Discover the deliciousness of Lampung’s signature dishes, from Seruit to Pempek Lampung. Explore the rich and authentic flavors of traditional Lampung cuisine that are a must-try for food lovers!
Lampung, as one of the provinces at the southern tip of Sumatra Island, has a diversity of cultures and traditions that are reflected in its culinary specialties.
Lampung’s traditional food is known for its rich, savory, spicy and unique flavors, reflecting the influence of local culture and interactions with surrounding tribes.
For culinary lovers, Lampung’s signature dishes offer an appetizing and unforgettable experience. From heavy meals to traditional snacks, here are some of the best Typical Lampung Food that culinary lovers must try.
1. Flute
Seruit is one of the most famous and must-try typical Lampung foods. This dish consists of fried or grilled fish, then mixed with shrimp paste chili sauce, tempoyak (fermented durian), and additional ingredients such as young mango or jengkol.
The type of fish used for harpoons is usually freshwater fish, such as baung fish, catfish, or catfish.
The taste of seruit is very complex because of the combination of savory taste from fish, spicy from chili sauce, and sour sweet from tempoyak. Tempoyak made from fermented durian gives a unique sour taste, creating a taste sensation that is difficult to find in other dishes.
Seruit is usually served at traditional events or family gatherings, making it a symbol of togetherness in Lampung society. Eating seruit is most delicious when eaten with warm rice and fresh vegetables.
2. Tempoyak
Tempoyak is a typical Lampung food made from durian which is fermented for several days to produce a distinctive sour taste. Tempoyak is used as a spice in various dishes, especially as an ingredient in chili sauce or fish dishes.
Although the taste is unique and may require some adaptation for those who are not used to it, tempoyak is a dish that is very popular among the people of Lampung and South Sumatra.
The distinctive sour taste and strong aroma make tempoyak an ingredient that cannot be missed, especially in traditional Lampung dishes such as pindang tempoyak or sambal tempoyak.
3. Baung Soup
Pindang Baung is a fish soup dish with a distinctive spicy and sour sauce. Baung fish, a type of freshwater fish popular in the Lampung area, is used as the main ingredient.
Pindang Baung sauce is made from a mixture of tamarind, chili, tomatoes, and spices, which gives it a sour, spicy, and fresh taste at the same time.
Pindang Baung is often served with white rice and shrimp paste chili sauce as a complement. The sour and spicy sensation of this pindang soup is one of the attractions for culinary lovers who like bold and sharp flavors. Apart from baung fish, pindang dishes can also be made with catfish, catfish or snakehead fish.
4. Sticky Rice with Engkak
Engkak Ketan is a traditional Lampung cake made from the main ingredients of glutinous rice flour and coconut milk.
This cake has a chewy texture with a sweet and savory taste. Engkak ketan is usually served at traditional events and big celebrations, such as weddings, Eid al-Fitr, or family events.
The process of making sticky rice engkak is quite time consuming because the dough must be baked in stages to get beautiful layers and the right texture.
Sticky rice engkak is usually cut into small pieces and served as a snack or dessert. The soft sweet taste of this cake makes it a favorite of many, especially for those who like traditional snacks with an authentic taste.
5. Taboh Curry
Gulai Taboh is a typical Lampung dish in the form of fish or shrimp curry cooked in coconut milk and spices.
One of the characteristics of gulai taboh is the use of vegetables such as long beans and cassava leaves, which are added to the curry sauce with fish or shrimp. The savory taste of the soup and rich in spices makes goulash taboh a very delicious dish.
Taboh curry is usually served with warm white rice and chili sauce as a complement. Its savory taste with a hint of spiciness from the spices makes this curry one of the favorite dishes among the people of Lampung, especially for big events such as weddings or thanksgivings.
6. Lampung Banana Chips
If you are looking for a typical Lampung souvenir, Banana Chips are the right choice. Lampung is known as one of the largest banana producing areas in Indonesia, and banana chips are one of the most famous processed products.
Lampung banana chips come in various flavors, from original, chocolate, cheese, to modern flavors such as balado or barbecue.
These banana chips have a crunchy texture and a sweet or savory taste, depending on the variant chosen.
These chips are perfect as a snack in any situation, either as a friend to drink coffee or tea, or as a souvenir for the family at home. With practical packaging and delicious taste, Lampung banana chips are a favorite souvenir for tourists visiting Lampung.
7. Sony Meatballs
For meatball lovers, Bakso Sony is one of the most popular meatballs in Lampung that is a must-try. This meatball is famous for its chewy texture and savory taste.
Made from selected beef processed with special spices, Bakso Sony is served with a savory and fresh broth, and is complemented with noodles, rice vermicelli, dumplings, and a sprinkling of fried onions.
One of Bakso Sony’s distinctive features is its dominant beef, providing an authentic texture and taste.
Many people come to Lampung on purpose just to taste these meatballs, and those who have tried them often become loyal fans. Bakso Sony is now also available in frozen form, so you can take it home as a souvenir.
8. Lampung Pempek
Although pempek is more synonymous with Palembang, Lampung Pempek also has a taste that is no less delicious.
Pempek Lampung is made from a mixture of mackerel and sago flour, with various variants such as pempek lenjer, kapal selam, adaan, and kulit. This pempek is served with vinegar sauce or cuko which is sour, sweet, and spicy.
The cuko sauce in Lampung pempek has a slightly different taste compared to pempek from Palembang, providing a unique culinary experience. Lampung Pempek is often a choice of light food or filling snack, and is suitable to be enjoyed at any time.
9. Sekubal
Sekubal is a typical Lampung food made from sticky rice cooked with coconut milk until sticky. This food is usually served at big events such as Eid al-Fitr or weddings. Sekubal is cut into small pieces and usually eaten with brown sugar or grated coconut.
Its chewy texture with a savory taste from coconut milk makes sekubal one of the traditional snacks favored by the people of Lampung. Sekubal is also often used as a souvenir for tourists who want to bring home the traditional taste of Lampung.
Conclusion
Lampung’s signature dishes offer an incredible wealth of flavors, from spicy and refreshing soups to delicious sweet treats. For culinary lovers, tasting Lampung’s signature dishes is an experience not to be missed.
Each dish reflects the rich and diverse culture and traditions of the Lampung people. From Seruit to Banana Chips, each Acehnese Culinary specialty has its own uniqueness that makes it worth trying.
If you visit Lampung, make sure to try these foods and experience the culinary sensation that will tempt your taste buds.
