Best Convenience Store Snacks to Buy in Batam
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
As a tourist, Batam’s convenience stores are your best friend - they’re open 24 hours, present almost everywhere, and well…. convenient.
These stores also act as mini-curators of Indonesian snacks, paring down entire aisles of chips and chocolates to the most popular flavours and varieties that you can quickly select from.
Here are some must-try picks that will leave you craving for more once you get back home.
Chitato Potato Chips
Photo Source: H2O Mart
A staple in Indonesian snacking culture, Chitato is famous for its thick, crinkle-cut chips that catch its bold flavours between its ridges. Its Sapi Panggang (Beef BBQ) flavour is a crowd favourite, but adventurous snackers can try quirky releases like Indomie Mi Goreng flavour.
If thin-cut chips are more your thing, Chitato Lite are made from sliced potatoes for a more satisfying, clean crunch.
Qtela Cassava and Tempeh Chips
Photo source: Qtela via YouTube
If you’re craving chips but not really feeling potato, Qtela offers one of the most popular cassava (Qtela Singkong) and tempeh (Qtela Tempe) chips in the country. Many locals go for the Original flavour which lets the natural, earthy taste of the chips shine through.
Kusuka Cassava and Tempeh Chips
Photo source: Nusantara Trading
Kusuka is the other big name in cassava (Kusuka Singkong) and tempeh (Kusuka Tempe) snacks.
Much like choosing between Chipster or Mr. Potato, it really comes down to personal preference. Kusuka chips are thinner and crunchier with heavy seasoning, while Qtela is thicker-cut but with a more balanced flavour profile.
SilverQueen Chocolate Bars
Photo source: CNBC Indonesia
SilverQueen is no stranger to Malaysian supermarket shelves, but you’re only seeing a fraction of what you’d find in Batam. Here, Indonesia’s beloved chocolate bar comes in variants like Green Tea Matcha, Very Berry Yoghurt, and Crispy.
Beng Beng Chocolate Wafers
Photo source: Adobo Magazine
Layers of wafer and caramel covered with rice crispies and chocolate, Beng Beng is that sweet treat when you’re craving for chocolate indulgence.
If you head over to the instant hot drinks section, keep an eye out for Beng Beng Drink, which is an instant hot chocolate drink that’s rich, creamy, and malty.
Sari Roti Bread, Buns, and Baked Goods
Photo source: Sari Roti
Sari Roti is to Indonesia what Gardenia is to Malaysia - the most ubiquitous brand of store-shelf bread.
In stores, you’ll be able to find sliced bread varieties such as pandan, chocolate chip, raisin, and crustless; along with ready-to-eat filled buns and cakes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or late-night bite!
Bottled and Instant Coffees
Photo Source: Mini Me Insights
Whether for a caffeine boost or a pairing with your delicious Sari Roti bun, you’ll be able to find plenty of hot instant coffee and cold bottled varieties.
Brands like Indocafe Coffeemix, Luwak White Koffie, and Kopiko are standard favourites, while Delizio Caffino leans closer to dessert territory with Spanish Latte and Oat Marie Latte (made with Marie biscuits). If you’re truly up for a unique coffee taste, try Hydro Coco’s Coco Latte - a latte made with coconut water.
Teh Botol and Pucuk Harum Tea
Photo source: Infobrand
Indonesians love their bottled tea, and the most iconic brand is Teh Botol. This is considered the OG bottled tea, and its sweet aromatic jasmine with strong tea flavours are instantly recognisable.
If you prefer something smoother and more modern, Pucuk Harum is refreshing and very easy to drink, especially on a hot day.
Kacang Atom
Photo source: Tokopedia
These coated peanut snacks are wildly popular in Indonesia. You’ll find different brands across convenience stores - from big names like Garuda to small local makers - all offering that crunchy, savoury, nutty goodness.
Tic Tac Snack
Photo source: Tokopedia
No, these snacks won’t freshen your breath. Tic Tac Snacks are tiny fried pellets made of tapioca that are meant to be eaten by the handful. They provide a crunchy, savoury burst of flavour that you won’t get from regular chips.
BonCabe Makaroni Krispi
Photo source: BonCabe
If you love spicy snacks, this is the one.
Getting to Batam’s convenience stores are also very… convenient.
Photo source: Blue Waves Group
Batam’s convenience stores are more than just a stop for bottled water and soft drinks. Here, you’ll have access to local favourites you won’t easily find back home without going too far out of your way.
Different chains like Circle K, Indomaret, and Alfamart each offer slightly different selections so be sure to explore around!
At Berjaya Waterfront, getting to Batam is fast, easy, and convenient. With a regular schedule of air-conditioned ferries available 7 days a week, travel to Batam is a piece of cake. Or chocolate. Or fried macaroni.