Indonesia: Snackpacking emerges as a new way to explore local food culture - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Exploring Indonesia through its traditional snacks is gaining attention among younger travellers. Known as snackpacking, the trend combines visits to local markets, neighbourhood food stalls and small culinary businesses with an interest in regional culture. Travel platform Agoda has identified several Indonesian destinations attracting increased domestic travel interest for October 2026, highlighting the diversity of food experiences available across the archipelago.

According to Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, snackpacking has become popular among younger Indonesians, particularly Generation Z, who use local food discoveries as a way to experience destinations and share their experiences on social media. Unlike conventional food tours centred on restaurants, snackpacking focuses on accessible regional specialities, traditional markets and informal places where local residents buy and enjoy their food.

Agoda's accommodation search data shows particularly strong year-on-year growth for Manado, Jakarta, Medan and Bandung. The figures compare searches by Indonesian travellers for stays between 1 and 31 October 2026 with the corresponding period in 2025. The platform also identified increased interest in Solo, Surabaya, Palembang, Bali, Semarang and Yogyakarta. These search trends indicate growing interest in the destinations, although they do not establish how many travellers are specifically motivated by snackpacking.

Manado leads growth in accommodation searches

Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi, recorded the strongest increase among Agoda's selected destinations, with accommodation searches rising by 214%.

The city's snack culture reflects its coastal location, agricultural products and historical connections with European trading powers. One of its best-known specialities is Klappertaart, a coconut-based dessert whose name derives from the Dutch word klapper, meaning coconut.

Other traditional products include Manisan Pala, made with nutmeg, and Halua Kenari, a sweet preparation using local kenari nuts. Savoury snacks include Panada, a pastry with Portuguese influences that is commonly filled with seasoned fish.

Visitors can explore these specialities around Jalan Roda's culinary district, Flamboyan Street Food and local shops specialising in traditional products.

Jakarta ranked second, with a 200% increase in accommodation searches. The capital's food culture reflects influences from across Indonesia as well as Chinese, Arab, Indian and European culinary traditions.

Among its characteristic snacks is Kerak Telor, a traditional Betawi dish prepared with egg and glutinous rice. Kembang Goyang and Kue Akar Kelapa are also associated with local festive traditions, particularly celebrations around Eid.

Traditional food can be discovered in Jakarta's historic Kota Tua district, the Betawi cultural village of Setu Babakan and markets such as Pasar Kue Subuh Senen and Pasar Jatinegara.

Regional specialities in Medan and Bandung

Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, registered a 194% increase in accommodation searches by Indonesian travellers.

The city is particularly associated with Bika Ambon, a distinctive cake with a porous texture. Other local specialities include Bolu Meranti, durian pancakes and Dodol Medan, alongside savoury snacks such as Teri Medan and Risol Gogo.

Visitors can discover traditional products at Pasar Rame and Pasar Beruang, while Jalan Semarang is known for its evening food scene. Jalan Majapahit is associated with Bika Ambon, and Jalan Kruing with durian pancakes.

Bandung, the capital of West Java, recorded growth of 189%. Its snack culture draws heavily on Sundanese culinary traditions and ingredients such as cassava, rice flour and coconut.

Peuyeum, a fermented cassava product, is used to prepare Colenak, while Surabi is a traditional pancake associated with Sundanese and Javanese food culture. The city also offers sweet specialities influenced by Dutch baking traditions, including Pisang Bolen and steamed brownies.

Savoury street foods such as Batagor, Siomay, Cilok, Cireng and Seblak are widely associated with Bandung. Markets and food districts including Pasar Kosambi, Pasar Cihapit, Jalan Braga and Jalan Cibadak provide opportunities to explore these dishes.

Local food as a travel experience

The growing visibility of snackpacking reflects an approach to travel in which everyday food culture becomes an attraction in its own right. Traditional snacks offer visitors an introduction to local ingredients, preparation methods and the historical influences that have shaped regional cuisines.

For destinations, this type of travel also draws attention to smaller food businesses and traditional markets rather than concentrating culinary experiences exclusively in established restaurants.

Gede Gunawan, Agoda's Senior Country Director for Indonesia, describes food as a way for visitors to discover places beyond conventional sightseeing attractions.

“Indonesia is a nation of rich flavors, and every city tells its story through its snacks. With snackpacking, travelers can go beyond landmarks and use food as their compass to explore.”

For international visitors, Indonesia's regional snack traditions offer opportunities to incorporate local culinary discoveries into broader itineraries. The range of specialities across cities such as Manado, Medan and Bandung illustrates how food experiences can complement cultural sightseeing and nature-based travel.

Agoda's figures primarily reflect domestic accommodation search behaviour rather than international demand. Nevertheless, the destinations and culinary traditions highlighted in the analysis provide examples of how Indonesia's diverse food heritage can be presented as part of the visitor experience.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration