Tasty Traditional Authentic Satay Tanjung

In addition to its magnificent scenery, Lombok also offers culinary experience that will give different taste to your tongue and complete your holiday there. For many decades, Lombok is known as one place in Indonesia where there are many delicious traditional foods can be found. One of the most popular traditional menus is Sate or Satay Tanjung.

In Lombok, particularly in East Lombok, satay is a menu that is only cooked on special occasions, including for religious events, wedding parties and other traditional celebrations and ceremonies. Even, Satay Tanjung will always be served by each house during Idul Fitri and Idul Adha.

This satay has been patented as East Lombok traditional menu, so when we talk about Satay Tanjung, it officially belongs to the region. Because of that reason, eating satay Tanjung brings different sensation. Different from any other satay, Satay Tanjung has very high taste because the secret recipe and cooking technique are only mastered by native Tanjung people. That is why not all people in Lombok are able to make this dish.

If satay from other cities or region uses beef, chicken or lamb, Tanjung satay uses fish as main ingredient. Tunny or usually called Cakalang by local people is the type of fish usually used. But, when tunny is hard to find, people usually use Marlin or Langoan as alternative. The process to make this traditional satay is not easy. First, the fish has to be cleaned from its bones, scales and spines. Then, cut into small pieces. To give the delicious taste, the fish will be dipped into water with some grinded herbs, including curcuma, pepper, galangal, ginger, nutmeg, vinegar and salt. When it is done, thick coconut milk is added. The mixture will be stirred before stabbed with skewers. The raw satay is grilled on traditional grill made from clay named prapen. Lemon water will be provided when the satay is served. The local traditional fish satay tastes better when it is still hot. It is served with lontong, which is steamed rice wrapped in banana leaf.

Traditional Tanjung satay has been used as alternative source of income by local Tanjung people. Because of it, now you do not have to wait until special events to try the tasty satay. The aromatic and spicy flavor is the dominant flavors you can find from this traditional menu. However, both domestic and international tourists love it very much. It is not hard to find Satay Tanjung since there are many food stalls around Tanjung Market and Tanjung bus terminal sell it. Many restaurants and hotels in Lombok also include this traditional menu in their menu but usually the taste is little bit different from the one made by local people. The price in restaurants and hotels will also more expensive than the one you buy in food stalls.

Trying local menu, including Sate Tanjung, when visiting Lombok will be one of the most interesting activities you can do. You do not have to worry about the taste because today, it is more tongue-friendly for foreign tourists.