Labuan Bajo, a city famous as one of the top tourist destinations for local and international tourists, has many areas perfect for spending your time during a vacation. Komodo Island, a favorite destination, is located in East Nusa Tenggara province. When you travel to a region for a vacation, it feels incomplete without experiencing the specialties of that area. One of the highlights here is the cuisine. Besides being famous for its stunning tourist attractions, Labuan Bajo also offers unique local dishes. Below are some must-try culinary delights in Labuan Bajo for visitors.
- Ikan Kuah Asam (Sour Fish Soup)
Labuan Bajo, part of eastern Indonesia, has beautiful seas and delicious seafood dishes. Ikan Kuah Asam is a traditional dish that, as the name suggests, has a sour taste derived from bilimbi (belimbing wuluh). This dish usually uses snapper as the main ingredient. Eating it with warm rice is perfect for those who want to try this dish. - Rumpu Rampe
This dish is quite unique because it uses papaya leaves and flowers as the main ingredients. Rumpu Rampe is usually stir-fried with spices to enrich its flavor. The dish has a unique taste, combining the bitterness of the base ingredients with the savory taste from the cooking process and spices. - Kolo
Kolo is essentially grilled rice. However, this Labuan Bajo dish uses special tools and different fillings. This dish uses bamboo as a container for the rice and seasoned fish fillings, which are then grilled for about 30 minutes until cooked. The dish offers a savory and delicious taste with a distinctive smoky aroma. - Jagung Bose
As the name suggests, this dish uses corn as the main ingredient. However, the corn used is white corn, which makes it unique. In addition to corn, the dish also uses red beans and coconut milk as complementary ingredients. Jagung Bose has the appearance and texture of porridge. Locals usually add moringa leaves or pumpkin when eating it. This dish is often consumed as a substitute for the main staple food, rice. - Sambal Ikan Teri
For those who love spicy food, sambal ikan teri is perfect for you. This dish combines fresh anchovies with spices and chilies that make it taste spicy. It is perfect to eat with warm rice and other traditional dishes like Kolo. - Kompyang
Kompyang is a traditional Labuan Bajo snack that is round in shape with sesame seeds sprinkled on top. This snack is made from wheat flour and baked in an oven or over fire. The texture of Kompyang is hard and crispy, especially when freshly baked and still warm. - Kopi Flores (Flores Coffee)
In addition to food, Labuan Bajo also offers its signature drink, Flores Coffee. This coffee is processed traditionally by roasting, maintaining its distinct flavor. - Kopi Manggarai (Manggarai Coffee)
In addition to Flores Coffee, you can also enjoy Manggarai Coffee. Unlike Flores Coffee, Manggarai Coffee comes in two types: Arabica and Robusta. Like Flores Coffee, Manggarai Coffee is still traditionally processed. - Rebok
Rebok is one of Labuan Bajo’s traditional dishes that you must try when visiting this area. This dish is made using rice flour and grated coconut as the main ingredients. These ingredients are roasted in a pan until they turn light brown. This dish is usually served as a snack during traditional ceremonies or when guests visit. - Kue Pisang
Kue Pisang, also known as banana cake, is actually a snack commonly found anywhere. However, what makes Labuan Bajo’s banana cake different is the selection of ingredients. Labuan Bajo’s banana cake uses entirely local ingredients, such as cinnamon, kenari nuts, bananas, and palm sugar.
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