Lombok is one of the islands in Indonesia that has been a magnet to many local and international visitors. Lombok is a great cultural destination because of its diversity. Not to mention that their foods are to die for. If you are looking for serene getaway while being able to enjoy variety of delicious local dishes, Lombok is a perfect destination to choose. The particular taste about Lombok cuisines is the pungent aroma and rich flavor coming from variety of spices, herbs and fresh ingredients. So here are most delicious dishes in Lombok you must try during your visit to this dreamy island:
Plecing Kangkung
Plecing Kangkung is an iconic dish from Lombok that has been widespread across Indonesia. It looks like salad but not really is. Plecing Kangkung is made from Kangkung, a local vegetable or water spinach added with variety of seafood. The kangkung looks limp but very crunchy when you have a bite. The most prominent taste is spicy and sweet due to chili, shrimp paste dressing, garlic, grated coconut, deep-fried peanuts, and lime juice.
Ayam Taliwang
This is a star dish from Lombok every visitor should try during a visit. It is another iconic dish in Lombok that can be found in almost every restaurant and street vendors. Ayam Taliwang is basically grilled chicken with Ayam Kampung as the main ingredient. It is chicken that is raised in the village wit characteristics of smaller, juicier, leaner, and more organic meat. The chicken is dressed with taliwang sauce made of shrimp paste, chili, garlic, lime juice, candle nuts, and salt.
Ares
This is a pretty bizarre dish for non-Indonesians because it is made from banana stems. This dish can be found mostly in weddings, and religious festivals. Ares is a type of curry made from banana stem as well as beef, chicken, and fish. The meat is simmered in coconut milk and added with aromatic herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and galangal.
Nasi Puyung
This is rice dish that is famous in Lombok due to its tasty flavor. This is basically elevated steamed rice because it is accompanied by several traditional dishes such as shredded chicken or Ayam Suwir, fried potato fries, Tumis Kacang, and spicy hot sauce or Sambal. Fried soy beans are added as garnish to complete this dish perfectly. It is best to eat while still hot. The locals enjoy Nasi Puyung at any time since it is basically perfect for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. It is also fulfilling and you can eat it as main course.
Bebalung
This is another iconic dish from Lombok. It is made from goat or cow ribs. Bebalung itself means bones so it makes sense for this dish because it uses goat and cow ribs as its main ingredient. Often appear during festivals and ceremonies, this dish is enjoyed in a soup that taste heavenly due to the use of tamarind leaves, salt, ginger, galangal, garlic, shallots, and pepper. It is best served with steamed rice, added with lime juice, and completed with Sambal.
