If you’ve ever visited Jakarta, you’ve probably heard of Soto Betawi—a rich, creamy beef soup with bold spices that hits all the right comfort food notes. But here’s the thing: most people think this dish is too complicated to make at home. I’m here to tell you—it’s not.
In this post, I’ll share with you a no-fuss, family-approved recipe that brings all the flavors of Jakarta to your kitchen. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just a little patience and a big appetite.
What Is Soto Betawi, Anyway?
Let’s break it down real quick. “Soto” is basically Indonesia’s answer to soup, and “Betawi” refers to the native people of Jakarta. So, Soto Betawi is a Jakarta-style soup, traditionally made with beef and cooked in a creamy coconut and milk-based broth. It's hearty, savory, and full of warm spices like nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon.
If you're wondering how it compares to other soto, like Soto Ayam or Soto Lamongan, the key difference is the richness of the broth. Soto Betawi is thick, creamy, and luxurious—thanks to the use of coconut milk and dairy milk together.
Ingredients You’ll Need (No Need to Stress!)
You don’t need a trip to Indonesia to find these ingredients—most can be found at Asian grocery stores, or even online. Here's what you’ll need:
- 500g beef brisket or shank, cubed
- 1 liter water
- 200ml coconut milk
- 200ml full cream milk
- 2 cloves garlic
- 6 shallots
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 clove
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 lemongrass stalks (bruised)
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- Salt and sugar to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil for sautéing
For toppings: fried shallots, chopped celery, tomato slices, and emping crackers (optional but highly recommended!)
Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Soto Betawi
1. Boil the Beef
First, place the beef in a large pot, add water, and boil until tender (about 60–90 minutes). Skim off any foam that rises to keep the broth clean and clear. Set the beef aside and strain the broth.
2. Make the Spice Paste
Blend shallots, garlic, coriander, pepper, nutmeg, and clove into a fine paste. Then, sauté this in oil until fragrant—your kitchen should start smelling amazing at this point.
3. Combine Everything
Add the sautéed spice paste into the strained broth. Toss in the cinnamon, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Bring it to a simmer.
4. Time for Creaminess
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the coconut milk and regular milk. Stir gently—don’t let it boil, or the milk might separate. Add salt and a pinch of sugar to taste.
5. Add the Beef Back In
Once the soup is rich and flavorful, toss the beef back in and let it all simmer together for another 10 minutes.
That’s it! You’ve just made authentic Soto Betawi in your own kitchen.
Pro Serving Tips (Trust Me, They Make a Difference)
Serve it hot with a squeeze of lime, a bowl of warm rice, and a side of emping crackers. Sprinkle fried shallots and fresh chopped celery on top for that final touch.
Curious about the cultural background of Soto Betawi? Check out this comprehensive article by Indonesia Travel for more insights.
Why This Recipe Works
This version stays true to the classic flavor while keeping things simple enough for home cooks. The use of both coconut milk and dairy milk gives it a creamy depth that hits differently. It’s the kind of dish that makes your guests go “Whoa, you made this?”
And don’t worry if it’s your first time cooking Indonesian food—this dish is very forgiving. Even if your spice paste isn’t perfect or your broth isn't 5-star-clear, it will still taste amazing.
Can You Store Leftovers?
Absolutely. In fact, Soto Betawi often tastes even better the next day, once all the flavors have had time to mingle. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove—don’t microwave too hot, or the milk might separate.
Final Thoughts
Making Soto Betawi at home isn’t just about food—it’s about bringing a taste of Jakarta into your life. Whether you’re an Indonesian living abroad, or just someone curious about authentic Southeast Asian flavors, this recipe is a winner. It’s bold, comforting, and surprisingly doable.
So go ahead—grab that pot, put on some tunes, and make something special today.
And hey, if you do try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment or tag your photos so others can be inspired too.
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