Visiting Lombok would not feel complete without tasting one of its most iconic traditional dishes—Ayam Taliwang. This spicy grilled chicken dish has become a culinary symbol of Lombok, and it is something every traveler should try at least once.
The flavorful and juicy Ayam Taliwang comes from the special treatment of using young chicken, which gives the meat a soft and tender texture. Before grilling, the chicken is marinated with local spices and coated with honey, creating a combination of sweetness and heat that is both rich and satisfying.
The dish is usually served with warm steamed rice and sambal—a traditional Indonesian chili sauce. The mixture of spices, honey, and spicy sambal creates a unique taste that is bold and unforgettable. For chili lovers, the sambal here offers a fiery kick that you can feel all the way to your throat, yet it remains enjoyable and well-balanced.
Even Better with the Side Dish
Ayam Taliwang is often enjoyed with a traditional side dish called Plecing Kangkung. This dish is made of boiled water spinach mixed with bean sprouts, and then topped with a savory peanut sauce, light brown grated coconut, and fried peanuts. Its refreshing taste and light texture make it the perfect companion for the intense flavor of Ayam Taliwang.
If you are exploring Mataram in Lombok, here are seven recommended places to enjoy authentic Ayam Taliwang and other local dishes.
1. Taliwang Khas Pak Udin
At Taliwang Khas Pak Udin, you can enjoy Ayam Taliwang for as low as Rp 35,000. The menu includes several options such as Fried Taliwang Chicken, Grilled Taliwang Chicken, Chicken Pelecing, Honey Grilled Chicken, and Soy Sauce Grilled Chicken. This place also serves various seafood dishes including Fried Snapper, Grilled Baronang, Fried Grouper, and Grilled Langoan.
Address: Jalan Gelatik No. 2B, Cakranegara, Mataram
Opening Hours: Daily, 16:30 – 23:00 WITA
2. Restoran Taliwang H. Moerad
Another great choice is Restoran Taliwang H. Moerad. Their menu includes Taliwang Chicken, Fried Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Honey Grilled Gourami, Plecing Kangkung, a variety of sambals, and traditional fried snacks. A portion of Ayam Taliwang here starts from Rp 55,000.
Address: Jalan Pelikan No. 6, Pejanggik, Mataram
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 – 22:00 WITA
3. Rumah Makan Taliwang
This restaurant offers several versions of free-range Taliwang chicken. Options include Fried Taliwang Chicken, Grilled Chicken with Plecing Sauce, Honey Grilled Chicken, Spicy Grilled Chicken, and Plain Grilled Chicken. Seafood dishes such as Fried Squid, Grilled Gurame, and Honey Grilled Squid are also available. You can also enjoy local sides like Plecing Kangkung and Beberuk Terong (a spicy eggplant salad).
Address: Jalan A. A Gede Ngurah No. 26, Cakranegara Timur, Mataram
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:30 – 22:00 WITA
4. Warung Taliwang Julin
Warung Taliwang Julin is known for its spicy variations of Ayam Taliwang. Here, you can choose from Grilled Taliwang Chicken, Honey Grilled Chicken, Spicy or Sweet Grilled Chicken, and Fried Fish. Prices start from Rp 35,000, making it a budget-friendly spot to enjoy authentic flavors.
Address: Jalan Langko, Dasan Agung, Selaparang, Mataram
Opening Hours: Daily, 18:00 – 00:00 WITA
5. Lesehan Taliwang Dalam Kampoeng
Located in a quiet neighborhood, this eatery offers a homey setting with a wide selection of dishes. You can enjoy Fried Taliwang Chicken, Grilled Chicken with Plecing, Rajang Fish Soup, Fried Squid, Plecing Kangkung, Grilled Eggplant, and Clear Vegetable Soup. Prices start from Rp 15,000, and Ayam Taliwang is priced at Rp 55,000.
Address: Gang Unggas 2 No. 1, Karang Taliwang, Cakranegara
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:30 – 22:00 WITA
6. Taliwang Irama 3
This restaurant features several chicken styles such as Spicy Grilled Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken with Plecing Sauce, and their signature Mesre Taliwang Chicken. Prices are around Rp 55,000. Other items include Pecel (vegetable salad), Plecing Kangkung, Grilled Gourami, Fried Fish, and Sweet and Sour Squid starting at Rp 10,000.
Address: Jalan Ade Irma Suryani No. 53, Monjok, Selaparang
Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00 – 21:00 WITA
7. Warung Taliwang Putra Muchin
This eatery provides a range of options including Honey Grilled Taliwang Chicken, Spicy-Sweet Grilled Chicken, Ayam Pelalah, and Fried Chicken. Other dishes include Honey Grilled Fish, Crispy Fried Shrimp, Fried Fish, Plecing Kangkung, and Grilled Eggplant. Ayam Taliwang is sold for Rp 45,000, while other dishes range from Rp 10,000 to 35,000.
Address: Jalan Majapahit No. 9, Pagesangan Barat, Mataram
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00 – 23:00 WITA
Final Takes
Ayam Taliwang is a true taste of Lombok’s culinary culture. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, together with the aroma of grilled chicken, makes it an experience to remember. Whether you prefer it mild, sweet, or extra spicy, there is a version for everyone.
With so many options to choose from across Mataram and other parts of Lombok, finding the perfect plate of Ayam Taliwang is easy. Pair it with local side dishes like Plecing Kangkung and Beberuk Terong, and you will have a meal that reflects the true soul of Lombok cuisine.
If you are planning a food journey through Lombok, make sure to include at least one of these places on your list. It will be a spicy adventure worth taking.
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