Lombok Food Adventures: 10 Dishes You Simply Must Try

Lombok checks all the boxes for an unforgettable Indonesian escape. With its lush green landscapes and majestic volcanic mountains, there's plenty to explore, while stunning turquoise waters kiss picturesque beaches – a true feast for the senses. Yet, Lombok's allure extends far beyond its breathtaking views.

Indulging in Lombok's cuisine is a delightful experience. From spicy curries to fresh seafood, the flavors here are as enchanting as the island itself. So, pack your swimsuit and an empty stomach, and join us on a flavorful journey as we explore the traditional dishes you must savor in Lombok!

Flight From Melbourne to Lombok

Top 10 Traditional Dishes to Savor in Lombok

Prepare yourself for a flavor-packed journey as we explore Lombok's essential dishes with this food guide!

1. Rembiga Satay

Rembiga Satay from Lombok is a thrilling culinary experience for those with a daring palate. This beef satay dish delivers a hefty dose of heat, making it a must-try for spice enthusiasts.

The process begins by marinating the beef with a straightforward mix of salt, pepper, and occasionally pineapple. However, the true highlight is the marinade, a vibrant mix of spices designed to ignite your taste buds.

This marinade features a rich combination of shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, candlenuts, coriander, coconut milk, palm sugar, and the pièce de résistance: Lombok's famously fiery chillies.

2. Balap Rice

Nasi balap, or "racing rice," is a delicious and simple dish that embodies the essence of Lombok cuisine. It features a hearty serving of steamed white rice, topped with spicy shredded chicken, crunchy fried soybeans, and a unique sambal, all beautifully presented on a banana leaf.

Enhancing the meal are delightful sides like crispy potato chips, sautéed green beans, and a perfectly fried egg, creating a well-rounded feast.

3. Ebatan Rice

At the heart of this dish lies a colorful blend of cassava or bilimbi leaves, bitter melon, long beans, bean sprouts, and both purple and green eggplant. Typically, these ingredients are gently boiled and sliced thinly, resulting in a visually stunning and texturally pleasing foundation.

Occasionally, banana slices and unripe jackfruit add a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The dish is elevated by 'sambal pelalah', a rich coconut milk sauce that enhances the vegetables' flavors.

4. Taliwang Chicken

Attention spice enthusiasts! Taliwang Chicken is a renowned dish from Lombok, featuring chicken marinated in a unique spice blend that delivers an incredible kick.

The chicken is grilled until perfectly crispy, typically served alongside plecing kangkung (a water spinach salad) and a cooling terasi (shrimp paste) sambal to balance the heat.

5. Plecing Kangkung

Originating from Central Lombok, this dish is a vibrant mix of textures and flavors. It starts with a base of steamed rice, complemented by an array of tasty toppings, including shredded chicken cooked with chilies, soybeans, and a hint of dried shrimp that takes center stage.

Some variations might feature dried shredded meat or even a delightful surprise like fried eel! Occasionally, simple stir-fried vegetables such as string beans join in, making it a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies local tradition.

6. Beberuk Sambal

Originating from Lombok, Beberuk Sambal is a distinctive dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its fresh and spicy flavors, enhanced by a zesty lime aroma. It's a vibrant medley of raw vegetables, tomatoes, and spices, served cold for a refreshing culinary delight.

To make this delicious dish, chop green round eggplants and long beans into bite-sized pieces. These fresh vegetables are then mixed with sliced tomatoes, a tangy tomato sambal, and a dash of salt.

The inclusion of tomatoes, whether sliced or incorporated into a sambal, creates a refreshing and slightly tangy mixture. Allowing it to sit for a while enhances the flavors, resulting in a delightful combination of spiciness and freshness.

7. Bulayak Satay

Bulayak Satay showcases skewered pieces of marinated beef or beef innards cooked to juicy perfection. While the skewered meat is a highlight, the real star of the show is the 'bulayak', a rice cake wrapped in aren or enau palm leaves.

The accompanying peanut sauce is unique as well. It's crafted from roasted and ground peanuts simmered in coconut milk with a medley of spices including coriander, cumin, shallots, garlic, pepper, coconut cream, candlenuts, chilies, and lime juice, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce. This peanut sauce boasts a curry-like flavor with a distinctive kick of spiciness, truly a hallmark of Lombok cuisine.

8. Rarang Chicken

Located in the heart of Desa Rarang, Lombok Timur, Rarang Chicken features both fried and grilled chicken. It’s then simmered with a spicy chili sambal, and after a few minutes, the chicken is ready for you to enjoy!

9. Serabi Laklak

To create the delightful Serabi Laklak from East Lombok, you'll need a batter made from rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar for the sweet variety. Gradually pour the batter into a clay oven-like container, then cook it using firewood to infuse a unique smoky aroma.

This East Lombok Serabi Laklak truly stands out. It avoids artificial sweeteners, using only the finest palm sugar to maintain its authentic flavor. Of course, it’s much easier to buy it pre-made, isn’t it?

10. Lupis Kludan

Be sure to save some space for dessert! Lupis Kludan is a delightful sticky rice cake made from steamed glutinous rice, filled with a sweet palm sugar center, and coated in grated coconut.

The combination of the chewy rice cake, the soft, gooey filling, and the sweetness of the palm sugar makes Lupis Kludan an irresistible way to conclude your culinary journey in Lombok.

Top Tips for Lombok Culinary Adventure

Lombok's culinary scene is a hidden gem just waiting to be uncovered. Here are two insider tips to help you discover the best food during your visit:

1. Go Local, Ask Local

Forget the tourist traps! For an authentic taste of Lombok, seek advice from the locals. Utilize a translation app and check online reviews or social media posts in Indonesian. This approach will guide you to hidden gems beloved by residents, where you'll find the most genuine flavors.

2. Halal Haven? Ask Away!

Lombok is primarily a Muslim island, making it relatively easy to find halal food. However, if you have specific dietary needs or want complete assurance, don't hesitate to ask the restaurant owner directly. A simple "Maaf, apakah ini halal?" (Excuse me, is this halal?) will eliminate any uncertainties.

Exploring Lombok's food scene is a thrilling adventure for your taste buds. With everything from spicy curries to smoky grilled meats and refreshing local snacks, there's something to delight every palate. For more travel ideas and to plan your unforgettable Lombok experience, visit Mytour, book your flight from Melbourne to Lombok, and prepare to embrace the magic of Lombok!