A Food Lover’s Guide to Bali: Top Dishes and Where to Try Them
Bali is not only a paradise for its scenic landscapes but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. With influences from Indonesia and unique Balinese traditions, the island offers an array of dishes that food lovers can’t miss. From street food to upscale dining, here’s your guide to the top dishes in Bali and where to find the best flavors that capture the essence of the island.
1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig) – Bali’s Signature Dish
Babi Guling is one of Bali’s most iconic dishes and a must-try for any food lover visiting the island. This dish features a whole pig, seasoned with a mixture of turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, and other spices, and then slow-roasted to perfection. The result is a crispy skin with tender, flavorful meat that’s typically served with rice, vegetables, and spicy sambal.
Where to Try It: Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka in Ubud is famous for its authentic babi guling, offering a traditional experience in a rustic setting. Other popular spots include Babi Guling Pak Malen in Seminyak, known for its rich flavors and generous portions.
Bali Gate Tours can arrange a culinary tour that includes top babi guling spots as part of our Food Lover’s Tour Package. Discover more on our Culinary Tour Page.
2. Nasi Campur – A Balanced Balinese Meal
Nasi Campur translates to “mixed rice” and is a traditional Balinese meal featuring a variety of side dishes served with steamed rice. Each plate typically includes satay, tempeh, vegetables, and sambal, providing a mix of flavors and textures that represent Balinese cuisine.
Where to Try It: Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku in Ubud is renowned for its nasi campur, offering a blend of flavors with each portion. Warung Wardani in Denpasar is another local favorite, known for its delicious and affordable nasi campur.
Our Balinese Dining Tour includes visits to popular nasi campur warungs, allowing you to taste an authentic Balinese meal. For more details, check out our Culinary Experiences.
3. Sate Lilit – Balinese Skewered Delights
A unique twist on Indonesian satay, Sate Lilit is made with minced meat (often pork or fish) mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices, then wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks before grilling. The result is a smoky, flavorful dish that’s often served with sambal for added spice.
Where to Try It: Warung Sate Kakul in Ubud specializes in Sate Lilit with various options, including seafood and chicken. You can also try delicious Sate Lilit at Jimbaran’s seafood restaurants, where fresh fish is used for a distinct flavor.
Join our Balinese BBQ Tour to experience Sate Lilit and other grilled delights from around the island. For more information, visit our Food Lover’s Packages.
4. Lawar – A Traditional Balinese Salad
Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish made from minced meat, grated coconut, and green beans, seasoned with spices and often mixed with blood for authentic flavor. It’s a unique and flavorful dish that’s commonly served at ceremonies and special occasions in Bali.
Where to Try It: Many warungs and local eateries serve lawar, but Warung Wardani in Denpasar is known for its authentic version. You can also find lawar as part of a nasi campur platter at various traditional warungs.
Our Cultural Food Tour provides an opportunity to taste lawar and learn about its cultural significance in Balinese ceremonies. Learn more on our Traditional Culinary Tours.
5. Bebek Betutu – A Balinese Feast
Bebek Betutu is a ceremonial dish of spiced duck, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked until tender. This dish is traditionally prepared for special events and requires hours of cooking, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Where to Try It: Bebek Tepi Sawah in Ubud offers a renowned version of Bebek Betutu, surrounded by scenic rice paddies. For a high-end experience, try Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner), also located in Ubud, which specializes in Balinese duck dishes.
Bali Gate Tours offers Cultural Dining Experiences that include bebek betutu, perfect for food lovers looking to try Bali’s most celebrated dishes. Check out our Gourmet Bali Tours for more details.
6. Jaje Bali – Traditional Balinese Sweets
Jaje Bali refers to traditional Balinese sweets and snacks, often made from rice, coconut, and palm sugar. These sweets vary widely and include treats like klepon (rice cakes with palm sugar filling), dadar gulung (pancakes with coconut filling), and more. They’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
Where to Try It: Pasar Ubud is an excellent place to sample Jaje Bali, as the market offers a variety of traditional sweets prepared by local vendors. You can also find Jaje Bali at traditional Balinese ceremonies and festivals.
Our Sweet Tastes of Bali Tour includes a visit to local markets and bakeries where you can sample and learn about Balinese desserts. Visit our Dessert Tours page for more information.
7. Ayam Betutu – Bali’s Flavored Chicken Dish
Ayam Betutu is a chicken dish marinated with rich Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked until tender. It’s similar to bebek betutu but made with chicken, and it’s popular among locals and visitors alike for its rich flavor.
Where to Try It: Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh in Gilimanuk is famous for its authentic ayam betutu, offering a truly local taste. You can also try this dish at local warungs and family-owned restaurants across the island.
Bali Gate Tours’ Authentic Bali Food Tour includes stops at the best places to try ayam betutu, providing a complete culinary journey through Bali. Explore more options on our Bali Culinary Tour Page.
8. Babi Kecap – Balinese Braised Pork
Babi Kecap is a flavorful dish made from braised pork in a sweet soy sauce with spices like garlic, ginger, and cloves. This dish is often served with rice and is a comforting meal that’s beloved by locals.
Where to Try It: Warung Babi Guling Men Agus in Gianyar serves delicious babi kecap along with other traditional Balinese dishes. It’s also popular in various warungs throughout Bali.
Join our Food Lover’s Tour to experience babi kecap and other local specialties. For more information, visit our Local Cuisine Tours.
Savor Bali’s Culinary Delights with Bali Gate Tours
From savory dishes like babi guling and bebek betutu to sweet treats like jaje Bali, Bali’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture. At Bali Gate Tours, we offer a range of culinary tours that allow you to experience the best of Balinese cuisine, guided by local experts who share their knowledge and passion for food.
Ready to taste the flavors of Bali? Contact us today to book your food lover’s tour, or explore our Complete Culinary Packages for more inspiration. Let Bali Gate Tours guide you through a journey of taste, culture, and tradition across the island.
