T

hese snacks are commonly referred to as jajanan SD or elementary school snacks because the vendors can usually be found parked in front of school gates, delighting students with colorful treats and soft drinks offered at very low prices.

They have been around for decades and have never failed to make even their older customers return for a taste of the good old days. However, as many native Jakartans have warned, they don’t make jajanan SD like they used to since nowadays, many vendors tend to use unhygienic materials, industrial preservatives and artificial coloring instead of real sugar and organic food coloring.

Kue rangi, the traditional gateau

Kue rangi is a native Betawi gateau, made of grilled coconut with tapioca.

The cake is shaped into crescent moon, or half circle, and is served with brown sugar syrup or simply with white sugar.

In the old days, cake makers would grill kue rangi over firewood to release a sweet scent.

Gulali, the caramel candy

Colorful, sweet and cheap: that is how students see the traditional lollipop. Buyers can also use it as a toy, of course, before they decide to eat it.

Vendors can creatively make bird-shaped whistles out of the liquid caramel, among many other shapes, to attract children.

Gulali is made purely from liquefied sugar, although vendors will usually add coloring to make them more attractive. Just request the shape you want, the seller will usually be able to make it for you.

Kue cubit, the local pancakes

Kue cubit is literally translated to “the pinch cake”. The name is derived from the way one eats it: by pinching it.

Kue Cubit is made out of liquid dough, baked, and may be served with chocolate sprinkles or cheese slices. Just order as you please. Some people usually prefer it half-baked too.

Lidi, the stick snack

Lidi is like a dry noodle, usually served with chili powder and seasoning.

In Indonesia, lidi refers to the skeleton of dried coconut leaves. After people collect them, they tie them together at the end, and usually use them to sweep dry leaves off the streets.

But, the snack might be dangerous if you over-indulge as it contains quite a high amount of monosodium glutamate.