Bali’s Culinary Adventures: Must-Try Foods to Start 2025 Right
Bali’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its culture, offering an array of flavors that blend traditional techniques with fresh, local ingredients. Starting 2025 with a culinary adventure in Bali means indulging in dishes that tell stories of the island’s heritage and creativity. Here’s a guide to must-try foods that promise to delight your taste buds and give you a deeper connection to the island’s soul.
1. Babi Guling: The Iconic Balinese Roast Pig
No visit to Bali is complete without tasting babi guling, the island’s celebrated roasted suckling pig. Traditionally prepared for ceremonies, this dish has become a staple at local warungs (small eateries) across the island.
The pig is seasoned with a blend of spices, including turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, and garlic, then slow-roasted over an open flame until the skin is crispy and golden. Served with rice, vegetables, and crispy pork skin, babi guling is a flavor-packed introduction to Balinese cuisine.
Where to Try:
Visit Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud or Babi Guling Pak Malen in Seminyak for an authentic experience.
Pro Tip: Arrive early, as this dish is so popular it often sells out by midday.
2. Sate Lilit: Bali’s Unique Take on Skewered Meat
While satay is popular across Indonesia, Bali’s version, sate lilit, stands out for its distinctive preparation. Minced meat, usually fish or chicken, is mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices before being wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks and grilled to perfection.
The result is a smoky, aromatic dish that pairs perfectly with sambal matah, a spicy raw shallot and lemongrass relish. Sate lilit is both a street food favorite and a must-have at traditional feasts.
Where to Try:
Check out Warung Nyoman in Jimbaran or enjoy it at traditional food markets like Gianyar Night Market.
Pro Tip: Pair sate lilit with rice or a side of urap (coconut-dressed vegetables) for a complete meal.
3. Lawar: A Traditional Balinese Salad
Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish that combines chopped meat (often pork or chicken) with grated coconut, vegetables, and a mixture of herbs and spices. In some versions, fresh blood is added for authenticity, but non-blood versions are widely available.
Lawar is a staple at ceremonies and communal meals, reflecting the island’s emphasis on sharing and togetherness. The complex layers of flavor in lawar showcase the depth of Balinese cuisine.
Where to Try:
Find lawar at local warungs or as a side dish accompanying babi guling.
Pro Tip: Try the Lawar Bali for a mild flavor or Lawar Kuwir for a duck-based version.
4. Bebek Betutu: Slow-Cooked Duck Perfection
Bebek betutu is a ceremonial dish that embodies the art of Balinese slow cooking. A whole duck is marinated in a spice paste of turmeric, ginger, garlic, and shallots, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted or steamed for hours until tender.
This dish is packed with bold flavors and is often served during celebrations. Its labor-intensive preparation makes it a special treat, and every bite is worth the wait.
Where to Try:
Head to Bebek Tepi Sawah in Ubud or Bumbu Bali in Nusa Dua for a taste of this traditional masterpiece.
Pro Tip: Pair bebek betutu with steamed rice and sambal for the ultimate flavor experience.
5. Nasi Campur Bali: A Plate of Diversity
For those who want to sample multiple dishes at once, nasi campur Bali is the perfect choice. This mixed rice dish features a variety of small portions, including shredded chicken, fried tempeh, sambal, and vegetables, all served over steamed rice.
Every warung and restaurant has its own version, making it a versatile and customizable meal that highlights the diversity of Balinese flavors.
Where to Try:
Visit Warung Wardani in Denpasar or Warung Men Weti in Sanur for highly recommended nasi campur options.
Pro Tip: Choose a spot that allows you to pick and mix your sides for a truly personalized meal.
6. Balinese Desserts: Dadar Gulung and Klepon
End your culinary journey on a sweet note with traditional Balinese desserts. Dadar gulung is a green pancake made with pandan leaves and filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar. Klepon, on the other hand, are glutinous rice balls filled with liquid palm sugar and coated in grated coconut.
Both desserts are light, flavorful, and a perfect complement to the island’s bold main dishes.
Where to Try:
Find these treats at traditional markets or bakeries like Breadbasket in Sanur.
Pro Tip: Pair your dessert with a cup of Bali’s famous kopi luwak (civet coffee) for an authentic local pairing.
Bali’s culinary scene offers a delicious journey through the island’s culture and traditions. From savory staples like babi guling and bebek betutu to sweet treats like dadar gulung, each dish tells a story of heritage, community, and creativity. Starting 2025 with these must-try foods is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a celebration of Bali’s rich culinary legacy.
Ready to embark on a flavorful adventure? Plan your Bali culinary tour today and indulge in the island’s best dishes. Let the tastes of Bali set the tone for an unforgettable year ahead!
