Sate bulayak is a signature dish of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Sate bulayak offers a unique taste that can tempt culinary lovers.

This satay is served with rice cakes called ‘bulayak’, besides this satay has its own characteristics that distinguish it from satay in general.

In terms of appearance and ingredients, this Lombok signature satay is indeed similar to satay in general—made from small pieces of chicken, beef, or offal that are skewered and grilled. However, its uniqueness lies in the bulayak, a small cone-shaped rice cake wrapped in a spiral. To enjoy it, the wrapping leaf needs to be rotated first, according to the meaning of the word: bulayak, which means “to rotate” in the local language.

History of Bulayak Satay

Behind the deliciousness of this dish, there is a long history. Taken from the site Indonesia Kaya Initially, bulayak satay was made by the people of Narmada District, West Lombok. This satay was prepared during odalan (Hindu religious ceremonies) at the temple.

In line with these records, the official website of the West Lombok Regency Government states that this dish has long been known by the community and is part of traditional ceremonies. Unlike its current presentation, in the past bulayak satay was served with saur (spiced grated coconut), soybeans, and urap jambah. All the dishes were arranged on a dulang (a typical container), then covered with tebolaq—a typical Lombok serving lid decorated with mirrors and keke (shells).

These decorative elements also have a strong symbolic meaning. L. Pangkat Ali, Public Relations Officer of the West Lombok Regency Government, explained that the mirror is intended as a reminder for the diner not to overeat until they are full, which is believed to cause illness. At the same time, the mirror also invites us to be grateful, because the food served is a gift from God. Meanwhile, the shellfish (keke) symbolizes death—a reminder of the transience of life.

“Both media, between the mirror and the shellfish, provide a warning, don’t eat too much, especially until you get sick. As a result, death will come to you,” said Ali taken from Indonesia Kaya.

Characteristics of Bulayak Satay

Bulayak satay uses beef and chicken that are cut into small pieces. Another deliciousness comes from the peanut sauce that accompanies it. Unlike most satay sauces, this sauce is made from roasted peanuts, then ground and cooked with coconut milk and various spices such as coriander, cumin, shallots, garlic, pepper, candlenuts, chilies, and lime juice. The final taste is reminiscent of curry spices, but with a more prominent spicy touch—a typical character of Lombok cuisine that is rich in flavor. This satay is served with lontong called bulayak.

Bulayak is actually a type of lontong made from rice and covered with young palm leaves. Its shape is similar to lontong in general, but slightly longer.

To enjoy this typical Lombok satay, simply open the leaves that wrap the bulayak, then dip the lontong into the peanut sauce. The combination of the savory bulayak and the spiciness of the peanut sauce creates a simple yet alluring flavor combination that makes you want to keep eating it.

This food is one of the most delicious foods and is suitable for various Indonesian tongues from various regions. The taste of the combination of spices, soft bulayak, and meat cut into small pieces, is perfect to eat while warm, You can find delicious bulayak satay in the Narmada area or in Suranadi. If you are visiting Suranadi to swim, you must try this food. After playing in cold water, it is very delicious to enjoy warm satay.