kampung Jajan Semanggi. JP/Ricky Yudhistira
Another market – Kampung Jajan Semanggi – is found in the heart of Jakarta, in Plaza Semanggi’s Sky Dining area. It combines both a traditional and modern atmosphere, while its location on the building’s top floor allows diners to enjoy Jakarta’s view while breaking the fast.

Running until Aug. 17, the seasonal market’s organizer, Meli, said the theme has been selected for those who miss the home cooking in their hometowns. “This location is surrounded by offices and employees who usually eat junk food. That is why we came up with the idea to set a different atmosphere,” she says.

The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post