The best fried banana in Jakarta? After a 1-hour queue, all I can say is…
qponx
2026-03-04
Is Jakarta's legendary Pisang Goreng Madu Bu Nanik worth the hour-long queue? This article dives into the hype, revealing the secret behind its famous "ugly" but delicious honey-caramelized fried banana. Discover the surprise hidden gem—the Cempedak Goreng (fried jackfruit)—and get essential pro-tips on how to beat the lines and enjoy this famous snack at its crispy best. Find out if this polarizing treat, loved by many but called greasy by some, truly lives up to its reputation.
Anjay, this scene… The moment I arrived, I was blown away by the sea of people and a sea of green Gojek drivers at the entrance. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of fried food, mixed with the buzz of the crowd, truly living up to its reputation as the legendary fried banana of Jakarta—Pisang Goreng Madu Bu Nanik.
The Charred "Ugly Thing" Actually Tastes...
To be honest, this fried banana isn't much of a looker. It's a dark, lumpy thing that looks like it was accidentally over-fried. But the moment you take a bite, it's all worth it! The outer skin has a caramelized crispness that only comes from using honey instead of sugar, with a sophisticated hint of bitterness, followed immediately by the soft, sweet flavor of the banana itself. The complexity is insane! This is the real Pisang Goreng Madu (honey fried banana)[1], completely on a different level from the street-side stalls.
They're also huge; one is enough to make you half-full. But what really surprised me was the Cempedak Goreng (fried jackfruit)[2], its unique, exotic fruity aroma is infinitely amplified after frying. The flavor is top-notch, an absolute hidden gem! I heard the founder, Ms. Bu Nanik, is also a legendary woman who built this from scratch. Respect![3]
To Be Honest, It's Not Perfect
Calmly speaking, opinions on this are really polarizing. Those who love it (like me) think it's the best in the city, but I've also heard friends nearby complain that it's a bit greasy[4], or that the bitterness of the caramel is too strong, making it overrated. So if you don't have a major sweet tooth, you might find it a bit rich.
Also, while the signature fried banana is great value for money at only around 7k Indonesian Rupiah each, the other fried items, like the fried jackfruit, are much smaller in size[5], leaving you wanting a bit more.
Editor's Pro-Tips (Save This!)
Finally, for the girls who want to check this place out, here are some solid tips:
- Want to eat but don't want to queue? Don't be silly and wait in line for an hour during peak times[6]. Either rush over at 6 AM, or just open your Gojek/Grab app, order from your couch, and let the driver queue for you. That's the Jakarta Chill lifestyle.
- Whatever you do, don't drive here! The street in front of the shop is one-way, and finding a parking spot is next to impossible[7]. Trust me, taking a taxi or a motorcycle is the only right choice, otherwise, the traffic jam will make you question your life choices.
- Best enjoyed within: 30 minutes! This kind of fried food must be eaten hot while the skin is still crispy. Once it cools down, it gets hard, and the texture takes a nosedive[8].
- It's not just fried bananas! This place is actually an "Indonesian specialty center." You can find everything from Medan's Bolu Meranti to Yogyakarta's Bakpia. While you're buying fried bananas, you can also grab some souvenirs (oleh-oleh), getting everything done in one stop. It couldn't be more convenient[9].
- The sea of people, green Gojek jackets, and sweet fried-food aroma—this is the peak local Jakarta vibe [1].
- The "ugly" honey fried bananas: a crispy, bitter-caramel skin over a soft, sweet center. Incredible texture, way beyond street stalls.
- But the fried jackfruit is the real sleeper hit! Frying amplifies its exotic aroma, making the flavor simply god-tier.
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