Despite being extremely close to Bali and literally connected to the Gili Islands, few people know about Lombok and indeed Lombok cuisine. And this is either a bit of a shame, or awesome, because while people really should be coming here, that they are not still means it is a bit of a hidden gem.
And enough people know about the place to mean that there is a tourist industry, as well as a decent amount of expats. Combine this with the fact that Lombok is freaking huge and you have a place that has a great range of both local and expat food, hidden gems, and a truly unique indigenous food culture.
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What the Lombok?
Lombok is the island immediately east of Bali, part of the Lesser Sunda chain. It is around 5,435 square kilometers, making it roughly the size of Singapore and slightly smaller than Delaware in the US. Annually it sees around 1.5 million visitors, but compared to Bali’s 6 million, it feels practically empty. The expat community is small but growing, mostly clustered around Senggigi, Kuta Lombok, and the Gili Islands. Population-wise, Lombok has just over 3.5 million locals, giving a real mix of urban and rural food culture.
Lombok Cuisine
Lombok cuisine is spicy, aromatic, and heavily based on local ingredients like fish, chicken, coconut, and of course, the island’s signature chili paste, sambal. It has been influenced by Balinese and Javanese flavors but maintains a distinctive character thanks to the Sasak people, the indigenous inhabitants of the island. Unlike Bali, where most dishes are sweet, Lombok tends to favor heat over sugar, and everything is fresher, often sourced locally each morning. Seafood is king here, and you’ll notice that in pretty much every menu on the island.
Click to read my Sengiggi Guide.
Street Food Lombok
The street food in Lombok is neither eclectic nor missing, fitting somewhere just about in the middle. There’s decent street food options around if you look, particularly down by the beach.
You can read my full take on Lombok street food here [link later]. Expect warung-style stalls serving up satay, fried noodles, and the ever-present ayam taliwang, the local spicy chicken dish that locals are rightly proud of.
11 Must-Try Lombok Foods
11 – Plecing Kangkung – Water spinach tossed with chilli, garlic, and lime. Try at Warung Buana, Mataram.
10 – Sate Rembiga – Lombok-style beef skewers, sweet, smoky, and spicy. Available at Sate Rembiga Pak Janggot, Mataram.
9 – Ayam Kecap – Chicken in sweet soy sauce, slightly caramelised. Best at Warung Bumbu Bali, Senggigi.
8 – Tahu Tempe – Fried tofu and tempeh with sambal. Grab it from any street vendor around Kuta Lombok.
7 – Nasi Balap Puyung – Rice dish with shredded chicken, bean sprouts, and spicy sauce. Check out Warung Nasi Balap Puyung in Mataram.
6 – Sate Ikan – Grilled fish skewers with a squeeze of lime. Gili Trawangan fish market does the freshest versions.
5 – Ayam Taliwang – The iconic Lombok chicken, dry and spicy. Try Rumah Makan Taliwang Irama, Mataram.
4 – Plecing Tahu – Tofu salad with the signature Lombok chilli paste. Warung Sasak, Senggigi.
3 – Bebalung – Slow-cooked beef ribs in spices. For the real deal, head to Warung Bebalung Asih, Kuta Lombok.
2 – Jeruk Sambal – Pickled citrus with fiery sambal, a Lombok specialty. Warung Buana, Senggigi.
1 – Lombok Seafood Platter – A feast of grilled fish, prawns, squid, and clams, all spiced with Lombok chili. Senggigi Beachfront Seafood, Senggigi.
5 Best Restaurants on Lombok Island
5 – Warung Sasak, Senggigi – Authentic local Sasak food, highly recommended for Plecing Tahu and Ayam Taliwang. Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi No.45, Senggigi.
4 – Asmara Restaurant, Senggigi – Expats love it for Indonesian fusion and fresh seafood. Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi No.12, Senggigi.
3 – The Ballroom, Senggigi – Upscale dining with international flair. Best for sunsets and cocktails. Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi No.22, Senggigi.
2 – Taliwang Irama, Mataram – The definitive spot for Ayam Taliwang, pure local legend. Address: Jalan Langko No.24, Mataram.
1 – Lotus Bayview, Senggigi – Stunning views over the bay with a mix of local and international dishes. A must-visit for any Lombok trip. Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi No.100, Senggigi.
And that pretty much sums up Lombok Cuisine, as well as the range of restaurants to try when you are here. And if it looks spartan, that is because Lombok is not Bali. If you want Bali, then go to Bali!
Click to see my Indonesia Tours.
