Editor’s Note
- Popular snacks in Indonesia: prices and health benefits
- Gohu fish (alternative sashimi)
- Mochi bites / Mochi gelato
- Seblak earthenware pot / Coet
- Milk bun (Thai milk bread)
Popular snacks in Indonesia: prices and health benefits
The phenomenon of popular snacks in Indonesia knows no bounds. From sweet snacks with unique textures to traditional dishes with a modern twist, they all cause long lines on social media and in physical stores.
But behind the tempting taste also lies the need to be mindful of what we eat.
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Below is a comprehensive overview of the popular snacks of the moment, including estimated prices, nutritional value, and health benefits.
1. Gohu fish (alternative sashimi)
Unlike other popular snacks that consist mainly of flour and sugar, Gohu fish has become wildly popular as a very healthy local culinary alternative (clean eating). This snack consists of diced fresh raw tuna, seasoned with lemon juice, salt, shallots, cayenne pepper, and basil, drizzled with hot coconut oil, and topped with walnuts.
Price range: IDR 25,000 – IDR 45,000 per serving (depending on the portion size of the SME or restaurant).
Nutritional value (per standard serving ~150 g):
- Calories: 180–220 kcal
- Macronutrients: Rich in protein (~25-30 g), healthy fats from coconut oil and walnuts, and very low in carbohydrates.
Health benefits: Excellent for the heart and brain thanks to the high omega-3 content of fresh tuna. The high protein content promotes muscle cell regeneration, while the basil and shallots fight free radicals as natural antioxidants.
2. Mochi Bites / Mochi Gelato
Mochi is making a comeback in the form of small bites topped with thick chocolate sauce or cream cheese, and mochi variations filled with creamy gelato. The chewy texture pairs perfectly with the melted sweet sauce.
Price range: IDR 15,000 – IDR 35,000 per box.
Nutritional value (per standard serving with sauce):
- Calories: ~300–450 kcal (can increase depending on the amount of sauce/cream).
- Macronutrients: Rich in simple carbohydrates (from glutinous rice flour and sugar) and saturated fat (from cream or milk).
Health benefits: Because it is rich in rapidly absorbed carbohydrates, this snack quickly restores energy after physical activity. However, due to the high sugar content, it is best to eat it occasionally as a reward, not as a daily snack.
3. Seblak / Coet from an earthenware pot
Seblak has evolved from a street food dish into an aesthetically pleasing dish prepared directly in an earthenware pot. The main ingredients are moist crackers, macaroni, eggs, meatballs, chicken legs, and a thick sauce with galangal and plenty of chili peppers.
Price range: IDR 12,000 – IDR 25,000 per serving (depending on the number of toppings).
Nutritional value (per full serving):
- Calories: ~400–550 kcal
- Macronutrients: Rich in carbohydrates (from the crackers), fat, protein (if eggs/meat are added), and rich in sodium (salt/flavoring).
Health benefits: Galangal (Kaempferia galanga) has natural properties to warm the body, soothe the throat, and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Chili peppers, which contain capsaicin, are also effective in stimulating metabolism and releasing endorphins (happiness hormones).
Health advice: Ask the seller to reduce the amount of salt or flavorings to keep your blood pressure in check.
4. Milk roll (Thai milk bread)
Super soft, cloud-like, torn bread filled with cold cream, then covered with butter and sprinkled with milk powder and powdered sugar for a “snowy” effect.
Price range: IDR 20,000 – IDR 45,000 per box (local version).
Nutritional value (per large piece/portion):
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal
- Macronutrients: High content of saturated fat (from butter and cream) and sugar. Moderate protein content due to the milk.
Health benefits: Provides immediate calorie intake and psychological satisfaction (comfort food) thanks to the delicious texture. The milk provides a small amount of calcium, but you should limit the portion size due to the high calorie and saturated fat content.
The key to enjoying this popular snack is moderation. Combining high-calorie snacks like milk rolls or mochi with nutritious snacks like gohu ikan is the best way to stay trendy without sacrificing your health. ***gem
