Lampung, situated at the southern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, boasts a diverse array of culinary destinations that showcase its distinct local flavors and dishes. Renowned for its affordable prices and generous use of spices and herbs, exploring Lampung’s culinary scene promises to be a delectable experience. If you find yourself in Lampung, here are some must-visit places and food experiences to consider adding to your itinerary.
The Must-Try Restaurants in Lampung
Bakso Son Haji Sony
For residents of Lampung, Bakso Son Haji Sony, or Bakso Sony, has been renowned for its exceptional deliciousness since 1996. What sets these meatballs apart is the robust flavour of the meatballs and their rich broth. The meatballs contain a higher meat content, delivering a pronounced taste with each bite. The broth is thick and hearty, infused with savoury spices and meat fat (tetelan), enhancing the overall deliciousness. While the broth may be slightly salty, this can be balanced with their famous chili sauce, known for its spiciness. A typical serving includes six meatballs swimming in a rich broth garnished with celery, and it is served without noodles (you can order for additional noodles). Additionally, Bakso Sony offers frozen meatball packages, making for great souvenirs that capture the essence of Lampung’s culinary tradition.
Multiple locations: Wolter Monginsidi, Sultan Agung, Antasari, UBL, Raden Intan, Kota Karang, Gajah Mada, Pasar Bawah, Way Kandis, Kaliawi
Blehong Durian
No visit to Lampung is complete without savoring the local durian. For true durian enthusiasts, Blehong Durian is a must-try, offering plump, sweet, and incredibly tasty durians. If you're looking to mix things up, Blehong also serves unique durian-based desserts to excite your palate. The highlight is their Es Teler Durian, which combines the refreshing flavors of es teler with jackfruit, coconut, and avocado ice cream, all topped with a generous helping of real durian. This decadent dessert promises an unforgettable taste experience for any durian lover.
Multiple locations: Korpri, Imam Bonjol, Teluk
El’s Coffee
El’s Coffee offers an extensive selection of premium local coffee, featuring beans that are homegrown, carefully harvested, and meticulously sorted. Beyond coffee, the menu includes a variety of savory options perfect for any time of day. Since beginning its journey in 2012, El’s Coffee has grown into one of Lampung's most beloved businesses, with numerous outlets across the region. Each location presents a unique and comfortable ambiance, ranging from homey and modern to industrial styles. El’s Coffee has truly become a source of pride for Lampung.
Multiple locations: Salim Batubara, Soekarno-Hatta, Lampung City Mall, Lampung Walk, Boemi Kedaton, R.A. Kartini, Bandara Udara Radin Inten II, RS Budi Medika
Restoran Begadang
What sets Begadang apart from other Padang restaurants is its unique preparation of fried chicken, which many consider special. This chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. After soaking, it is coated with a mixture of egg and flour before being fried to achieve a crispy texture. While the fried chicken may not appear as golden as others, it remains delightfully crispy on the outside, with a chewy texture on the inside. In addition to the fried chicken, diners should also try other delectable side dishes, such as rendang and dendeng balado, which further enhance the dining experience at Begadang.
Multiple locations: Jl. Diponegoro, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Jl. Soekarno-Hatta, Jl. Raya Bakauheuni, Jl. Lintas Sumatera Km 27
Sambal Seruit Buk Lin
Amidst the influx of cafes and restaurants offering diverse international dishes, Seruit Buk Lin remains steadfast in celebrating traditional Lampung cuisine, particularly with its signature dish, seruit. This regional favorite features fried or grilled fish, typically paired with spicy shrimp paste chili sauce and a side of tempoyak (fermented durian) or sliced kuweni mango, all served in a large stone mortar. The dish is accompanied by an assortment of fresh vegetables and can be enjoyed with gourami, pomfret, or grilled chicken, each adding its own flair to the dish’s signature spiciness. Seruit Buk Lin offers a cozy, semi-indoor dining space with options for lesehan-style floor seating or tables with chairs, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining experience.
Multiple locations: Pahoman, Korpri