Hello, Safarfriendly friends! If you’re a fan of spicy food and want to try a traditional Indonesian dish that’s sure to tempt your taste buds, Ayam Taliwang from Lombok should definitely be on your list! Ayam Taliwang is one of Indonesia’s culinary treasures, known for its mouthwatering taste and distinctive spicy flavor. It’s no wonder so many people fall in love with the unique taste of this dish from Lombok.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make authentic Ayam Taliwang from Lombok at home. It’s easy, and you don’t need hard-to-find ingredients! Let’s get started with this deliciously spicy ayam taliwang recipe!
What Is Ayam Taliwang?

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Before we dive into the recipe, perhaps some of you are wondering, what is Ayam Taliwang?
Ayam Taliwang is a traditional chicken dish from Lombok that typically uses young kampung chicken, cooked with a spicy spice mix. The hallmark of this dish is its spicy and savory flavor that seeps perfectly into the chicken meat. It is usually served with warm white rice and sambal terasi, which adds even more enjoyment to the dish.
Ingredients for Authentic Lombok Ayam Taliwang

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To make this spicy authentic Ayam Taliwang, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole young kampung chicken (or regular chicken), cut into parts
- 6 shallots
- 4 garlic cloves
- 10 curly red chilies (or adjust to your spice preference)
- 5 small red bird’s eye chilies (add more if you love extra spice)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon roasted shrimp paste
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Water as needed
How to Make Authentic Lombok Ayam Taliwangk

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1.Prepare the Spice Paste:
Grind or blend the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, tomatoes, and shrimp paste until smooth. You can also use a mortar and pestle for a more aromatic paste.
2. Sauté the Spices:
Heat the oil in a pan, then sauté the spice paste until fragrant and well-cooked. Add the palm sugar and salt, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the sautéed spice mixture, and stir until the chicken is well coated with the spices. Add a little water to help the chicken cook thoroughly and allow the spices to seep in. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the spices are absorbed.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked and the spices are absorbed, grill the chicken over an open flame or on a grill pan briefly to give it a slightly charred exterior and enhance the smoky aroma.
5. Serve:
Serve the Ayam Taliwang with hot white rice and additional sambal according to your taste. You can also accompany it with fresh lalapan (vegetables), such as basil and cucumber.
Tips for Making Spicy Ayam Taliwang
- Choose young kampung chicken for a more tender and flavorful texture.
- Don’t hesitate to add more bird’s eye chilies if you enjoy extra spice!
- Using roasted shrimp paste will give the dish a distinctive and tempting aroma.
- Grilling the chicken after cooking will add an authentic smoky flavor to the dish.
Why Is a Favorite Among Culinary Enthusiasts?

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Ayam Taliwang isn’t just about its spiciness—it’s also a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices that will make you crave more. This dish is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy traditional Indonesian food with bold and unique flavors.
Moreover, ayam taliwang recipe carries significant cultural value, being a culinary heritage from Lombok that we should preserve and introduce to the world. So, when you cook this recipe at home, you’re also celebrating Indonesia’s rich culinary diversity.
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