If you reside in the buzzing Jakarta, you may stay at home during the weekends and wait for travelling street food carts to come by so that you can order lunch.

The Mie Bakso sellers approach the neighbourhoods with a stick and a wooden hollow shell to produce a string of hard knocks to create an echo satisfactory to cut through the chattering, residential neighbourhood.

WHAT IS MIE BAKSO?

Mie Bakso is very well loved among Indonesians. Why does this particular street food seem to be at the centre of attention the minute the clocks chime during lunch time?

‘Mie’ simply translates to noodles.

‘Bakso’ refers to meat paste moulded into huge balls or what we otherwise call meatballs, and they are usually made from ground beef but there are also chicken and seafood alternatives available.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor

HOW IS IT PREPARED?

The meat paste is blended with flavoured tapioca flour and starch to keep the paste together. The balls of paste are hand-moulded and boiled in high temperature. After assessing the texture of the floating meatballs with a stick, the pre-cooked meatballs are taken out and set aside for preparation as soon as a customer makes an order.

The texture of bakso is firm on the outside but soft inside. You will still get to taste the seasoned meat melting in your mouth.

The term Mie Bakso is used when meatballs and noodles are added into a broth. Other ingredients may include fried shallots, spring onions, vegetables and boiled mushrooms.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Mie Bakso vendors are usually located outside schools and streets that are easy to spot. A bowl of this street dish is also affordable for everyone, going at an average of RP 10,000. A well-liked dish, the Mie Bakso is a satisfying and pleasant choice that never fails to leave our stomachs in delight.