A trip to Lombok wouldn’t be complete without sampling the diverse culinary specialties of the Sasak people on the island.

One of Lombok’s famous culinary specialties is Tanjung Satay, found in Mataram City. The deliciousness of Tanjung Satay is addictive for many travelers.

Tanjung, a specialty of North Lombok, is famous for its savory and spicy flavor. Food seekers will want to try this unique dish when visiting Lombok, specifically in the northern part of Lombok. You’ll find Tanjung Satay vendors along the streets of the Tanjung shopping complex, North Lombok. This area is a one-hour drive from Mataram City, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara Province.

The Origins of Tanjung Satay

Tanjung Satay is legendary and has been around since the Dutch and Japanese colonial eras. There are unique facts and myths surrounding Tanjung Satay that persist to this day. It’s said that the distinctive taste of Tanjung Satay can only be experienced by Tanjung natives. Outside the Tanjung region, the taste of the satay differs. So it’s no wonder that many tourists are willing to travel long distances to sample the deliciousness of this legendary fish satay.

In the past, Tanjung Satay was originally served only during religious ceremonies or roah (celebrations). Over time, the deliciousness of Tanjung Satay has become increasingly popular and enjoyed by many. This dish has become a culinary specialty sold by Tanjung residents.

Due to the large number of people selling satay, some Tanjung residents have made it a hereditary business. Some of the satay vendors have even passed on to the second generation, continuing the business of their parents who have been selling since colonial times.

Tanjung Satay’s Characteristics

Tanjung Satay’s distinctive characteristic lies in its savory and slightly spicy flavor. This savory flavor comes from the combination of various spicy spices and coconut milk. This makes Tanjung satay unique and different from Rembiga satay or Bulayak satay in West Lombok. The combination of spices and grilled fish enhances the flavor, making it even more delicious and slightly warm.

Despite this, Tanjung satay, with its distinctive North Lombok flavor, is very popular due to its affordable price and the distinctive taste of the seafood satay.

Warm Tanjung satay is even more delicious when eaten with rice cakes or rice. This satay is unique. While satay is usually made from beef, goat, or chicken, Tanjung satay uses fish. This base ingredient is what sets this satay apart from the usual. Uniquely, this satay doesn’t use skewers like the usual ones. The fish is cut into long, skewer-sized pieces, seasoned, and then grilled.

If you’re traveling to North Lombok, don’t forget to try Tanjung Fish Satay. The savory flavor of the meat and coconut milk, along with the spiciness of the pepper and spices, is truly palpable. Furthermore, it offers numerous health benefits. Therefore, it’s natural to feel refreshed, warm, and sweaty after eating Tanjung fish satay. Indulge your appetite by enjoying this Lombok specialty.