
Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings worth booking?
Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings is a 4-hour experience in Jakarta, Indonesia, from $39 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $39 per person
Over 13+ tastings, we'll turn Jakarta's historic Chinatown into a culinary map of Indonesia, eating the way from Sumatra to West Java and across the Java Sea without leaving Glodok. Slurp bakmi ayam, dip Palembang fish cakes into fiery cuko, crunch through Sundanese street snacks and discover noodles, laksa and tropical sweets shaped by generations of migration. Between bites, explore bustling Petak Sembilan Market, visit Jakarta's oldest Chinese temple and duck into tea houses and family-run eateries. Four hours, 13+ tastings and one delicious crash course in the extraordinary diversity of Indonesian food.
What you get
About this experience
Over 13+ tastings, we'll turn Jakarta's historic Chinatown into a culinary map of Indonesia, eating the way from Sumatra to West Java and across the Java Sea without leaving Glodok. Slurp bakmi ayam, dip Palembang fish cakes into fiery cuko, crunch through Sundanese street snacks and discover noodles, laksa and tropical sweets shaped by generations of migration. Between bites, explore bustling Petak Sembilan Market, visit Jakarta's oldest Chinese temple and duck into tea houses and family-run eateries. Four hours, 13+ tastings and one delicious crash course in the extraordinary diversity of Indonesian food.
What's included
Included
- Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Jakarta (private tour or 9+ available)
- Moveable feast with 7-8 stops around the markets and street vendors of Jakarta
- Bottled water
- Led by professional foodie guides
- 13+ food tastings included, more than any other Jakarta food tour
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks excluded
- Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded
What you'll see and do
If Jakarta is Indonesia's engine room, Glodok is its pantry. Long before skyscrapers reshaped the skyline, Chinese merchants were trading spices, tea, noodles and sauces through these narrow streets. Centuries of migration created a food culture where Hokkien traditions mingle with Javanese spices, and Sundanese ingredients. Our four-hour feast of 13+ tastings begins beneath Jakarta's Chinatown gate before diving into Glodok's markets and backstreets, slipping between family-run eateries, tea houses, hawker carts and neighbourhood institutions. Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine and the limitations of traditional eateries mean we unfortunately cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal so nobody is disappointed: ⚠ Possible for gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, mild nut allergies, no seafood diets, pescatarian and no pork diets, though some tastings will be unsuitable. ✖️ Unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan and halal diets.
30 minutes here
Glodok Chinatown
We'll start gently in a traditional tea house. Glossy green klepon hide molten palm sugar inside fragrant pandan rice dough, while golden onde-onde combine sesame-crusted shells with sweet mung bean filling. Cool jasmine tea washes everything down, a reminder of how deeply Chinese tea culture has become woven into Glodok today. Then come the noodles. A bowl of bakmi ayam traces its ancestry to Chinese noodle-making traditions but has long since become unmistakably Indonesian, followed by colourful nasi campur piled with its contrasting accompaniments. Two dishes in and we're already somewhere between China and Indonesia. That's Glodok.
60 minutes here
Next we head west, culinarily, at least. From West Java comes soft cassava stuffed with deeply savoury oncom, a fermented ingredient central to Sundanese cooking. Alongside we'll crunch through cireng, crisp tapioca fritters with irresistibly chewy centres that became a street-food favourite around Bandung. We'll continue through the sensory overload of Petak Sembilan Market, where traders pack the lanes with produce, spices and everyday ingredients, before pausing at Dharma Bhakti Temple. First established in 1650, it's Jakarta's oldest Chinese temple and a remarkable survivor of Glodok's long and sometimes turbulent history.
45 minutes here
Glodok Chinatown
Now Glodok becomes our map of Indonesia. From Palembang in South Sumatra comes pempek, springy fish cakes dunked into cuko, an addictive sauce balancing sweetness, sourness and chilli. The dish itself reflects the centuries of Chinese influence that shaped food along the Musi River. Then comes toge Bogor, bringing bean sprouts together with punchy accompaniments, followed by rujak, tropical fruit transformed by chilli, sweetness and savoury shrimp paste. We'll jump islands again for bakmi Belitung, noodles served in a deeply savoury shrimp broth from the tin-mining island of Belitung, before returning to Java for creamy, coconut-rich laksa ayam. One Chinatown. Half an archipelago.
60 minutes here
Glodok Chinatown
We'll finish with something considerably sweeter. Pillowy milk buns provide the soft landing before cempedak goreng hits the fryer. Cempedak is jackfruit's smaller, funkier relative, and frying it in light batter intensifies its tropical sweetness until the edges become crisp and caramelised. After 13+ tastings, you'll have travelled from Sumatra to West Java, crossed the Java Sea to Belitung and encountered generations of Chinese-Indonesian cooking, all without leaving the streets of Glodok. Jakarta can be overwhelming from the outside. But spend four hours eating through its oldest Chinatown and the city begins to make considerably more sense.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Jakarta
The meeting point is under the arch of the Chinatown Kawasan Pancoran Glodok gate. Uber is not available in Jakarta, but the equivalent ride hailing app Grab is and is the most convenient way to hail a taxi.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point is under the arch of the Chinatown Kawasan Pancoran Glodok gate. Uber is not available in Jakarta, but the equivalent ride hailing app Grab is and is the most convenient way to hail a taxi.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A Chef's Tour
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for severe allergies
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must during your stay in Jakarta
It was a great experience, Cecile my guide was excellent, she explained the culture and the origine of the food. I highly recommend it.
via Tripadvisor
Best Food Tour in Jakarta
Sisil and Bobby were excellent and fun guides for our food tour. We did two different food tours in Jakarta (this one in Glodok and another one in Blok M from a different company) and this food tour in Glodok was hands down the best. Fun location, great food, and a great local experience. If you are coming to Jakarta, do this food tour!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent food tour with lots to see and taste
Just completed a great tour with Sisal, a lovely, bubbly tour guide who took good care of our group. This is an easy walking tour to complete, that is nicely contained. We actually had a second guide with us, I believe his name was Bobby, he too was excellent. We enjoyed many different dishes and flavours, this is a great tour to enjoy a range of Indonesian cuisine that will take you to places and tiny restaurant you would otherwise never find or enjoy. There is also a couple of cultural sites included. Great value too.
via Tripadvisor
One day in Jakarta
We had one day in Jakarta in between destinations and booked the tour! Our favorite way to experience a city is through the food. We had also been on a tour with the operator in Morocco and it was one of the best food tours we’d been on. Jakarta did not disappoint! So many delicious bowls of noodles, spicy sour fruits, a traditional tea ceremony, fried bananas and jackfruit - I could go on and on! Our guide was so knowledgeable and was a joy to spend a few hours with learning and eating our way through the city!
via Tripadvisor
Absolutely recommended.
Sisil was excellent. She was able to tell me a lot about the area, history, and food and was very friendly. The food was very delicious. I can definitely recommend the tour.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by A Chef's Tour, who run 84 experiences we rank across 49 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.6 and 10 in the 90+ Club.
See everything A Chef's Tour runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Jakarta.
How much does Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings cost?
+
Prices start at $39 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Jakarta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings take?
+
Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Jakarta is not rushed.
Is Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Jakarta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings?
+
Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Jakarta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Jakarta and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Jakarta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Jakarta?
+
On Outty we rank every Jakarta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jakarta Half-Day Guided Tour with a Private Fun Local Host, Active Volcano, Rice Field, Hot Spring, Fruit market, Tea Plantation with Lunch, Private Full-Day Guided Tour: Explore Jakarta’s Top Highlights. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Jakarta?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Jakarta?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings?
+
Included: Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Jakarta (private tour or 9+ available); Moveable feast with 7-8 stops around the markets and street vendors of Jakarta; Bottled water; Led by professional foodie guides; and 13+ food tastings included, more than any other Jakarta food tour. Not included: Alcoholic drinks excluded; and Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings?
+
The meeting point is under the arch of the Chinatown Kawasan Pancoran Glodok gate. Uber is not available in Jakarta, but the equivalent ride hailing app Grab is and is the most convenient way to hail a taxi. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Jakarta. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings?
+
Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Glodok Stories Jakarta Food Tour with 13+ Tastings.
Pick your date




