The Role of Lombok Pepper, Salt, and Chili at our Lombok Restaurant

31 October 2025 • Written by Ben Olaerts

For generations, the production of traditional sea salt, Lombok pepper, and the iconic Lombok chili has been a time-honored practice on the island of Lombok, located in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of these essential ingredients and discover the essence of Lombok’s culinary heritage. Explore the vibrant flavors that define the island’s distinctive food culture!

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WHAT YOU FILL FIND:

• Lombok Rock Salt
• Lombok Black Pepper
• Lombok Chili
• Lombok Gift Idea
• The Bagussekali Hotel Collection

Lombok Rock Salt

The salt mines of Lombok Island, in the Pujut district on the eastern coast, have been around for centuries.
Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Traditional Methods:
Seawater is evaporated in shallow ponds to make salt crystals, with local families working together.

• Economic Importance:
Salt production is key for the island’s economy, helping support local families and attracting tourists.

• Rock Salt:
This is mined from underground salt deposits that were formed millions of years ago.

• Sea Salt:
Made by evaporating seawater, either using the sun or by boiling seawater in large pans.

This old method of salt-making is an important part of Lombok’s culture and economy.

Lombok Black Pepper

Lombok Black Pepper is a key part of the island’s agricultural economy.
The island is known for producing high-quality black pepper, grown in various regions. Here’s a quick overview:

• Cultivation:
Black pepper plants grow well in Lombok’s tropical climate and fertile soil.
Farmers use traditional methods to grow pepper vines.

• Harvesting:
Pepper berries are picked when they mature, changing from green to yellow or red.
After harvesting, they are dried in the sun until they turn black and form peppercorns.

• Quality:
Lombok’s black pepper is known for its bold flavor and aroma, often considered better than pepper from other regions.
The volcanic soil and perfect climate help make it stand out.

• Economic Importance:
Pepper farming provides a steady income for many farmers in Lombok, supporting the local economy and rural communities.

• Export:
Lombok’s black pepper is sold locally and also exported to global markets, thanks to its reputation for high quality.

Lombok’s black pepper is a prized agricultural product that plays a vital role in both the local and global market.

Lombok Chili

Lombok Ground Chili (or Cabai Lombok) serves as a popular seasoning made from dried chili peppers native to the island.
Although the name “Lombok” doesn’t directly mean chili, it’s important to note that the island is widely recognized for its fiery peppers, which makes it a key ingredient in Indonesian cuisine.

• Varieties:
Lombok is famous for its different types of chili peppers, such as Cabai Rawit (bird’s eye chili) and Cabai Keriting (curly chili),
each offering unique heat levels and flavors.

• Production:
Farmers harvest chili peppers when they are fully ripe, then sun-dry them until they become brittle.
Afterward, they grind the dried peppers into a fine powder using traditional methods.

• Flavor Profile:
Lombok chili powder boasts a vibrant red color and intense heat, which adds a fiery kick and enhances the depth of flavor in dishes.

• Culinary Uses:
Chefs use this chili powder in Indonesian dishes like sambal (chili paste), curries, soups, stir-fries, and marinades, thus giving them a bold, spicy flavor.

• Local Cuisine:
Lombok chili powder forms a cornerstone of the island’s culinary heritage, reflecting its rich food traditions.
It is commonly used in both home kitchens and restaurants.

• Export:
While most of the Lombok chili powder stays within Indonesia, it also finds its way to international markets,
where spice lovers and fans of Indonesian cuisine eagerly seek it out.

Lombok chili powder remains an essential ingredient in the island’s kitchens, embodying the local passion for bold flavors and spice.

Lombok Gift Idea

‘… Get some Souvenirs of your Travels, or how will you ever prove it wasn’t all a dream…’?

TLLH – GIFT HAMPERS

HAMPER 1 – IDR 390K++
• Lombok Rock Salt – Glass Jar 215GR
•  Fresh Lombok Ground Chili – Glass Jar 175GR
•  Fresh Lombok Black Ground Pepper – Glass Jar 190GR
•  One Set of LS-LC-LP Dispensers with Underliner*

*TLLH Signature Dispenser for Lombok Salt – Lombok Ground Chili – Lombok Ground Pepper by local Lombok Artisan

HAMPER 2 – IDR 575K++
•  HAMPER 1 + Lombok Trigona Honey – Glass Jar 250GR

HAMPER 3 – IDR 645K++
•  HAMPER 2 + Lombok Matcha (Moringa) – Glass Jar 160GR

#MadeToOrder #100%Fresh #100%Organic

The Bagussekali Hotel Collection

Discover The Lombok Lodge Hotel Collection – https://www.thelomboklodgelive.com/sc/shop

Little Gifts, with Lots of Love from beautiful Lombok Island

All products from ‘The Lombok Lodge Collection’ are organic. Created by our own local Lombok craftsmen who are passionate about creating unique and original works. At The Lombok Lodge, we cooperate with local communities – Woman & Man around Lombok & Gili – and evolve their skills and talents, into processing coconuts toward ECO products. Paying ethically, giving jobs, and improving the local people’s lifestyle.

Ben Olaerts

I’m Ben Olaerts, Co-Founder and Owner of The Lombok Lodge Hospitality® together with my wife, Anja. For over 15 years, I have been privileged to welcome travellers from around the world and to share the magic of Lombok and the Gili Islands with them.

Contact Ben Olaerts

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