Indonesia is well known for its wide diversity of culture, customs, and people, and this is wholesomely represented in its food and dining culture.

Lombok is no exception, and we have put together a list of the best local foods in Lombok that you must try.

1. Plecing Kangkung
One of the most appetizing Lombok specialties you must taste is Plecing Kangkung, and it is definitely recommended for all vegetable and seafood lovers. This spicy water spinach salad has a limp look but a crunchy texture. The blanched veggies are topped with a chili and shrimp paste dressing, grated coconut, garlic, deep-fried peanuts, and lime juice.
Taliwang H. Moerad’s House
Address: Jl. Pelikan, Pejanggik, Kec. Mataram, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Barat
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Ayam Taliwang

Ayam Taliwang is a traditional Indonesian grilled chicken dish.Yet, what makes it unlike other Indonesian grilled chicken is the main ingredient, or “ayam kampung,” meaning chicken from the village—it usually tends to be smaller, juicier, and more organic than the rest. The fowl is covered in “taliwang” sauce, made of shrimp paste, garlic, lime juice, chilies, salt, and candlenuts. Gobble it up while it’s still hot.
Rumah Makan Taliwang
Address: Jl. A. A. Gede Ngurah No. 26, Cakranegara Timur, Cakranegara, Kota Mataram
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3. Sate Bulayak
What distinguishes this beef satay from other skewered dishes is its companion, known as Bulayak.It’s a type of compressed rice cake wrapped in palm leaves with an elongated shape. This special dish is served with a spicy coconut milk sauce. There are plenty of vendors selling this food; however, the one in Taman Suranadi is highly recommended.
Sate Bulayak Suranadi
Address: Suranadi, Narmada, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4. State Rembiga
Sate Rembiga has been popular since the Pejanggik royal family, in Rembiga Village, introduced it to the public. This typical dish is made of marinated diced beef, skewered, and then grilled over hot charcoal. The blend of spicy and sweet flavors whets everyone’s appetite. Enjoy it with either steamed rice or compressed rice cake.
Warung Sate Rembiga Utama
Address: Jl. Wahidin Sudirohusodo No. 5, Rembiga, Selaparang, Kota Mataram
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

5. Ares
It might sound bizarre to hear that banana stems can be turned into a delicious meal—but that’s how Ares is made. This dish is commonly found in wedding ceremonies and religious festivals, and it is a type of curry in which beef, chicken, and fish are all included. The meat is simmered together with coconut milk and some aromatic herbs, such as galangal, ginger, and turmeric.
Lombok Waroeng Ares
Address: Jl. Raya Senggigi No. 18, Meninting, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

6. Sate Ikan Tanjung
Sate Ikan Tanjung is so named because it originates from Tanjung, a district of North Lombok. Ground fish, mostly tuna, is mixed with galangal, coconut milk, lemongrass, chilies, garlic, and kaffir lime leaves, then pressed onto a bamboo stick and grilled over smoldering coal. You should go in the afternoon or evening to find vendors selling this seafood dish.
Sate Ikan Khas Tanjung
Address: Jalan Raya Tanjung, Sokong, Tanjung, Sokong, Tanjung, Kabupaten Lombok Utara
Opening Hours: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Nasi Puyung Lombok

7. Nasi Puyung
Nasi Puyung is basically steamed rice; it’s usually accompanied by several traditional dishes, such as Ayam Suwir (shredded chicken cooked with lemongrass, chilies, and shrimp paste), Kering Kentang (crispy fried potato slices), Tumis Kacang (sauteed string beans), and sambal (spicy hot sauce). Add some fried soy beans for the garnish, and you have the perfect meal.
Inaq Esun Nasi Balap Puyung
Address: Jl. Raya Puyung, Puyung, Jonggat, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

8. Bebalung
“Bebalung” means “animal bone,” and this dish is made from either goat or cow ribs. This soupy meal is available during cultural festivals and always overshadows other Lombok specialties. The ribs are stewed with tamarind leaves, garlic, shallots, ginger, galangal, salt, and pepper. It is served hot with steamed rice, lime juice, and spicy hot sauce (sambal).
Warung Bebalung Sapi
Address: JL Surenadi Narmada, RT. 01, Narmada, Lembuak, Mataram, Lombok Barat
Contact numbers: +62 879-1796-3331

9. Ikan Bakar Pantai Nipah
One of the greatest ways to enjoy an exotic Lombok beach is by having a bite of Ikan Bakar Pantai Nipah, which is a special grilled fish found on Nipah Beach. The fish is marinated in varied seasonings, such as lime juice, garlic, chilies, ginger, and sweet soy sauce, then grilled over hot coals. Other variations include squid and shrimp, and you shouldn’t miss out on any of these fine meals.
Ikan Bakar Pantai Nipah
Address: Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara
Opening Hours: 24 hours

10. Beberuk Terong
Are you an eggplant lover? If so, try Beberuk Terong, a tasty dish that comes in two types: raw and cooked. The raw version is normally devoured with spicy tomato sauce and chopped string beans, while the cooked version is usually roasted, shredded, and topped with spicy sambal. It’s good to eat it with steamed rice, Plecing Kangkung, and Ayam Taliwang.
Kerandangan: Ikan Bakar, Sate Bulayak, and Pelecing Kangkung
Address: Jl. Raya Senggigi No.16, Senggigi, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat
Opening Hours: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Lombok foods are indeed worth trying.

If you are about to visit Lombok, be sure to include a culinary trip in your main itinerary. Try an assortment of delicious cuisine, from the fresh Lombok salad called Plecing Kangkung and Beberuk Terong to the tender, grilled, organic chicken known as Ayam Taliwang.

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