Food & Drink

Ethical Trekking in Bukit Lawang

Food & Drink

Bukit Lawang, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is known for its rich natural beauty, including its proximity to the Gunung Leuser National Park, famous for its orangutan rehabilitation center. The area also offers a variety of food and drink options that cater to both locals and tourists. Here are some popular choices:

Local Cuisine

  1. Indonesian Warungs: Small, family-owned eateries where you can enjoy traditional Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Sate (skewered meat), and Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce).
  2. Batak Cuisine: Unique to the region, dishes like Arsik (spiced fish), Saksang (pork stew with blood), and Babi Panggang Karo (Karo roasted pork) can be found.
  3. Jungle-style BBQ: Some places offer BBQ experiences where you can enjoy freshly grilled meats and vegetables in a natural setting.

Western and Fusion Cuisine

  1. Geen Teracce: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and a mix of Western and Indonesian dishes, it’s a favorite among travelers.
  2. Ecolodge Restaurant: Offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients.
  3. Jungle Inn: Another popular spot that serves a variety of Western and Indonesian dishes, with beautiful views of the river.

Snacks and Desserts

  1. Street Food Stalls: You can find local snacks such as Pisang Goreng (fried bananas), Martabak (stuffed pancake), and Es Campur (mixed ice dessert).
  2. Fresh Fruit: The tropical climate means there’s always an abundance of fresh fruit available, such as mangoes, pineapples, and durians.

Drinks

  1. Local Coffee: Sumatra is famous for its coffee. Try a cup of strong Sumatran coffee at a local café or warung.
  2. Fresh Juices: Made from local fruits, these are refreshing and widely available.
  3. Bintang Beer: The most popular beer in Indonesia, available at most eateries catering to tourists.
  4. Arak: A traditional Indonesian liquor made from rice or palm, often enjoyed by locals.

Tips for Dining in Bukit Lawang

  1. Stay Hydrated: The climate can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water.
  2. Try Local: Embrace the local cuisine for a richer cultural experience.
  3. Check for Spiciness: Indonesian food can be very spicy, so if you’re not accustomed to it, ask for less spicy options.

Bukit Lawang offers a mix of culinary experiences that reflect its cultural diversity and natural bounty, ensuring that there’s something for every palate.

Restaurant

In Bukit Lawang, while the dining scene is relatively modest compared to larger cities, there are several popular restaurants and eateries known for their quality food and pleasant ambiance. Here are a few recommended options:

  • Sam´s Restaurant: This restaurant offers stunning views of the jungle and the Bahorok River. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and a variety of Indonesian and Western dishes. The jungle backdrop makes dining here a unique experience.
  • Thomas Restaurant: Another spot with fantastic jungle views, Thomas View Café serves delicious local cuisine and international dishes. It’s a popular choice among travelers for both lunch and dinner.
  • My Resto: Located within the Bahorok Riversite, this restaurant offers a cozy setting with views of the river and surrounding greenery. They serve a range of Indonesian and Western dishes, including vegetarian options.
  • Bamboo Ecolodge Restaurant: Known for its friendly service and tranquil garden setting, Bamboo Restaurant serves Indonesian and Asian dishes. It’s a great place to relax after a day of trekking or sightseeing.
  • Eriono Restaurant: Eriono Restaurant offers a peaceful environment and a menu featuring local specialties and international cuisine. It’s known for its attentive service and scenic vistas.
  • Jungle Inn Restaurant: A cozy spot popular for its coffee and cakes, Jungle Inn Restaurant also serves light meals and snacks. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Bukit Lawang.
  • Garden Inn Restaurant: Located along the Bahorok River, Restaurant offers a serene dining experience with views of the river and lush vegetation. They serve Indonesian and Western dishes.

These restaurants are well-regarded among visitors to Bukit Lawang for their quality food, scenic views, and friendly service. They provide a range of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences while enjoying the natural beauty of this eco-tourism destination in North Sumatra.

Local food

In Bukit Lawang, you can experience a variety of delicious local Indonesian dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of North Sumatra. Here are some local foods and specialties to try while you’re there:

  • Rendang: A famous Indonesian dish, Rendang is a flavorful meat (often beef) stew cooked slowly with coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, and chili.
  • Soto: A traditional Indonesian soup made with broth, meat (commonly chicken or beef), vegetables, and spices like turmeric and coriander. Soto is typically served with rice and sometimes topped with a boiled egg.
  • Gado-Gado: A popular Indonesian salad made with mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, bean sprouts, and spinach), tofu, tempeh (fermented soybean cake), and hard-boiled eggs, all topped with a peanut sauce dressing.
  • Nasi Padang: Originally from the neighboring region of Padang, this meal consists of steamed rice served with an array of flavorful side dishes such as curries, fried fish, eggplant, and spicy sambal (chili paste).
  • Mie Goreng: A staple Indonesian fried noodle dish cooked with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or seafood, seasoned with sweet soy sauce, garlic, and chili.
  • Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish marinated with local spices and served with sambal and fresh vegetables. The fish is usually cooked over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
  • Durian: Known as the “king of fruits,” durian is a divisive fruit due to its strong odor but beloved for its creamy texture and sweet taste. It’s commonly enjoyed fresh or in desserts like pancakes or ice cream.
  • Es Campur: A refreshing Indonesian dessert consisting of mixed fruits (such as avocado, jackfruit, and coconut), jelly, and shaved ice, drizzled with sweet syrup and condensed milk.
  • Rujak: A fruit salad made with a spicy and tangy dressing (often made from tamarind and chili) that enhances the flavors of mixed fruits such as mango, pineapple, and cucumber.
  • Kopi Tubruk: Sumatran coffee brewed thick and strong with sugar, served without milk. It’s a popular local drink enjoyed throughout the day.
  • Semur Ayam is chicken cooked in sweet soy sauce. The sauce consists of sweet soy sauce as well as spices such as white cardamom, nutmeg, shallots and garlic. It can be found in nasi campur restaurants, but not as common as some of the other dishes. You may also order in some tourist restaurants.
  • Nasi Goreng – fried rice. Possibly Indonesia’s national dish, the basic nasi goreng consists of rice fried in a chili paste and coloured with sweet soy sauce (nasi goreng is brown in colour as a result, even though it is cooked with white rice), and then some form of egg (either omelette or a fried egg). ‘Spesial’ means that it is served with a piece of fried chicken.

When exploring Bukit Lawang, don’t miss the opportunity to savor these authentic local dishes and flavors, which offer a taste of North Sumatra’s culinary traditions and vibrant food culture.

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