Unique Lombok Snacks Combining Traditional Ingredients with Authentic Flavors

Discover a variety of traditional Lombok snacks that blend local ingredients with unique flavors, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Lombok, an island renowned for its natural beauty, is also home to a variety of distinctive snacks worth trying.

From sweet to savory, these treats reflect the island’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, utilizing fresh, local ingredients and spices that make them truly special. Here are 10 must-try snacks in Lombok to enrich your culinary journey on the island.

1. Kue Keciput

Kue keciput is a traditional snack made from glutinous rice flour, deep-fried and coated with sesame seeds. With a round shape and crispy texture, it resembles onde-onde but lacks the filling.

Its sweet and savory flavor makes it a delightful snack for any occasion, especially as an afternoon tea companion.

Often served at traditional ceremonies, this snack’s simplicity is packed with deliciousness, making it a true gem of Lombok Culinary.

2. Kue Kerake

Kue kerake is a traditional fried snack made from grated cassava, formed into shapes resembling bird nests. Once fried, it is glazed with melted palm sugar for a sweet finish.

With its unique appearance and delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, this long-lasting snack is often chosen as a Lombok specialty souvenir.

3. Sate Tanjung

Sate tanjung is a signature Lombok satay dish made from skipjack or mackerel. The fish is seasoned with a blend of traditional Lombok spices, including coconut milk, and grilled until fragrant and tender.

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Typically served without rice cakes, it is a simple yet flavorful snack. Originating from Tanjung in North Lombok, this dish showcases the region’s fresh seafood.

4. Kue Tareq

Kue tareq is a sweet treat made from glutinous rice cooked and drizzled with liquid palm sugar. The sweetness of the palm sugar seeps into the chewy rice, creating a luscious and satisfying bite.

Often served during traditional ceremonies as a symbol of togetherness and prosperity, this snack’s straightforward yet rich flavor makes it a Lombok favorite.

5. Kelepon Kecerit

Kelepon kecerit is a unique take on traditional kelepon made from glutinous rice flour. The dough has a thicker, chewier texture, while the filling is overflowing with liquid palm sugar.

Upon biting, the sugar bursts out—a sensation referred to as “kecerit” in the local Sasak language. Rolled in grated coconut, this treat combines sweetness and a hint of savory flavors, making it a popular snack across Lombok.

6. Tumbek

Tumbek is a steamed snack made from a mix of glutinous rice, palm sugar, and grated coconut. Wrapped in palm leaves and steamed, the process imparts a unique aroma to this traditional delicacy.

With its sweet and slightly savory taste, tumbek is a delightful snack often found in traditional markets across Lombok.

7. Dodol Rumput Laut

Seaweed dodol is a healthier variant of the traditional dodol, incorporating seaweed as a key ingredient. Made with glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and seaweed, this chewy snack has a refreshing twist.

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Often colored for an attractive appearance, this treat can be found in local Lombok souvenir shops and offers a distinct flavor compared to conventional dodol.

8. Kue Kerong

Kue kerong is a crispy Lombok snack, shaped like a round, shell-like spiral. Made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, the dough is deep-fried until golden brown.

Its crunchy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness make it a favorite tea-time companion. As a popular take-home treat, kue kerong is widely available in local culinary stores.

9. Tekel (Kue Bantal)

Tekel, also known as kue bantal (pillow cake), is a steamed snack made from glutinous rice, grated coconut, sugar, and slices of banana.

The mixture is wrapped in coconut fronds and steamed, resulting in a fragrant, soft snack with a blend of sweet and savory flavors. Often sold in traditional markets, it is a must-try for anyone visiting Lombok.

10. Manisan Rumput Laut

Aside from dodol, Lombok also offers seaweed candy (manisan rumput laut), which has a sweet and slightly tangy taste. Made by fermenting seaweed and mixing it with sugar, this treat is refreshing and delightful.

Available as a local specialty, it serves as a perfect souvenir or an on-the-go snack, reflecting Lombok’s culinary creativity.

Lombok’s diverse range of snacks showcases its unique flavors and traditional ingredients. From the crispy kue keciput to the innovative seaweed dodol, these specialties offer an unforgettable culinary adventure.

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If you’re visiting Lombok, don’t miss the chance to savor these authentic treats and experience the island’s rich Bali Culinary culture.