A famous Betawi street food from Jakarta, this savory omelette features pre-cooked glutinous rice crisped in a small wok with coconut, dried shrimp, and aromatic spices, all bound together with a layer of egg. Traditionally cooked over charcoal and finished with crispy serundeng, fried shallots, and a side of sambal, it captures the smoky, soul-warming flavors of Old Jakarta.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings4
Yield4 omelettes
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 480 kcalCalories
- 22 gFat
- 9 gSaturated Fat
- 52 gCarbs
- 4 gFiber
- 6 gSugar
- 16 gProtein
- 420 mgSodium
- 320 mgPotassium
- 95 mgCalcium
- 3 mgIron
- 6 mgVitamin C
- 180 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the sticky rice base
- 1 1/2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 pandan leaf, tied (optional)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
For the spice paste
- 4 large shallots, peeled
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp candlenut (or macadamia nut)
- 1 tsp toasted shrimp paste (terasi)
- 1 tsp coriander seeds, dry-toasted
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the omelette
- 2 tbsp dried shrimp (ebi), soaked 10 minutes and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes, dry-toasted until golden
- 1 tbsp grated palm sugar
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 large whole eggs (one per omelette)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
For serving
- 1/4 cup store-bought serundeng or extra toasted coconut
- 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots
- 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
- Sambal kecap or fresh chili sambal, to taste
Directions
- Cook the sticky rice: combine rinsed rice, water, pandan, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 18-20 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
- Make the spice paste: blend shallots, garlic, candlenut, shrimp paste, coriander, and white pepper into a coarse paste with 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium heat and sauté the spice paste 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the cooked sticky rice, chopped dried shrimp, palm sugar, and salt; stir-fry 2 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and aromatic.
- Fold in the toasted coconut flakes and taste for seasoning; the rice should be savory with just a whisper of sweetness. Keep warm.
- Heat a 6-7 inch mini wok or skillet over medium heat with 1 teaspoon of oil. Pack about 1/3 cup of the rice mixture into the pan and press into a flat, even disc about 3/4 inch thick.
- Crack one whole egg directly over the rice disc, season lightly with salt, and cover the pan. Cook 3-4 minutes until the egg white is fully set, the yolk is still soft, and the rice base is lightly crisped underneath.
- Repeat with the remaining oil, rice, and eggs to make 4 omelettes total, keeping finished ones warm on a plate tented with foil.
- Slide each omelette onto a plate and shower generously with serundeng and fried shallots. Serve immediately with a lime wedge and sambal on the side for squeezing and spooning over each bite.
Cook’s Notes
- Day-old cooked sticky rice works beautifully here and crisps faster on the base.
- A 7-inch mini wok or cast-iron aebleskiver pan best replicates the traditional street-vendor shape and crust.
- Do not skip the toasted coconut flakes; they deliver the signature sweet-nutty aroma that defines the dish.
- For an authentic smoky flavor, finish each omelette under a hot broiler for 30-45 seconds just before serving.
- Substitute raw macadamia or Brazil nut for candlenut if it is unavailable in your area.










