Crunchy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, banana fritters, or pisang goreng, are a popular snack in Jakarta. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, banana fritters are a go-to treat for many Jakartans.
This popular treat is made by deep frying sliced bananas or plantains in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and sweet on the inside.
While banana fritters are enjoyed in many countries worldwide, they hold a special place in Indonesians’ hearts and taste buds, known as pisang goreng. In fact, according to Taste Atlas on Instagram, pisang goreng is ranked as the world’s favorite dessert.
With so many options in the city, it can take time to figure out where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best banana fritters in Jakarta, from street vendors to upscale restaurants, so you can indulge in this delicious snack wherever you are in the city.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Jakarta’s best banana fritters.
Pisang Goreng in Jakarta
Pisang Goreng Djakarta
Pisang Goreng Djakarta offers a modern twist on the classic Banana Fritters. These crunchy delicacies come with various toppings, such as sesame seed-infused batter and a selection of various sauces.
Customers can choose from classic toppings, such as brown sugar, or opt for more unique and exciting options, such as white chocolate, matcha, strawberries, chocolate, and many others.
Pisang Goreng Madu Bu Nanik
One of the most well-known banana fritter dishes is the “Pisang Goreng Madu Bu Nanik,” first sold in 2007. The owner of the business, Nanik Soelistiawati, created the menu by accident when her diabetic mother wanted to taste fried foods. To make it suitable for her mother’s diet, Nanik added honey instead of sugar.
As a result, the fried banana turned dark brown due to the caramelization of honey, and it has a unique taste compared to regular fried bananas. The main ingredient of this banana fritter is a type of banana called “raja.” The bananas are sourced from four locations: Cianjur, Bogor, Lampung, and Semarang.
Pisang Goreng Tanduk Mpok Nur
This humble stall near Manggarai Station serves warm and crispy pisang tanduk coated in flour to satisfy your taste buds.
What makes this snack special is its jumbo size, sweet flavor, and crispy texture when you take a bite. The secret to its delicious taste lies in the use of ripe bananas, specifically pisang tanduk, which are battered and deep-fried to perfection.
Despite its simple offering, Mpo Nur’s pisang goreng is incredibly popular and attracts a long queue of visitors every day. The stall opens at 5:30 AM and typically sells out before 10 AM. You can find Pisang Goreng Tanduk Mpo Nur at Jalan Manggarai Utara II Number 6. While the building may be small, the taste is anything but.
Pisang Goreng Topping By The Sisters
Pisang Goreng bu The Sisters puts a contemporary spin on the traditional Banana Fritters. These crispy treats are adorned with an array of toppings and accompanied by a variety of sauces. Patrons have the option to go for the conventional shredded cheese and chocolate sprinkles or explore more unconventional and exhilarating choices, such as white chocolate, matcha, Nutella, and Ovomaltine.
Pisang Goreng Waras
Pisang Goreng Waras is one of the viral snacks that has been circulating lately. The name “Waras” comes from the name of the traditional eatery, “Waras Warung Traditional.” This place became viral because of its location near a hotel and car rental service, making it easily accessible to anyone.
The eatery’s specialty is honey banana fritters. This cheap and convenient snack can be eaten anytime and is especially enjoyed as a menu option for breaking the fast during Ramadan. These fritters are made with thinly sliced “pisang kepok” bananas, which provide a unique taste and crispy texture when fried until golden brown.
Sang Pisang
Sang Pisang, was started by Kaesang, the youngest son of President Jokowi, on December 19, 2019. The first outlet was opened and inaugurated at ITC Cempaka Mas, Central Jakarta.
Sang Pisang has a variety of menus made from different types of bananas, including pisang raja and Pisang Kepok. In collaboration with Chef Desi Trisnawati, the MasterChef Indonesia season II winner, Sang Pisang, has expanded its menu to include new items.
Chef Desi mentioned some new menu items at the event, such as Banana Bread, Banana Pop, Banana Strips, and Pisang Goreng Madu. These four new items are now available at all Sang Pisang outlets in Jabodetabek. One of the standout items on the menu is the banana nuggets, which have a soft texture and toppings melting in your mouth with the first bite.