Bakso bakar
Bakso bakar is a popular Indonesian street food dish consisting of grilled meatballs, usually made from beef, that are skewered, basted in a flavorful sauce, and grilled over hot charcoal until smoky, slightly charred, and caramelized on the outside.
The word "bakso" refers to meatballs, typically made from a mixture of finely ground beef (or sometimes chicken or fish), tapioca flour, and seasonings. "Bakar" means grilled or roasted. So, bakso bakar literally means "grilled meatballs." Originally popularized in Malang, East Java, bakso bakar has since gained nationwide fame as a snack or side dish, often sold at roadside stalls (warung), food carts, and night markets.
The meatballs are first pre-boiled until fully cooked, then skewered (usually 3–5 per skewer), slathered in a sweet, spicy, and savory glaze — typically made from kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, chili, and sometimes a bit of margarine — and grilled until slightly crisp and sticky. Read more
The flavor is bold and addictive — sweet, salty, smoky, and spicy, with a soft and chewy bite from the meatball. It’s commonly served with steamed rice, rice cakes (lontong), or simply eaten off the stick with a side of sambal or spicy dipping sauce.
Bakso bakar is often part of casual, late-night eating culture, and its grilled twist makes it a fun and flavorful variation of the classic bakso soup.
