Traditional Indonesian Sweet Pancake

A very popular sweet treat that originates from Indonesia, the Murtabak - oftentimes also called Martabak - manis is a truly versatile dessert that can be enjoyed both savoury and sweet.  If you have ever travelled to Indonesia, you will find that the Murtabak Manis is a very popular street snack there. Like most street snacks, the appeal behind this Indonesian pancake is hearty, rustic and watching it get prepared by a stall vendor almost always brings nostalgia back.

Authentic Indonesian recipes are easy to replicate at home - so you can get the taste of your favourite dishes and desserts from this cuisine with our recipe library! 

Borrowing influences from Indian cuisine, the Murtabak Manis is a different version in which the fillings are often sweet and enveloped in an egg batter. Murtabak in Indian cuisine is often made with meat such as minced mutton or shredded chicken - however, the Murtabak Manis is special because of the variety of sweet fillings you can have. From melted cheese and condensed milk to butter and peanut, the Murtabak Manis will do very well as a snack for tea times with the family!

Just like other popular Asian recipes, the Murtabak Manis makes use of very simple, traditional ingredients that you can easily find in any store or even your kitchen. A mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, yeast, butter and milk - main batter ingredients for the Murtabak Manis recipe are pretty commonly found in most grocery stores. The fun part of this recipe is in experimenting with the range of sweet fillings that go with this sweet pancake treat!

Recognised for its honeycomb textures and decadent sweet fillings, the Murtabak Manis is a go-to post-dinner snack for many families in Indonesia. Try it the local way and have it filled with chocolate, condensed milk, butter and shredded cheese.

Frequently-Asked Questions about Murtabak Manis

Never heard of Murtabak Manis before? Keen on trying this recipe at home? Read on more to see how you can make this sweet dessert for your family and friends!

What is Murtabak Manis?

Murtabak Manis is a very popular street snack sold by vendors in Indonesia. Unlike its Western counterpart, the Murtabak Manis is a thick pancake that envelopes common sweet fillings such as chocolate sprinkles, shredded cheese, crushed peanuts and even condensed milk.

What types of sweet fillings go well with the Murtabak Manis recipe?

The possibilities are endless! Murtabak Manis is commonly paired with chocolate sprinkles on top of cheese or layers of butter. However, crushed peanuts, condensed milk and sesame seeds are only some of the other examples of sweet fillings used in the recipes.

How high a heat should I be using when cooking the Murtabak Manis?

Heating your pan at a medium-low heat is recommended. Your Murtabak Manis can easily burn if you are heating on a pan with too high heat.

Can I make the Murtabak Manis without yeast?

Yes you can! Instead of yeast, you can use baking soda as a leavening agent.

What goes well with the Murtabak Manis?

You can try having the classic Teh Tarik (milk tea) with your Murtabak Manis. A classic pairing, this is also how many locals enjoy the snack!

Tips on making an indulgent Murtabak Manis

Asian Food Network’s Murtabak Manis recipe is easy to follow - giving you the room to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Follow our tips for a smooth sailing experience!

1. Prepare the ingredients: As it is with any other cooking or baking experience, preparing all the ingredients you will need ahead of time can definitely ease the process.
2. Opt for a non-stick pan with a lid: The best-tasting Murtabak Manis are usually steamed and cooked evenly. The lid will be useful in helping the heat be distributed evenly, effectively steaming the Indonesian pancake thoroughly to attain a fluffy texture.
3. Experiment with the fillings: Instead of simply sticking to just classic choices like butter and chocolate sprinkles, you can try mixing several sweet fillings together. Nutella, Toblerone, Oreo and Cadbury are all up and coming flavours that vendors are experimenting with. Some rarer recipes include real durian fillings.