A Foodie’s Guide to Bali – Must Try Dishes & Where to Find Them

Bali is a paradise not only for its beaches and culture but also for its incredible food scene. The island’s cuisine is a delicious mix of bold spices, slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, and tropical flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Whether you’re looking for authentic street food, legendary warungs, or fine dining experiences, this guide will take you through Bali’s must-try dishes and where to find the best local flavors.

1. Babi Guling – The Famous Balinese Suckling Pig

One of Bali’s most iconic dishes, Babi Guling is a slow-roasted suckling pig seasoned with turmeric, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, then cooked over an open fire until the skin turns crispy and golden.

Where to Try the Best Babi Guling in Bali

• Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud) – One of the most famous spots, often visited by food lovers from around the world.
• Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak) – A local favorite with richly spiced pork and crispy skin.
• Babi Guling Pande Egi (Canggu) – A hidden gem offering large portions with a spicy sambal kick.

Local Tip: Babi Guling is usually served at lunch, so arrive early as the best portions sell out quickly!

2. Nasi Campur – Bali’s Ultimate Mixed Rice Dish

Nasi Campur is Bali’s version of a tasting platter, featuring steamed rice served with an assortment of meats, vegetables, sambal, and peanut sauce. Every warung has its own unique combination of flavors, making it a must-try dish.

Where to Find the Best Nasi Campur

• Warung Nasi Bali Men Weti (Sanur) – A legendary spot by the beach, known for its spicy and flavorful Nasi Campur.
• Warung Wardani (Denpasar) – Serves a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
• Warung Sopa (Ubud) – A great place for vegetarian Nasi Campur, featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Local Tip: If you love spicy food, ask for extra sambal matah, a traditional Balinese raw chili and shallot sambal.

3. Bebek Betutu – The Richly Spiced Balinese Duck

A traditional ceremonial dish, Bebek Betutu is duck marinated in turmeric and Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked for up to 24 hours. The result? Tender, smoky, and incredibly flavorful meat.

Best Places to Try Bebek Betutu

• Bebek Tepi Sawah (Ubud) – Serves crispy yet tender Bebek Betutu, with stunning rice field views.
• Bebek Bengil (Ubud & Nusa Dua) – Also known as “The Dirty Duck Diner”, famous for its juicy, aromatic duck.
• Warung Legong (Keramas) – A hidden gem with an authentic slow-cooked Betutu recipe.

Local Tip: Pair Bebek Betutu with lawar (a spiced Balinese side dish) for a full traditional experience.

4. Sate Lilit – The Unique Balinese Satay

Unlike typical Indonesian satay, Sate Lilit is made from minced fish, chicken, or pork, mixed with coconut, lemongrass, and spices, then wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks before being grilled.

Best Places to Eat Sate Lilit

• Warung Mak Beng (Sanur) – Famous for Sate Lilit served with spicy fish soup.
• Ibu Mangku Kedewatan (Ubud) – A local warung serving Sate Lilit with Nasi Campur.
• Warung Babi Guling Men Agus (Nusa Dua) – A must-visit for pork lovers, serving Sate Lilit alongside crispy pork dishes.

Local Tip: This dish is mildly spicy, but you can ask for extra sambal if you like it hotter!

5. Lawar – A Unique Balinese Salad with a Twist

Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad made from minced meat, grated coconut, and mixed spices. Some versions even include fresh pig’s blood for extra richness, though vegetarian options are also available.

Where to Try Lawar in Bali

• Warung Jero Kawan (Ubud) – Serves authentic, handmade Lawar using traditional recipes.
• Lawar Bali Kartika (Denpasar) – A favorite among locals, offering pork and chicken Lawar.
• Warung D'Sawah (Kerobokan) – Features a delicious Lawar served with Bebek Betutu.

Local Tip: If you prefer a non-meat version, look for Jackfruit Lawar, a delicious vegetarian alternative.

6. Fresh Seafood in Jimbaran – Grilled to Perfection

Jimbaran is Bali’s seafood paradise, offering grilled fish, prawns, squid, and clams served with Balinese sambal and steamed rice.

Best Seafood Restaurants in Jimbaran

• Menega Café – One of the most popular seafood spots, known for its grilled snapper and clams.
• Bumbu Bali – Offers a high-end seafood dining experience with authentic Balinese flavors.
• Jimbaran Bay Seafood Club – A great place for sunset seafood feasts on the beach.

Local Tip: For the freshest seafood, visit around 5-6 PM and choose your fish directly from the display.

7. Balinese Desserts – Sweet Treats to Try

Bali’s desserts are simple yet incredibly delicious, featuring tropical ingredients like coconut, palm sugar, and rice flour.

Best Traditional Balinese Desserts

• Dadar Gulung – A green pandan crepe filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar.
• Klepon – Sticky rice balls filled with melted palm sugar, covered in shredded coconut.
• Bubur Injin – A black rice pudding served with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.

Where to Try Balinese Desserts

• Warung Sopa (Ubud) – Great for freshly made Klepon and Dadar Gulung.
• Bali Buda (Seminyak & Ubud) – Known for organic, healthy versions of Balinese sweets.
• Sindhu Night Market (Sanur) – A great place to try a variety of local desserts on a budget.

Local Tip: Pair your dessert with Balinese Kopi Tubruk, a strong, unfiltered coffee that’s perfect for balancing sweet flavors.

Taste the Best of Bali’s Food Scene

From slow-roasted pork and spicy satay to tropical desserts, Bali’s rich food culture is something every traveler should explore. Whether you’re eating at a street-side warung or indulging in a beachfront seafood feast, every bite tells a story of tradition, flavor, and local passion.

Best Food Experiences Based on Your Taste:

• Best for Meat Lovers: Babi Guling & Bebek Betutu
• Best for Seafood Fans: Jimbaran’s Grilled Fish
• Best for Street Food Lovers: Nasi Campur & Lawar
• Best for Sweet Tooth Travelers: Klepon & Dadar Gulung

For a foodie experience like no other, book a Bali food tour with Bali Gate Tours, ensuring you discover hidden culinary gems and authentic flavors!