Food In Lombok Mataram

Food History of Lombok (Mataram), Indonesia

Lombok's cuisine is as vibrant as its culture, infused with a rich history that dates back centuries. The island's food is known for its unique blend of flavors, which have been influenced by various cultures such as the indigenous Sasak people, Balinese, and Arab traders. A signature trait of Lombok's culinary tradition is its use of fresh spices and herbs, which contribute to the aromatic and robust flavors of its dishes. Aside from the spicy flavors, Lombok is also known for the traditional technique of cooking called “Sasak” style, which often involves grilling or frying with a generous use of coconut milk, chili, lemongrass, and galangal.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Lombok (Mataram)

1. Ayam Taliwang - Non Veg
   This spicy grilled chicken dish is marinated with a mixture of garlic, chillies, and shrimp paste before being grilled to perfection.
2. Pelem Bakar - Veg
   Grilled corn on the cob, often seasoned with spicy chili sauce or just salted butter, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
3. Beberuk Terong - Veg
   An eggplant salad served with a spicy and tangy sambal dressing, a delightful vegetarian side dish.
4. Plecing Kangkung - Veg
   Water spinach with a spicy sambal sauce, topped with grated coconut and peanuts. It's a famous fresh and healthy vegetable dish.
5. Sate Tanjung - Non Veg
   Skewered and grilled fish satay, usually served with rice and a special spicy sauce.
6. Sate Bulayak - Non Veg
   A unique type of satay where the skewered and grilled meat is served with a coiled rice cake known as Bulayak.
7. Ayam Taliwang - Non Veg
   Another mention for its popularity, this grilled chicken dish is often considered Lombok's culinary emblem.
8. Sop Buntut - Non Veg
   A hearty oxtail soup that is rich in flavors, often slow-cooked to get a tender texture.
9. Nasi Balap Puyung - Non Veg
   A rice-based dish served with shredded chicken, fried shredded beef, fried tempe, and spicy sambal. Vegetarian versions may be available.
10. Gado-Gado - Veg
    A mixed vegetable salad served with a peanut sauce dressing, common across Indonesia but with local variations in Lombok.

Top Famous Restaurants in Lombok (Mataram)

1. Asmara Restaurant & Lounge
   Address: Jl. Raya Senggigi No.66, Batu Layar, Mataram
   Famous Food: Traditional Indonesian dishes, including various vegetarian options.
2. El Bazar Café & Restaurant
   Address: Jl. Raya Kuta No.5, Kuta, Lombok
   Famous Food: Middle Eastern cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options like kebabs and falafel.
3. Bale Tajuk Cafe
   Address: Jalan Udayana No.2, Cakranegara, Mataram, Lombok
   Famous Food: Local Sasak cuisine, including grilled fish and chicken dishes.
4. Rumah Makan Cahaya
   Address: Jl. Pejanggik No.115, Mataram
   Famous Food: Known for its Ayam Taliwang and plecing kangkung, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tastes.
5. Warung Buana
   Address: Jl. Sriwijaya No.212, Mataram
   Famous Food: Nasi Balap Puyung, Ayam Taliwang, and a selection of Indonesian dishes, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian.