Discover the must-try Lampung specialties, from Seruit to Engkak Ketan. Enjoy the deliciousness of traditional culinary delights that are rich in flavor and a symbol of togetherness in the land of Lampung.
Lampung, as the main gateway to Sumatra Island, has a very diverse culinary wealth. This region, known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, also offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes.
Lampung’s specialties have a rich taste with a combination of special herbs and spices that make each dish have its own character. If you visit Lampung, here are some Lampung foods that you must try.
1. Flute
Seruit is a Typical Lampung Food that has become a culinary icon in this area. This dish consists of grilled or fried fish, then mixed with shrimp paste chili sauce, tempoyak (fermented durian), and other additions such as young mango or jengkol.
The type of fish commonly used for harpoons is freshwater fish, such as baung fish, catfish, or catfish.
The uniqueness of seruit lies in the combination of spicy, savory, and sour flavors of tempoyak which gives a different sensation on the tongue.
Seruit is usually served at traditional events or family gatherings, where eating seruit becomes a symbol of togetherness and solidarity of the Lampung people. For those who like the taste of durian, the tempoyak used in harpoon adds a rich, unique taste that is hard to forget.
2. Tempoyak
Tempoyak is one of Lampung’s famous traditional foods and is the main ingredient in various dishes. Tempoyak is made from durian flesh which is fermented for several days to produce a distinctive sour taste.
Tempoyak is usually used as a complementary ingredient to make chili sauce or as a mixture in fish dishes.
The sour taste of tempoyak and the distinctive aroma of durian make it a food that has many fans, especially for those who like durian.
In Lampung, tempoyak is often used as a seasoning for seruit or fish pindang dishes. The combination of sour, spicy, and savory flavors of tempoyak provides a rich and satisfying taste.
3. Lampung Pindang
Pindang is a typical Sumatran dish that is also very popular in Lampung. Pindang Lampung uses fish as the main ingredient, which is then cooked in a spicy and sour sauce rich in spices.
The fish usually used in pindang is patin fish or baung fish, but there are also those who use tilapia or carp.
Pindang soup has a fresh sour taste that comes from tamarind or starfruit, while the spicy taste comes from cayenne pepper.
Pindang Lampung is perfect to be enjoyed with warm rice, and its deliciousness will be even more pronounced when eaten in a cool atmosphere or when it rains. The combination of fresh, sour, and spicy sauce makes this dish popular with many people.
4. Taboh Curry
Gulai Taboh is a typical Lampung dish made from fish or shrimp cooked in a savory coconut milk sauce. This curry is also often served with vegetables such as cassava leaves or long beans.
One of the things that makes taboh curry different from curry in general is the use of lighter spices, but still provides a savory and delicious taste.
Taboh curry is usually served at large events or celebrations in Lampung. The savory coconut milk sauce and soft fish make this dish perfect to be eaten with warm rice. The savory taste of coconut milk combined with fresh fish creates a harmony of flavors that are hard to resist.
5. Sticky Rice with Engkak
Engkak Ketan is a traditional Lampung cake made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. This cake has a chewy and soft texture, as well as a sweet and savory taste. Engkak ketan is often served at traditional events or big celebrations, such as weddings or Eid al-Fitr.
The process of making sticky rice engkak requires patience and precision because the dough must be baked layer by layer until perfectly cooked.
This cake has beautiful layers and its chewy texture makes it a favorite of many people. Sticky rice engkak is also very suitable to be served with tea or coffee in the afternoon.
6. Banana Chips
Banana chips are one of the most famous souvenirs from Lampung. Lampung is one of the largest banana producing areas in Indonesia, and banana chips are one of the processed products that are much sought after by tourists.
Banana chips in Lampung have many flavor variations, from the original to various modern flavors such as chocolate, cheese, balado, or barbecue.
The process of making banana chips is quite simple, namely by thinly slicing the banana, then frying it until crispy and adding various spices. Banana chips are perfect as a snack for any situation, both when relaxing with family or as a typical Lampung souvenir for relatives.
7. Lampung Pempek
Although pempek is more synonymous with Palembang, Lampung also has variations of pempek that are no less delicious.
Lampung pempek is made from a mixture of mackerel and sago flour, just like pempek in general. However, Lampung pempek has its own characteristics in taste and texture.
sweet and sour vinegar, with the addition of yellow noodles or rice vermicelli. The famous pempek variants in Lampung include pempek lenjer, pempek kapal selam, and pempek adaan. This food is one of the favorite choices for Lampung residents and tourists who come to visit.
8. Sekubal
Sekubal is a traditional Lampung food made from sticky rice cooked with coconut milk until sticky. Sekubal is often served in small pieces and eaten with brown sugar or coconut serundeng.
This food is usually served at traditional events or big celebrations in Lampung, such as Eid al-Fitr or weddings.
Sekubal has a chewy texture and savory taste, making it suitable to be eaten as a snack or an accompaniment to coffee and tea. This food is also often used as a typical souvenir for tourists who want to bring home the traditional taste of Lampung.
9. Lampung Coffee
Lampung is also famous for its high quality robusta coffee. Lampung coffee has a distinctive taste, with a strong aroma and a slightly bitter but rich taste. This coffee is one of Lampung’s leading products and is widely exported to various countries.
In Lampung, coffee is not only served as a morning drink, but also becomes part of the tradition of meeting and conversation in the community. Enjoying a cup of Lampung coffee in the afternoon with a calm natural atmosphere is a pleasant experience for coffee lovers.
Conclusion
Lampung’s culinary specialties offer a very diverse wealth of flavors, from heavy dishes such as seruit and pindang, to sweet snacks such as engkak ketan and sekubal.
Each Lampung specialty food has unique characteristics that illustrate the rich culture and traditions of the Lampung people.
If you visit Lampung, be sure to try these specialties to make your experience at the southern tip of Sumatra Island even more memorable. The rich flavors of Acehnese Food will pamper your tongue and provide unforgettable culinary memories.
