Image by Taliwang Mengaji

Ayam taliwang

As one of the most beloved dishes of the island of Lombok, Ayam Taliwang is an experience to be savoured. The vibrant aromas and flavours of this traditional Lombokian dish create a fiesta for the taste buds.

Ayam taliwang


A classic Ayam Taliwang consists of a chicken that is marinated in the alluring combination of sweet and savoury spices, then grilled to perfection over charcoal to give it a smoky flavour and tantalising aroma. The succulent chicken is usually served with a sweet and spicy sambal, making this meal a true treat for all.

The fusion of spices used in the marinade are certainly one of the highlights of the dish. A variety of herbs, such as galangal, garlic, chillies and turmeric, are blended together in perfect harmony to bring out the best flavour of the chicken. This combination creates an unforgettable aroma that is sure to win you over at first whiff.

The quality of the chicken used to make Ayam Taliwang is also a critical component of the dish. Free-range chickens are often preferred for its tenderness and juiciness, and some establishments even offer a range of organic chicken to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a hearty meal, Ayam Taliwang is sure to please. Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, this multi-dimensional dish should not be missed on your next trip to Lombok.

The origin of Ayam taliwang

Ah, the delightful dish of Ayam Taliwang. Few dishes can captivate a room like this classic Indonesian favorite. There are many theories about its origin, but one thing remains certain: Ayam Taliwang is more than a delicious plate of food. It's a symbol of resilience and togetherness.

The most popular legend of Ayam Taliwang's origin states the dish was created by Princess Taliwang of Lombok, an island in Indonesia. According to the tale, the princess was forced to flee her realm when it was attacked. On her journey, the princess was so hungry, she had no choice but to cook whatever was at hand. She mixed chili, onions, shrimp paste and other ingredients until she had created a savory sauce she poured over grilled chicken.

This story has gained great traction in Lombok, where locals view the dish as a symbol of survival and persistence. It's also seen as something of a national treasure β€” a culinary representation of the people's strength and fortitude.

The flavors of Ayam Taliwang remain consistent with the story: the bird is usually marinated in garlic, chili paste and salt, then fried or grilled and served with a savory sauce made from candlenuts, chili peppers, shallots, tomatoes, shrimp paste and more. The spice is balanced with a hint of tamarind and a sprinkling of coconut shavings.

As times have changed, so has the preparation of Ayam Taliwang. Modern variations now use a myriad of ingredients, spices and techniques. But no matter how it's cooked, the flavor remains distinctly "Lombok-style" β€” spicy, savory and utterly unforgettable.

So, next time you bite into that succulent piece of Ayam Taliwang, remember the legends of its creation. This dish is more than just a meal β€” it's a reminder of a brave woman's journey and a symbol of the Lombok people's resilience.

Types of Ayam taliwang

and make it sound almost like an essay

Ayam taliwang is a dish which is renowned for its smoky, savoury and spicy flavours, originating from Lombok Island in Indonesia. This traditional cuisine has been passed down through generations of locals, who have developed and perfected the unique dishes over time.

The complexity of Ayam taliwang lies in the fact that local people, who live in small villages in the hills around Lombok island, all have their own way of cooking and the ingredients used, ensuring each dish tastes slightly different from the next. As such, there are various versions of Ayam taliwang, each having its own distinct taste.

The main ingredient in all recipes is usually chicken, which is marinated for several hours in a mixture of spices including chili peppers to give it an added kick. The chicken is then lightly fried and cooked in a wok with a peanut sauce loaded with dried shrimp. Onions, shallots and garlic provide a depth of flavour and aroma, making the dish more savoury. The most popular versions of Ayam taliwang include the Padang Chicken, which is richly spiced and cooked with fresh chillies and the Sasak Chicken, which is particularly rich and creamy thanks to the addition of coconut milk.

Other variations include the Balinese version of Ayam taliwang, which is cooked in a spicy sauce made from chilli powder and tamarind paste, giving it an intense, fiery flavour. This is an incredibly popular variation due to its robust flavour and tantalising aroma.

No matter which version of Ayam taliwang you choose to try, it will be sure to tantalise your taste buds. From its smoky, savoury spice levels to its creamy texture, this traditional Indonesian dish has something for everyone. With so many renditions to choose from, the possibilities are truly endless.