20 Best Food in Bali: A Guide to Exquisite Balinese Cuisine

Are you planning a trip to Bali and eager to explore the rich culinary heritage of this Indonesian paradise? Look no further! In this series of Bali travel guide, we will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the best traditional food in Bali, providing you with an enticing list of must-try dishes that will leave you craving for more. From delectable street food to renowned Balinese delicacies, this guide has got you covered. So, let’s dive into the vibrant flavors and aromas that await you in Bali!

Bali is not only known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage but also for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Balinese food is a delightful blend of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques. From street-side stalls to upscale restaurants, Bali offers a myriad of culinary experiences that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

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1. Nasi Campur: Balinese Mixed Rice

   Nasi Campur is a delightful and one of the best Balinese dish that showcases the diversity of flavors and ingredients in one plate. It typically consists of steamed rice accompanied by an array of side dishes such as grilled chicken, crispy pork, stir-fried vegetables, sambal, and a variety of condiments. Each component contributes to a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.

2. Nasi Goreng: The Iconic Balinese Fried Rice

   

   Hailed as Indonesia’s national dish, Nasi Goreng is a flavorful and satisfying plate of fried rice. In Bali, this popular staple is prepared with a local twist, incorporating aromatic spices, shrimp paste, and a hint of sweetness. Served with a fried egg and topped with crispy shallots, Nasi Goreng is a must-try dish that showcases the essence of Balinese cuisine.

3. Babi Guling: A Feast for Pork Lovers

   Babi Guling is a must eat Balinese roasted suckling pig dish that has gained worldwide acclaim. The pig is marinated with a blend of spices, including turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass, before being slowly roasted to perfection. The outcome yields a juicy and savory meat accompanied by a crunchy exterior. Babi Guling is often served with rice, lawar (a Balinese salad), and sambal (spicy chili sauce).
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4. Bebek Betutu: Bali’s Flavorful Roast Duck

   Bebek Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish consisting of roasted duck marinated in a rich blend of spices, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and galangal. The duck is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat. The result is a tender and aromatic duck dish that will leave you wanting more.

5. Sate Lilit: Balinese Satay with a Twist

   Sate Lilit is a unique Balinese version of the famous Indonesian satay. Instead of using skewers, the minced meat is carefully wrapped around lemongrass sticks or bamboo, imparting a fragrant aroma. The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices, including coconut, shallots, garlic, and turmeric. Grilled to perfection, Sate Lilit offers a burst of flavors in every bite.

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6. Lawar: A Unique Balinese Salad

   Lawar, a customary salad from Bali, comprises finely diced vegetables, grated coconut, minced meat (typically pork or chicken), and an assortment of fragrant spices. This vibrant and flavorful dish is often prepared for ceremonial occasions and showcases the Balinese dedication to harmonizing flavors and textures.

7. Pepes Ikan: Wrapped Fish with Exquisite Spices

   Pepes Ikan is a delicious and one of the best food to eat in Bali where fish fillets are marinated in a fragrant spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed or grilled to perfection. The combination of aromatic herbs and spices, such as shallots, garlic, chili, turmeric, and lemongrass, infuses the fish with a tantalizing flavor that will leave you craving for more.
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8. Ayam Betutu: Bali’s Spicy Stuffed Chicken

   Ayam Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish that features a whole chicken marinated in a fiery spice blend, including chili, ginger, galangal, turmeric, and shrimp paste. The chicken is then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for several hours, resulting in tender, juicy meat that is infused with an explosion of flavors.

9. Balinese Seafood: Fresh Catches from the Ocean

   With its coastal location, Bali offers an abundance of fresh seafood delicacies. From grilled fish and prawns to succulent squid and clams, the seafood in Bali is renowned for its freshness and flavors. Visit the beachside warungs (local eateries) or upscale seafood restaurants to savor the catch of the day prepared with Balinese flair.

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10. Bubur Mengguh: A Traditional Balinese Porridge

    Bubur Mengguh is a traditional Balinese porridge made from black sticky rice, palm sugar, and coconut milk. This sweet and creamy dessert is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or as a comforting snack. The combination of the nutty rice, fragrant coconut, and caramel-like palm sugar creates a delightful harmony of flavors.

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11. Balinese Sambal: Spice Up Your Meals

    No Balinese meal is complete without sambal, the ubiquitous chili sauce that adds a fiery kick to any dish. Balinese sambal is typically made from chili peppers, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, and lime juice. The combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors enhances the overall dining experience and is a must-try for spice lovers.

12. Jaje Bali: Indulge in Balinese Sweets

    For those with a sweet tooth, Bali offers a wide array of traditional desserts and snacks known as Jaje Bali. These bite-sized treats come in various forms, such as rice cakes, fried pastries, and sweet dumplings. Made from ingredients like glutinous rice, coconut, palm sugar, and pandan leaves, Jaje Bali provides a delightful conclusion to any Balinese feast.
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13. Kopi Luwak: Bali’s Unique Coffee Experience

    

    Coffee enthusiasts visiting Bali should not miss the opportunity to savor Kopi Luwak, one of the world’s most unique and expensive coffees. Also known as civet coffee, it is made from coffee beans that have been digested and excreted by the Asian palm civet. This process imparts a distinct flavor profile to the coffee, resulting in a smooth and rich brew.

14. Balinese Jamu: Traditional Herbal Drinks

    Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made from a blend of natural ingredients, such as turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and various roots and herbs. In Bali, Jamu is widely consumed for its health benefits and rejuvenating properties. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system or cleanse your body, Balinese Jamu offers a refreshing and revitalizing experience.

15. Vegetarian Delights: Balinese Cuisine for Non-Meat Eaters

    Vegetarians visiting Bali will be pleased to discover a wide range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Balinese cuisine incorporates a variety of plant-based ingredients, such as tempeh, tofu, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. From hearty vegetable curries to flavorful tempeh dishes, vegetarian visitors can indulge in the vibrant flavors of Balinese cuisine.
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16. Gado-Gado: A Flavorful Balinese Salad

    Gado-Gado is a popular Indonesian salad that also has its unique Balinese version. It consists of a medley of steamed vegetables such as cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, and spinach, topped with a generous amount of peanut sauce. The combination of crisp vegetables and creamy peanut sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors.

17. Pisang Goreng: Balinese Banana Fritters

    Pisang Goreng, or Balinese banana fritters, are a beloved snack in Bali. Ripe bananas are coated in a batter made from rice flour and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a deliciously sweet and crunchy treat that is often enjoyed with a cup of Balinese coffee or tea.

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18. Lawar Kuwir: Balinese Blood Sausage Salad

    For the adventurous food enthusiasts, Lawar Kuwir offers a unique and distinctive Balinese culinary experience. It is a traditional salad made with chopped vegetables, grated coconut, and most notably, pig’s blood and meat. The mixture is seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to intrigue the taste buds.

19. Sate Ayam: Grilled Chicken Satay

    

    Sate Ayam is a popular and must eat Balinese dish consisting of skewered and grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, such as turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass. The chicken is expertly grilled, leading to moist and tender meat. Served with a side of peanut sauce and accompanied by steamed rice, Sate Ayam is a must-try dish for satay lovers.

20. Dadar Gulung: Balinese Coconut Pancake

    Dadar Gulung is a sweet treat that will surely satisfy your dessert cravings. These thin green pancakes are made from a batter of rice flour and pandan juice, filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and palm sugar. The pancakes are then rolled up into a delightful package bursting with flavors of coconut and caramel-like sweetness.

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Bali’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful array of flavors, textures, and aromas that will leave you craving for more. From the iconic Nasi Goreng to the exotic Babi Guling, each dish tells a story and reflects the vibrant culture of the island. So pack your bags, embark on a culinary adventure, and savor the best food in Bali. Let your taste buds be your guide as you explore the diverse and tantalizing world of Balinese cuisine.

If you’re a foreign tourist planning to visit Bali, it’s important to note that you must obtain a Bali tourist visa before your trip. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free Indonesia visa application process, we recommend utilizing the services of InvestInAsia’s Indonesia tourist visa services. Our expertise and assistance can simplify the visa application procedure, saving you time and effort.

By entrusting your visa application to professionals, you can focus on planning your culinary adventure and exploring the vibrant flavors of Bali without any worries about the necessary documentation.

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Remember to check the visa requirements and initiate the process well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Bali’s culinary wonders and immerse yourself in the cultural delights that await you. Bon appétit!

FAQs about What to Eat in Bali

• What is the best food to try in Bali?
  

  Bali offers a plethora of delicious dishes, but some must-try foods include Nasi Goreng, Babi Guling, Bebek Betutu, and Sate Lilit. These dishes represent the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Bali.

• Where can I find traditional Balinese food in Bali?
  

  You can find traditional Balinese food in local warungs (eateries), traditional markets, and renowned restaurants that specialize in Balinese cuisine. Places like Warung Made, Naughty Nuri’s, and Bambu Restaurant are highly recommended.

• Are there vegetarian options available in Balinese cuisine?
  

  Yes, Bali caters to vegetarian and vegan visitors with a wide range of plant-based dishes. From tempeh and tofu-based dishes to flavorful vegetable curries, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian delights to savor in Bali.

• Can you recommend any Balinese desserts?
  

  Absolutely! Balinese desserts, known as Jaje Bali, offer a delightful end to any meal. Try the black sticky rice-based Bubur Mengguh or indulge in fried pastries and sweet dumplings made with coconut and palm sugar.

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