New Phenomenon at Warteg: Indonesians Flock to Budget Meals for Full Stomachs

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Warteg vendors report a shift in consumer eating habits, with many opting for cheap meals that fill their stomachs.

CNBC Indonesia’s observations in Senen, Central Jakarta, show several warteg sellers noting customers are reducing protein side dishes due to rising food prices and lower purchasing power.

Amirah confirmed this trend, stating that more buyers now choose side dishes under Rp15,000 to Rp20,000, such as tempeh, tofu, balado eggs, and various fried snacks. Customers are also increasing their consumption of vegetables.

Meanwhile, pricier items like fried chicken, beef rendang, beef stew, black squid, and shrimp (fried or balado) are being purchased less frequently.

“Yes, customers are cutting back on fried chicken or beef dishes, opting instead for balado eggs, tempeh, tofu, vegetables, and fried snacks,” Amirah told CNBC Indonesia on Saturday (30 May 2026).

Meals are now commonly priced around Rp10,000, with few purchasing over Rp20,000. As a result, she has stopped selling side dishes priced above Rp20,000.

“Many buy side dishes to keep meal costs around Rp10,000; some go for Rp15,000, but those above Rp20,000 are becoming rare,” she added.

Similarly, Kusuma, another warteg vendor, noted changes in customer orders, with rendang and shrimp being less popular.

“Indeed, most now order side dishes like tempeh vegetables, fried tempeh and tofu, potato croquettes, and fried potatoes — all around Rp10,000,” Kusuma said.

He has stopped selling shrimp dishes due to declining demand, though he still offers fried chicken.

“Shrimp is relatively expensive; even with rice, it doesn’t reach Rp20,000, but without vegetables and sambal, it’s not as tasty. So with rice, vegetables, and shrimp, it’s almost Rp20,000 — people are cutting back on shrimp,” he explained.

Surono, another vendor, reported customers are now buying meals priced between Rp10,000 and Rp15,000.

“With prices rising, people are becoming more selective about side dishes at warteg. Usually, cow trotters sell out quickly, but now they often remain unsold until evening. Beef rendang is even worse,” Surono said.

He added that dishes like potato croquettes, fried potatoes, tempeh, tofu, and various vegetables are in higher demand, while fried fish, beef, and shrimp are being ordered less.

“People want practical meals, but rice portions remain unchanged since we don’t reduce the rice. So they’re more selective with side dishes, not rice — the main thing is to feel full,” he concluded.