I admit, for this bite of Indonesia's national-favorite Martabak, I'd brave traffic again.
qponx
2026-02-01
Craving authentic Indonesian treats? Head to Holland Bakery, a beloved Surabaya institution since 1987. This spot is famous for its legendary Lapis Legit, a buttery and dense layered cake that’s worth the price. You also can’t miss the Martabak, whether you prefer the savory, meat-stuffed version or the sweet one with creative toppings. Brave the tricky parking for a taste of these national favorites and other traditional pastries that offer pure nostalgic bliss.
每次路过泗水 Kertajaya 这家 Holland Bakery，看着门口那几个永远满着的车位，我内心都是拒绝的。Anjay，这停车也太难了吧！[1] 但架不住印尼朋友天天在耳边念叨，说这是他们的“国民食堂”，今天终于下定决心，冲了！
An Established Brand, Truly Something Else
Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time, not in a trendy Instagram way, but with a strong sense of nostalgia and the aroma of butter wafting over me. It felt like time had slowed down. No wonder it's an old brand established in 1987[2], they really have a firm grasp on quality.
The store was filled with a dazzling array of items, from bread and cakes to all sorts of traditional pastries, truly a carb lover's paradise. I went straight for the main event, I had to get their signature item – Lapis Legit[3]! The texture was absolutely amazing, moist, dense, with the buttery aroma melting layer by layer in my mouth. The sweetness was just right, not at all like those cloyingly sweet, flashy imposters. Mantap！
Another highlight is the Indonesian pancake, Martabak. The savory Martabak Telur[4] has a crispy crust, and the meat filling and egg mixture inside are so abundant they almost burst out. One bite is incredibly satisfying. The sweet Martabak Manis also comes in many creative variations, like red velvet[5] and pandan flavor[6]. The toppings are super generous, it's enough to give you decision paralysis!
To Be Honest, It Has Its Pros and Cons
Honestly, their food is genuinely delicious, especially the Grilled Sticky Rice with Chicken (Lemper Bakar) and Brown Sugar Steamed Cake (Roti Kukus Gula Merah)[7], they are among the best I've had in Surabaya!
But the downsides are equally obvious. Besides the infuriatingly tight parking spaces, the prices for their good stuff aren't particularly cheap either. A 20x20 Lapis Legit costs over 500,000 Rupiah[8], and while it's worth the price, my wallet still feels a little pinch, haha.
Quick Guide, You're Welcome!
- How to get there? Parking is truly a huge headache, strongly recommend taking a taxi, or going during off-peak hours, otherwise, you'll really be stuck in traffic questioning your life choices.
- What to order?
- Top choice for gifts/first-timers: Go for Lapis Legit with your eyes closed (you won't regret it), it's an absolute guarantee of quality.
- Must-try for a local flavor: Get a Martabak, both sweet and savory versions are delicious, portions are generous, suitable for sharing.
- Hidden gem: Definitely don't miss the various Indonesian traditional pastries, especially the Grilled Sticky Rice with Chicken (Lemper Bakar)!
- Money-saving tip: They occasionally have discount promotions, especially for larger items like Lapis Legit[9], so before you go, you can check their social media, you might just save a bit!
- Final reminder: This store is basically a takeaway model, don't expect to Nongkrong and chat here, buy your stuff and leave, then go home and slowly chill～
- Their signature Lapis Legit [1]? Divine! Moist, dense, buttery layers, perfectly sweet – never cloying.
- Martabak? Next-level savory and sweet! Juicy Telur [2] or generously loaded Manis [3][4] – good luck choosing!
- Must-try hidden gems: Baked Sticky Rice Chicken [5] and Brown Sugar Steamed Cake [6]. Surabaya's absolute best!
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