Soto Sasak, A Legendary Taste Story

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Soto Sasak, A Legendary Taste Story

The culinary reputation of the island of Lombok is more attached to names such as: plecing kangkung, taliwang chicken, or rarang chicken. It seems that it is no longer a surprise.

The three culinary names can be better known because the “access” is easy to reach by tourists from outside Lombok. Every tourist who travels, will almost always be recommended to taste it.

However, only some people know that this area also has a special culinary in the form of soto. Yes, this culinary soup from Lombok is almost the same as Ebatan.

Sasak Soto. Thus the soto that represents the island of Lombok is known. The name “Sasak” itself corresponds to the name of the original tribe that inhabits the island which is also dubbed the Island of a Thousand Mosques.

Still in a Safe Position

Still not well known – Soto Sasak. Thus the soto that represents the island of Lombok is known. The name “Sasak” itself corresponds to the name of the original tribe that inhabits the island which is also dubbed the Island of a Thousand Mosques.

Among the various typical soto from various regions in Indonesia, Soto Sasak still survives. At least this one culinary can still be found; for sale in several corners in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Although it is not as popular as the names of Soto from other regions such as Soto Aceh, Soto Banjar, or Soto Lamongan, the existence of Soto Sasak can still be saved in its own area of ​​origin.

Apart from not being well-known among tourists, Soto Sasak is a culinary with a big name for some local residents. In Lombok, there are still sellers who are loyal to maintain their existence to this day.

Face the Appearance of Guests

However, the challenge is not over until its popularity in front of tourists alone. In the midst of a row of Lombok’s famous culinary delights, the fate of Soto Sasak is even more pressing.

Not to mention if you have to involve a map of the distribution of culinary specialties from other regions in Indonesia that enliven the treasures of culinary tourism in Lombok. Like other areas, this is of course an inevitable story.

From this point, Soto Sasak also competes with typical sotos from outside the region. It’s not so difficult to find sellers who offer soto other than Soto Sasak in Lombok, not least in the city of Mataram, the capital of the province of NTB.

As a culinary immigrant, Soto Sasak, which is arguably the host status, inevitably has to accept its guests. Whether it’s a fellow culinary soto or from other types.

Still Have a Difference

Even though it is on the culinary map of Indonesia, which is known to have a variety of soto, there are still different regions with different characteristics that are carried. It also exists in the typical Lombok Sasak Soto.

The use of yellow noodles as a filling is one of the characteristics that signify it. Soto Sasak is served with a brownish broth made from the spices used.

The primacy of the taste of this soup depends on the broth. The stuffing of the soto is what makes it even more perfect later. The best stuffing mixture for Soto is arguably the slices of free-range chicken.

Like soto in general, a serving of Soto Sasak is usually served in a bowl. In addition to yellow noodles and pieces of free-range chicken, the presentation is even more lively with pieces of rice cake, boiled eggs, caisim vegetables, and bean sprouts.

One Corner of History

The savory taste of the sauce is getting stronger with the addition of a sprinkling of koya and fried onions. The thick slices of free-range chicken meat also give it the perfect texture.

If you want to add a crunchy texture, Soto Sasak is also often served with additional toppings in the form of salted nuts or crackers. The mixture of the broth and the filling makes one serving of Soto Sasak sound filling, right?

Apart from the taste, Soto Sasak itself is said to have started to enliven the culinary radar of Lombok Island since the 1950s. It can be traced in one corner of the Old Town of Ampenan, Mataram.

The rows of old building constructions along the Ampenan Old Town area still seem to be standing strong. This construction line is a historical witness to how Ampenan used to be the center of community economic activity.

Legendary Taste Story

Slightly walking along the road to the tourist area of ​​Ampenan Beach, we will find one of the storefronts that is witness to a legendary culinary delight. The place is known as Soto Si Tjang.

Positioning itself as a street stall, Soto Si Tjang takes advantage of the overhang of one of the old buildings on Jalan Pabean. Its position is only a few meters before the Ampenan Beach area which is known to be a former port.

With no name tag attached, this soto stall is firmly entrenched in the history of Ampenan. The witness is also a living legend that still survives to this day.

The name “Si Tjang” itself comes from the name of the original owner, Ong Sik Tjang, an Ampenan resident of Chinese descent. Pak Tjang, as he is affectionately known, initially started selling his soto by traveling around since the 1950s.

Be the Beginning of the Journey

Yes, before being in the Ampenan Old Town area starting in the 1970s, Mr. Tjang chose to go around introducing his own soto concoction. This story is one of the early triggers of how Soto Sasak can be known as it is today.

Until now, Soto Si Tjang can still be found at the end of Jalan Customs. The overhang of the old building where he sells is right across from the Pertamina Depot, not far from the entrance gate to the Ampenan Beach area.

Since the first, the soup sold by Mr. Tjang is known to be delicious. It is said that this soup has attracted many customers from all walks of life. A friendly price is also a factor.

Mr. Tjang’s personal figure is also known as a convert with a Muslim name: Muhammad Mustamine. He chose to embrace Islam after marrying his wife, a woman from East Lombok.

Continuing and Unchanging

Over time, Pak Tjang’s direct role in managing his stall was completed in the late 1980s. However, after his death, the Soto Sasak he managed was still alive.

Now Soto Si Tjang’s baton has switched. The initial story of Pak Tjang and his Soto Sasak is now continued by his adopted son, Aminah.

Aminah’s mother told a lot about her late father. One of them is Mr. Tjang who inherited his soto recipe to his two adopted children. Aminah’s mother is one of them.

Even though it has changed generations, the taste of Soto Si Tjang remains unchanged from before. Aminah’s mother, who is now 64 years old, still maintains the recipe inherited from her father.

Aminah’s New Ark

Under the management of Bu Aminah, the Soto Si Tjang stall is still the same. Under the overhang of the same building, the strong aroma of Soto Sasak wafts up to attract customers.

Generation switching also occurs on the customer side. This shows how a food menu can bind between generations. Soto Si Tjang under Mrs. Aminah, Soto Sasak in our culinary treasures at least still smells like smoke.

This legendary taste story from this warung has faithfully accompanied Soto Sasak’s journey as one of the culinary delights that was born in Lombok. Yes, like a trip following the speed of time.

Now a serving of Soto Sasak can be enjoyed for IDR 22 thousand. Ibu Aminah and her soto stall can be found at the location from 7-11 am every day.

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