Soto Betawi is Jakarta's own take on the great Indonesian soto tradition, and it's a proper indulgence, tender beef simmered until soft in a broth made rich and creamy with coconut milk and sometimes a splash of evaporated milk too. Unlike the lighter, clearer sotos found elsewhere in the archipelago, this one leans into richness, warmed through with cumin, coriander and a hint of nutmeg.
Traditionally it's built on beef offal as well as beef, but this version keeps things simple and approachable with beef shin or brisket, which turns beautifully tender after a long simmer and soaks up all that spiced coconut broth. Chunks of potato go in towards the end, along with a scatter of fried shallots and a squeeze of lime to cut through the richness.
It's the sort of soup you want on a cool evening, ladled into a big bowl with rice on the side, or with the rice stirred straight through. Either way, keep the sambal and extra lime wedges close by.
