Martabak Manis 101: A Guide to Batam’s Most Decadent Street Food
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
In Batam, there are some foods you eat because it’s what all the online guides recommend.
Then there’s martabak - the kind of food you eat because your self-control failed the moment you smelled toasted butter from across the street.
Golden, thick, overflowing with toppings, and folded into glorious half-moon pancake, Batam’s martabak scene is a sweet, serious business. You might think you already know this dessert because it resembles apam balik or min jiang kueh.
But you’d be wrong.
Indonesian martabak is bigger, richer, heavier, and unapologetically excessive in the most delicious way. It’s a giant buttery pancake overflowing with chocolate, cheese, condensed milk, and enough calories to sustain a small village…
And in Batam, it even goes by a few different names.
In Batam, it’s usually called Martabak Bangka
Photo source: Daily Licious via Youtube
While most Indonesians understand the term Martabak Manis, in Batam you’ll more commonly hear locals call it Martabak Bangka.
The name comes from the Bangka Belitung Islands, the origin of Martabak Manis. It was introduced by the Hakka Chinese community, where it was originally known as Hok Lo Pan.
Because Batam sits close to Malaysia and Singapore, you may also occasionally spot names like Apam Balik or Terang Bulan on signboards. But if you’re specifically hunting for the rich Indonesian street-style version loaded with butter and toppings in Batam, Martabak Bangka is the name you should remember.
There’s also a savoury version called Martabak Telur - which most Malaysians would associate with murtabak. This version traces its roots back to Indian Muslim traders who brought stuffed flatbreads (similar to paratha) into Indonesia.
Over time, Indonesians evolved it into something entirely their own: a paper-thin dough stuffed with eggs, minced meat, onions, and scallions before being fried until crispy and golden.
Unlike Malaysian murtabak, which is usually eaten with curry or dhal, Indonesians pair theirs with cuka - a light sweet-and-sour vinegar sauce with cucumbers and chillies.
Toppings, toppings, toppings!
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
What makes martabak manis truly iconic are the completely unhinged topping combinations. Long before the cheese everything trend took over our traditional street foods, Indonesians already decided that chocolate and cheese belonged together.
Walk up to any martabak manis shop, and you’ll find toppings like:
- Nutella
- Lotus Biscoff
- Ovomaltine
- Matcha
- Red Velvet batter
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese
- Salted egg
- Cream cheese
- Kentan hitam (black glutinous rice)
- Wagyu beef (yes, really)
Most top stalls offer an upgrade to Wijsman butter - a premium Dutch preserved butter famous across Indonesia. It costs extra, but for many Indonesians, it’s the only butter to put into a martabak.
One thing that may surprise Malaysians not used to Malay and Indonesian-style martabak is that you have to buy the entire thing. Stalls never sell by the slice because selling the entire piece ensures that every martabak is made fresh to order and you can customise it to your heart’s delight.
And if you have too many options, most stalls allow you to order setengah-setengah (half-and-half), where you can place different toppings on each half.
Unless you really love decadent pastries, having one by yourself may leave you spiritually humbled after the 4th slice. If you’re alone, try looking for Martabak Tipis Kering (Tipker). It uses the same batter but is cooked paper-thin and crispy, almost like a dessert crepe.
4 popular martabak manis spots in Batam
Photo source: Martabak 818 via Facebook
From roadside stalls to mall stands, martabak is one of the most accessible desserts you can find. But if you’re looking for guaranteed good experience, these are four popular options among locals:
1. Martabak 818 – The legendary classic
Operating since 1987, Martabak 818 is one of Batam’s most iconic martabak names. If this is your first proper Batam martabak experience, this is a very safe bet.
Google Maps link
2. Martabak Bangka Ceria – Authentic Bangka-style goodness
Known for the rich buttery smell (Wijsman butter!) infused into the store, Martabak Bangka Ceria is especially popular among people who prefer traditional-style martabak over trendier flavours.
Google Maps link
3. Martabak Manis Baganti – Deliciously budget-friendly
Baganti has built a strong reputation for affordable but satisfying martabak. It’s only available on food delivery services like GoFood and GrabFood.
4. Martabak Bangka AW 08 – The toppings specialist
If you enjoy experimenting, this chain is known for having a massive menu of toppings and combinations.
Berjaya Waterfront is the butter way to get to Batam’s martabak
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
With just a short ferry ride from Berjaya Waterfront Ferry Terminal, you can find yourself holding that hot matcha-salted egg-wagyu beef-red velvet martabak of your dreams within the hour.
And just like how you have the freedom to decide what goes into your martabak, you also have the freedom to decide when you want to leave. Berjaya Waterfront has ferries leaving almost every hour, every day. Not just that, your return ticket is open for 3 months, meaning that you can extend your holiday on a whim.
It’s the better batter experience.