5 Local Desserts and Drinks in Batam that are Sweeter than Your First Love
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Remember your first love? A little messy, very sweet, and something you’ll never forget? That’s what Batam’s local desserts are like too.
Batam may be full of fancy cafes with delectable cakes and sweet treats, but the street is where you’ll find the real treasures.
From gooey martabak manis to icy bowls of es teler, these are 5 truly local desserts that will make you fall head over heels in love (or at least into a sugar rush) all over again.
1. Es Doger
Photo Source: Orami
The ‘doger’ in es doger is actually a shortening of ‘DOrong GERobak’ which means push cart - a nod to its street vendor roots.
Have a taste, and you’ll see why. It’s a hearty, refreshing shaved ice dessert that tastes as vibrant as it looks. The distinctive pink colouring comes from red rose syrup mixed with coconut milk and red sago pearls.
That’s not all it contains though. In the cup, you’ll also find bits of:
- avocado
- jackfruit
- Fermented cassava (tapai)
- glutinous rice, and
- Bread
Topping off the entire concoction is your choice of regular or chocolate-flavoured condensed milk for that additional oomph.
Dessert Tip: Don’t ask them to skip the bread. While it may seem strange to have bread in a shaved ice dessert, it actually absorbs the sweet liquid and becomes a flavour bomb with added texture.
2. Martabak Manis
Photo Source: Martabak 818 Batam via Facebook
If you like apam balik, you absolutely must look for a stall that serves martabak manis.
Each martabak is made to order, which means you can customise the toppings to your heart’s content. Popular choices that are available include:
- butter/margarine
- toasted crushed peanuts
- corn
- peanut butter
- Nutella
- crushed Oreos
- shredded cheese
…and the list goes on. In short, your dream dessert martabak is only limited by your imagination (and sugar tolerance).
Dessert Tip: Martabak isn’t sold by the slice like in Malaysia. You’ll have to buy the entire piece, which is perfect for sharing. If you’re travelling solo, you may need to turn this into a meal or be prepared for a midnight snack.
3. Es Teler
Photo Source: Kompas.com
Es teler translates to ‘intoxicating ice’ or ‘giddying ice’ because it’s so addictively delicious, it would make you giddy or tipsy.
The magic ingredient for es teler is fresh fruit. The magic trio of avocado, jackfruit, and coconut meat are covered in shaved or crushed ice, and a drizzle of condensed milk. This is the ‘base’ version of es teler which is sweet, fresh, and refreshing.
Other sellers may add their own spin on the recipe, so you might find es teler made with evaporated milk, brown sugar, sago seeds, grass jelly, or even boba.
Dessert Tip: Every local person in Batam will have their favourite es teler version and stall. Ask them for recommendations!
4. Kue Lapis Legit
Photo Source: Sajian Sedap
We know what you’re thinking and, no, this isn’t the “legit” you’re thinking of. The “legit” here actually comes from a Dutch word that means rich or luxurious. So, kue lapis legit actually translates to “luxurious layer cake” - and that is a legit description!
Unlike the other desserts on this list, this Indonesian layer cake is considered delicacy that’s commonly served or given as gifts for special occasions or VIPs. Prices for a 1kg cake can cost upwards of Rp250,000 (RM65).
Kue lapis legit commands a higher price because it's a lot more labour-intensive than other cakes. Each layer has to be painstakingly baked one at a time. The process is repeated until the baker reaches the desired number of layers - at least 18 to be considered a legit kue lapis legit.
The result is a dense layer cake that’s buttery, rich, and aromatic since it’s flavoured with local spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Dessert Tip: Kue lapis legit also come in flavours such as pistachio, cheese, and chocolate. However, many consider the base butter version and prune version to be the most authentic.
5. Extra Joss
Photo Source: 1001 Aneka Resipi Kek via Facebook
Photo Source: Pondok Nasi Bakar
Extra Joss is a powdered energy drink that’s super popular in Indonesia. In most warungs, you’d find boxes or sachets on display.
By itself, Extra Joss is sweet, sour, and slightly fizzy with flavours such as pineapple, grape, and mango. It’s a boost of energy that’s also refreshing after a long day out in the sun.
While you can make it yourself at home, stalls in Indonesia take it to a whole other level with creative mixes.
A popular option is Extra Joss Susu, which adds condensed milk into the mix, turning the drink into a sweet, creamy concoction that’s a cross between a milkshake and a cultured milk drink. You can also order it mixed in with a soft drink if you’re looking for an extra fizz, such as Extra Joss Sprite.
Dessert Tip: Although the packaging appears macho, many local women enjoy Extra Joss as well. Just avoid it if you’re pregnant or sensitive to stimulants. Also, avoid taking this at night unless you plan on pulling an all-nighter.
Don’t rush your Batam holiday… unless it’s a sugar rush
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Like your favorite dessert, your holiday in Batam is much sweeter when you’re not rushing through it.
At Berjaya Waterfront, you don’t have to stress yourself out getting there. With ferries leaving almost every hour, you have the sweet luxury of boarding the ferry at a time that’s comfortable for you.
You’ll eventually have to leave Batam, but what you carry home are its lingering flavours - sweet, giddy, and unforgettable like the aftertaste of a first love.