In this blog, we’re sharing exactly what to eat in Bali with our 11 must-eat Balinese dishes to try. It’s not merely a list. We’re giving you a feel for each dish, so you know exactly what to expect.
Balinese cuisine is a colourful mix of flavours, from spicy and savoury to sweet and tangy. With so many options, it can get confusing. We’ve got you covered.
Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, there’s something here for everyone.
Pro tip: Feel free to tell your dietary preferences to the restaurant staff. Most restaurants including upscale Bali restaurants customise meals to accommodate vegetarian or vegan requests. They will also ensure that your meals’ oils, sauces condiments and spice levels meet your requirements.
Babi Guling (Roast Pork)
Key Ingredients: Pork is marinated with a blend of turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, and local spices with crispy pork crackling skin.
What Does It Taste Like? Succulent, crispy, salty and savoury.
What Does It Look Like? Crispy pork.
Serving Suggestions: Typically served with steamed rice, lawar (a traditional Balinese mix of vegetables, coconut, minced meat, rich herbs and spices), and spicy sambal (aromatic and thick red chilli paste made from a blend of red chillies, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, tomatoes, lime, and salt).
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Roasted jackfruit or tofu can be used instead of pork.
Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)
Key Ingredients: Rice, a variety of meats (chicken or beef), vegetables, peanuts, and sambal.
What Does It Taste Like? A little bit of spicy, savoury, sweet and crunchy.
What Does It Look Like? A colourful presentation with various textures.
Serving Suggestions: Typically served as a complete meal on a single plate.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Meats can be interchanged with tofu, tempeh, and vegetable sides, like sautéed greens and sambal.
Bubur Ayam (Savoury Chicken Rice Porridge)
Key Ingredients: Rice, chicken, stock, spices and garnishes.
What Does It Taste Like? Savoury and fragrant.
What Does It Look Like? Porridge laden with toppings.
Serving Suggestions: Garnished with fried shallots, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Ask for vegetable broth, and shredded tofu.
Mie Goreng (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Key Ingredients: Noodles, garlic, cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and meat.
What Does It Taste Like? Salty, sweet, and umami.
What Does It Look Like? A mix of noodles and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions: Garnished with fried shallots, a lime wedge, and a fried egg on top.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Meat instead of tofu or tempeh. A vegan-friendly option can replace the fish sauce.
Sambal Matah (Balinese Side Dish)
Key Ingredients: Shallots, lemongrass, chillies, lime juice, and coconut oil.
How Does It Taste? Hot, spicy, and zesty.
What Does It Taste Like? A condiment with finely chopped ingredients.
Serving Suggestions: Served with grilled meats, fish, or tofu.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: This dish suits vegans and vegetarians.
Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)
Key Ingredients: Fish, turmeric, tamarind, and Balinese spices.
What Does It Taste Like? It’s smoky, tangy, and spicy.
What Does It Look Like? Fish garnished with fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions: Served with steamed rice, sambal, and lime.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Grilled tofu, tempeh, or eggplant instead of fish.
Sate Lilit (Minced Meat Satay)
Key Ingredients: Minced meat (fish or chicken), grated coconut, and spices.
What Does It Taste Like? Spicy, savoury, and sweet.
What Does It Look Like? Attractive skewers of golden-brown satay served with a dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Served with steamed rice and sambal.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Minced vegetables, tofu, or tempeh are mixed with grated coconut and spices and moulded around lemongrass sticks.
Bebek Goreng (Crispy Fried Duck)
Key Ingredients: Duck, garlic, turmeric, and other Balinese spices.
What Does It Taste Like? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside with a savoury taste.
What Does It Look Like? Fried duck.
Serving Suggestions: Served with rice, sambal, and fresh vegetables.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: The duck can be substituted with crispy fried tofu or tempeh, seasoned with similar spices.
Pisang Goreng (Indonesian Fried Banana)
Key Ingredients: Bananas, flour, and sugar.
What Does It Taste Like? It’s sweet and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.
What Does It Look Like? Golden-brown fried bananas.
Serving Suggestions: Served with ice cream and caramel sauce.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: The batter can be without eggs and dairy products.
Gado-Gado (Indonesian Salad With Peanut Sauce)
Key Ingredients: Vegetables (cabbage, bean sprouts, and spinach), tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce.
What Does It Taste Like? Nutty, savoury, spicy and sweet.
What Does It Look Like? A colourful mix of vegetables with peanut sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Served as a main course salad and often garnished with fried shallots.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: The peanut sauce is devoid of shrimp paste or fish sauce.
Bakso (Meatball Soup)
Key Ingredients: Meatballs (beef), noodles, broth, and vegetables.
What Does It Taste Like? Sweet and spicy.
What Does It Look Like? A bowl of soup with floating meatballs and green garnishes.
Serving Suggestions: Served in a bowl of beef broth, with noodles, bihun (rice vermicelli), salted vegetables, tofu, and egg.
Vegan/Vegetarian Alternative: Tofu and vegetable broth.
Where To Try Balinese Dishes?
There you have it! Our what to eat in Bali guide with our 11 must-try Balinese dishes! These dishes are common throughout Bali and can be found at many of the top rated restaurants. Now lets go through where to find these local delights.
Local Warungs
Warungs are small, family-run eateries. They offer authentic dishes at low prices. Visit Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud for its Babi Guling or Warung Wardani in Denpasar for Nasi Campur.
Night Markets
The Gianyar Night Market and Sanur Night Market are excellent night spots to try everything from Sate Lilit to Pisang Goreng. You can sample a variety of authentic meals amidst the lively atmosphere.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Many restaurants in Bali serve traditional meals. Some fine-dine restaurants have their unique take on traditional dishes. For instance, Apéritif Restaurant in Ubud blends Balinese flavours with the ingredients and recipes of global locations and presents them with a unique creative touch.
Beachside Cafés
You can visit cafés like La Brisa in Canggu or Jimbaran Bay for fresh seafood dishes like Ikan Bakar. Stunning ocean views elevate your dining experience.
Cooking Workshops
Many places host sessions in Balinese cooking. You get to shop with the chef from local markets and prepare meals under their guidance. Check out Paon Bali Cooking Class in Ubud.
