National Dish Indonesia: Martabak Telor (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Martabak Telor, one of Indonesia’s most irresistible street-food treats! These golden, savoury stuffed pancakes wrap a generous filling of spiced minced meat, onion and egg in a crisp, thin dough. The contrast between the crackly outside and the juicy, well-seasoned centre is what keeps people coming back for more. Served with a fiery dipping sauce, it works equally well as a moreish snack or as a satisfying main course straight from the kitchen.
About Martabak Telor
Martabak Telor is a much-loved Indonesian dish made of savoury stuffed pancakes. It is typically prepared with a spiced mixture of minced meat, onions and egg, all folded inside a thin, stretchy dough. The combination of crisp pastry and a juicy, flavour-packed filling makes it a genuine treat for the palate. It is often served with a spicy sauce that deepens the flavour even further, turning the dish into an essential snack or hearty main course.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 1 cup water
- 200 g minced meat (beef or chicken)
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons spring onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Martabak Telor you will want fresh, good-quality ingredients. Most of what you need is easy to find in any well-stocked supermarket. Pay particular attention to the minced meat, as this is the heart of the dish. Staples such as soy sauce and onions lend the dish its authentic Indonesian character, and an Asian grocery is a good place to look if you want the most flavourful versions.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking Martabak Telor, it is worth getting all your ingredients ready first. Taking care over the dough is key to the right texture in the finished pancake. Mix the plain flour with water to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Let the dough rest for a few minutes so it can relax and develop the elasticity you need to stretch it out thinly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each one out thinly.
- Fry the minced meat in a pan, then add the onion and spring onions.
- Whisk the eggs and stir them into the minced-meat mixture.
- Spread the filling over one half of the dough and fold the other half over the top.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the stuffed parcels until golden brown on both sides.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make Martabak Telor gluten-free, swap the plain flour for a blend of gluten-free flours. Make sure the minced meat and the other ingredients are gluten-free too, as some soy sauces contain wheat — a tamari is a safe choice here. The recipe is naturally lactose-free, but do double-check any pre-made sauces or seasonings. That way everyone, including those with special dietary needs, can enjoy this delicious dish.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans and vegetarians can easily adapt Martabak Telor by replacing the minced meat with a mixture of vegetables and pulses. Spiced tofu cubes or chickpeas make great alternatives that suit the dish beautifully. When preparing the filling you can also reach for a plant-based egg substitute. This keeps the characteristic flavour intact while making the dish entirely meat-free.
More tips and tricks
For the perfect Martabak Telor, it is important to roll the dough out evenly. Dough that is too thick can leave the filling undercooked. Use a ratio of one part water to two parts flour for the batter to hit the ideal consistency. There are also countless ways to vary the filling to taste, which keeps the dish endlessly interesting — much like the playful fillings in Kue Cubit.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Martabak Telor is extremely versatile and simple to tailor to your own preferences. Add different herbs and spices to liven things up, or vary the filling by using prawns or mixed vegetables instead of meat. This flexibility is exactly why it is such a popular dish in so many households, and it sits naturally alongside crowd-pleasers like Bakwan Jagung.
Ingredient substitutions
For a more wholesome take on Martabak Telor, you can use wholemeal flour in place of plain flour. Another interesting option is to swap the minced meat for plant protein. It is also worth reaching for natural spices such as turmeric or cumin to intensify the flavour. Changes like these keep the dish just as delicious while making it that little bit healthier.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the Martabak Telor experience, it pays to pair the dish with refreshing drinks. An Indonesian iced tea or some coconut water harmonise wonderfully with the savoury, spiced flavours. You might also consider a lightly sweetened fruit smoothie, which balances the heat of the sauce. For something sweeter on the side, the iced classic Es Doger makes a fun, cooling match.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part in enjoying Martabak Telor. Serve the pancakes on a large plate, garnished with fresh herbs and a small bowl of spicy dipping sauce. You can also add fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices or grated carrot to bring a crisp, fresh note to the plate. An attractive presentation makes the food more appetising and turns serving it into a pleasure in itself.
A bit of history
Martabak Telor has its origins in Indonesian cooking and is a much-loved piece of street food. It is often served at festivals and on special occasions. The dish has evolved over the years, with different regions of Indonesia creating their own variations. This rich history and cultural significance make Martabak Telor an indispensable part of Indonesian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
- Martabak Manis – a sweet version of martabak
- Nasi Goreng Kambing – Indonesian fried rice with goat
- Dendeng Balado – spicy fried beef
- Sate Lilit – Indonesian skewers with peanut sauce
- Gado-Gado – a salad dish with peanut sauce
Summary: Martabak Telor
In short, Martabak Telor is a delicious and versatile dish from Indonesia that can be made with all kinds of ingredients and variations. Whether served as a snack or as a main course, it delivers an explosion of flavour, perfectly rounded off with a spicy sauce. It is simple to prepare and easy to adapt to your own preferences. Give it a try and dive into the delicious world of Indonesian cooking!
