Bali is a paradise not just for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Balinese food is a beautiful blend of fresh local ingredients, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, you must indulge in its authentic culinary delights to truly experience the island’s culture.
In this guide, we’ll take you through must-try Balinese dishes, what makes them special, and where to find the best local flavors. Let’s dive in!
1. Babi Guling (Balinese Roast Suckling Pig)
Babi Guling is one of Bali’s most famous and beloved dishes. This traditional meal consists of a whole pig roasted on a spit over an open fire, basted with a rich blend of turmeric, garlic, coriander, lemongrass, and other Balinese spices. The result? Crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, flavorful meat served with rice, lawar (spiced vegetables), and sambal (chili sauce). You can try this food at :
- Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud) – A legendary spot for authentic Babi Guling.
- Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak) – Famous for its crispy skin and spicy flavors.
- Warung Babi Guling Men Lari (Gianyar) – A hidden gem for locals.
2. Ayam Betutu (Slow-Cooked Spiced Chicken)
Ayam Betutu is a Balinese-style chicken dish that’s slow-cooked for hours until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. The chicken is marinated in a spicy blend of turmeric, ginger, garlic, chili, and shallots, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted or steamed. For seafood lovers, there’s also a fish version called Bebek Betutu (duck Betutu). You can try this food at :
- Warung Ayam Betutu Gilimanuk (Kuta & Denpasar) – One of the most famous spots for this dish.
- Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk (Ubud) – A local favorite for authentic flavors.
- Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (Ubud) – Serves Ayam Betutu as part of a mixed rice plate.
3. Lawar (Minced Meat and Coconut Salad)
Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish made from minced meat (pork or chicken), grated coconut, and a rich mix of spices. Some versions include blood, giving it a deep, earthy flavor (called Lawar Merah), while others are made without it (Lawar Putih). This dish is commonly served as a side with Babi Guling. You can try this food at :
- Warung Wardani (Denpasar) – A great spot for authentic Lawar.
- Warung Mak Beng (Sanur) – Offers delicious Lawar as part of their famous fish dish.
4. Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Meat Skewers)
Unlike regular satay, Sate Lilit is made from minced fish, chicken, or pork mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and aromatic Balinese spices. The meat is wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks and grilled to perfection. You can try this food at :
- Warung Sate Plecing Arjuna (Denpasar) – Famous for its spicy version.
- Sate Lilit Bu Rima (Jimbaran) – A must-visit for authentic Balinese-style satay.
5. Nasi Campur Bali (Balinese Mixed Rice)
Nasi Campur means “mixed rice”, and in Bali, it’s a platter of steamed rice served with a variety of side dishes, including Ayam Betutu, Lawar, Tempeh, Sate Lilit, sambal, and crispy peanuts. Each plate is unique depending on where you eat it! You can try this food at :
- Warung Nasi Bali Men Weti (Sanur) – A legendary spot for local-style Nasi Campur.
- Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (Ubud) – Famous for its delicious and affordable Nasi Campur.
- Warung Wardani (Denpasar) – A popular choice among both locals and tourists.
6. Jaje Bali (Traditional Balinese Sweets)
Jaje Bali refers to Balinese traditional cakes and sweets, often made from sticky rice, coconut, palm sugar, and pandan leaves. Some popular types include:
- Dadar Gulung – Green pandan crepes filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar.
- Klepon – Sticky rice balls filled with liquid palm sugar and rolled in coconut.
- Laklak – Small Balinese pancakes topped with coconut and palm sugar syrup.
Here are some places to find Jaje in Bali:
- Traditional Markets (Pasar Badung & Pasar Ubud) – The best places to find fresh Jaje Bali.
- Warung Jaje Bali (Denpasar) – Specializes in traditional Balinese desserts.
Balinese cuisine is an exciting journey of flavors and textures, combining the best of Indonesia’s spices, fresh ingredients, and cooking traditions. Whether you’re dining in a local warung (small eatery) or indulging in a fine-dining Balinese feast, these dishes are a must-try for any food lover!
If you’re traveling to Bali soon, make sure to add these delicious Balinese dishes to your food bucket list and experience the true taste of the island. Save this guide for your next Bali trip & share it with fellow foodies!
