Discover a variety of Lombok specialties rich in Indonesian flavors, from Ayam Taliwang to Kelaq Batih, authentic culinary delights that are a must-try.
Lombok, an exotic island in West Nusa Tenggara, is not only known for its beautiful beaches and mountains, but also for its variety of culinary delights that offer authentic delights.
From spicy dishes rich in spices to simple dishes full of flavor, Lombok’s culinary specialties captivate every visitor who tastes them. Here are 10 Typical Lombok Foods that must be on your culinary list.
1. Taliwang Chicken
Ayam Taliwang is a culinary icon of Lombok that is famous internationally. This dish uses young free-range chicken seasoned with a mixture of chilies, onions, tomatoes, shrimp paste, galangal, brown sugar, and lime. Once grilled, the chicken has a distinctive spicy taste with an appetizing smokey aroma.
It is almost always served with warm rice and plecing kangkung, creating a perfect combination of flavors. Although it originates from Taliwang Village, West Sumbawa, this dish is a mandatory menu in almost all restaurants in Lombok.
2. Water Spinach Salad
Plecing Kangkung is the perfect complement to Ayam Taliwang. This dish consists of fresh boiled kale, plus bean sprouts, long beans, tomato sauce, fried peanuts, and lime juice.
Lombok water spinach is known to be crispier and thicker than water spinach from other regions, thanks to the fertile soil where it grows. The fresh and spicy taste of plecing kangkung makes it a side dish that should not be missed.
3. Rembiga Satay
Another typical culinary is Sate Rembiga, which comes from Rembiga Village. This satay uses beef seasoned with a mixture of chili, onion, tamarind, brown sugar, shrimp paste, coriander, and candlenut. The marinating process makes the spices perfectly penetrate the meat.
Sate Rembiga is usually served with lontong and savory bone broth soup. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors makes this dish one of the favorites of tourists.
4. Puyung Rice
Nasi Puyung, or often called Nasi Balap Puyung, comes from Kampung Puyung in Central Lombok. This dish consists of rice topped with spicy shredded chicken, egg, potato chips, fried soybeans, chili sauce, and grated coconut.
The presentation using banana leaves as a base gives it a distinctive traditional aroma. Nasi Puyung is the perfect choice for those of you who want to enjoy a simple dish with a strong taste.
5. Bulayak Satay
Sate Bulayak has a uniqueness in its lontong, called bulayak. This lontong is wrapped in aren leaves in a spiral shape, giving a distinctive aroma to the dish. Beef satay coated with roasted peanut sauce mixed with coconut milk produces a savory and slightly spicy taste.
Bulayak with its soft texture is the perfect complement to this satay. This dish is perfect to enjoy with family at various Lombok satay stalls.
6. Racing Rice
Nasi Balap, one of the simple yet delicious dishes from Lombok, has a similar composition to Nasi Puyung. This rice is usually served with spicy shredded chicken, dried potatoes, soybeans, and chili sauce.
This dish is often a breakfast choice for local people because of its generous portion and affordable price. One of the legendary places to taste Nasi Balap is Nasi Balap Inaq Esun.
7. Lombok Mixed Rice
If you are looking for a more varied dish, Nasi Campur Lombok is the answer. This dish serves rice with side dishes such as Sate Pusut (Lombok’s signature satay), fried chicken, beberuk (a typical spicy vegetable), tempeh, and sometimes perkedel or corn fritters.
The savory and spicy taste of this mixed rice makes it a favorite dish for many. Warung Murah on Jl. Yos Sudarso, Mataram, is one of the best places to taste this dish.
8. Tanjung Satay
Sate Tanjung is a unique satay typical of North Lombok that uses fish meat such as skipjack tuna or langoan. The fish meat is marinated in coconut milk, pepper, and garlic, then wrapped around bamboo skewers and grilled until cooked.
The savory taste of fish meat combined with the distinctive aroma of grilling, creates a delicious dish. Sate Tanjung is widely found in the Tanjung area, North Lombok.
9. Pencok Satay
Sate Pencok is a typical Lombok dish that is very unique because it has two variants: one uses cow’s tendon, and the other uses sago. Pelalah seasoning consisting of coconut milk, chili, candlenut, galangal, and galangal gives a distinctive savory and spicy taste.
The chewy texture of the kikil or sago makes this dish a different culinary experience. Sate Pencok is perfect as a snack or accompaniment to rice.
10. The Blessed Virgin
Kelaq Batih is a traditional Lombok dish that is now starting to become difficult to find. This dish is made from old green beans cooked with young cassava leaves in a ragi beleq spice sauce.
The spicy and savory taste of the ragi beleq seasoning provides a unique taste that makes Kelaq Batih worth trying. This dish is usually served with warm rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Lombok’s culinary specialties are a reflection of the rich culture and traditions of the local people. From the legendary Ayam Taliwang to the unique Kelaq Batih, each dish has its own story and taste.
When visiting Lombok, be sure to try these 10 signature dishes, as they are not only a culinary delight but also make for perfect Typical Lombok Souvenirs to share the flavors and warmth of the island. Enjoy!