Indonesia is not just about beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes; it’s also a culinary paradise. When traveling by fast boat, take the opportunity to savor the local flavors unique to each destination. Here are some must-try dishes you’ll find on your island-hopping adventures:
1. Bali
Nasi Campur
- What It Is: A mixed rice dish featuring small portions of various meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp krupuk.
- Where to Try: Warungs (local eateries) and street vendors around Bali.
Babi Guling
- What It Is: Balinese roast pork, seasoned with a blend of traditional spices.
- Where to Try: Ubud and Gianyar are famous for their excellent Babi Guling.
2. Lombok
Ayam Taliwang
- What It Is: Spicy grilled chicken marinated with a blend of local spices.
- Where to Try: Traditional restaurants and warungs in Mataram and Senggigi.
Plecing Kangkung
- What It Is: A spicy water spinach salad served with sambal and grated coconut.
- Where to Try: Lombok local eateries.
3. Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan
- Grilled Seafood: Freshly caught fish, prawns, and squid, grilled to perfection.
- Where to Try: Night markets and beachfront restaurants.
Gili Meno
- Nasi Goreng: Indonesia’s famous fried rice, often enjoyed with a fried egg on top.
- Where to Try: Beachside cafes and local warungs.
4. Nusa Lembongan
Grilled Fish
- What It Is: Locally caught fish, marinated and grilled.
- Where to Try: Beachfront restaurants and BBQ spots.
Seaweed Salad
- What It Is: A fresh and tangy salad made from locally harvested seaweed.
- Where to Try: Local restaurants around the island.
5. Nusa Penida
Sate Lilit
- What It Is: Minced fish mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices, wrapped around bamboo sticks, and grilled.
- Where to Try: Local warungs and beachside eateries.
Pepes Ikan
- What It Is: Fish marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed or grilled.
- Where to Try: Traditional restaurants around Nusa Penida.
6. Komodo Island
Ikan Bakar
- What It Is: Grilled fish seasoned with a mixture of spices and lime.
- Where to Try: Local eateries and beachfront stalls.
Sambal Matah
- What It Is: A raw spicy shallot and lemongrass salsa, perfect as a condiment for grilled seafood.
- Where to Try: Any local restaurant serving traditional dishes.
7. Menjangan Island
Gado-Gado
- What It Is: A mixed vegetable salad served with peanut sauce.
- Where to Try: Restaurants and cafes near the national park area.
Lawar
- What It Is: A traditional Balinese salad made with a mixture of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat or fish, seasoned with rich herbs and spices.
- Where to Try: Traditional Balinese restaurants.
8. Serangan Island
Tipat Cantok
- What It Is: Rice cakes mixed with vegetables and peanut sauce.
- Where to Try: Local warungs and markets on the island.
Seafood Satay
- What It Is: Skewers of marinated seafood grilled to perfection.
- Where to Try: Beachside stalls and local eateries.
9. Nusa Ceningan
Bebek Betutu
- What It Is: Slow-cooked duck with Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Where to Try: Traditional restaurants on the island.
Es Daluman
- What It Is: A refreshing dessert drink made with green grass jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
- Where to Try: Local cafes and dessert stalls.
10. Gili Air
Tuna Sambal Matah
- What It Is: Grilled tuna topped with sambal matah, a Balinese raw shallot and chili relish.
- Where to Try: Beachside restaurants and seafood spots.
Banana Pancake
- What It Is: A popular island breakfast dish featuring fluffy pancakes with fresh banana slices.
- Where to Try: Breakfast cafes and beachfront eateries.
Tips for Enjoying Local Cuisine
- Try Street Food: Don’t miss out on the vibrant street food scene, where you can find delicious and affordable local dishes.
- Eat Like a Local: Visit warungs and small local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask locals or your hosts for their favorite places to eat.
Exploring the local cuisine is a delightful part of your island-hopping adventure. Each island offers unique flavors and dishes that reflect its culture and traditions, making your journey even more memorable. selamat makan!
