Food Culture in Bali: Dishes You Must Try

Bali isn’t only known for beautiful beaches, temples and jungle – the island also has a rich and exciting food culture. Whether you eat at local warungs, beach restaurants or fine dining spots, Balinese food will give you flavours you won’t forget in a hurry.

Here are the dishes, ingredients and food experiences you really should try in Bali.

Nasi Goreng – Bali’s national dish

Nasi Goreng means “fried rice” and is perhaps the best-known Indonesian dish. It typically contains rice fried with garlic and chilli, vegetables, and chicken, prawns or egg – topped with a fried egg and crispy shallots. You’ll find it everywhere, from street stalls to luxury restaurants.

Babi Guling – spit-roasted suckling pig

This is Bali’s most famous speciality, and something you won’t find in many other parts of Indonesia. Slow-roasted suckling pig seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, turmeric and chilli, often served with rice, vegetables and sauce. Best known in Ubud and Gianyar.

Satay – small grilled skewers

Satay is grilled skewers of meat served with peanut sauce – perfect as street food or a light dinner. The most common varieties are Satay Ayam (chicken) and Satay Lilit, the Balinese version made from fish.

Lawar – a traditional Balinese dish

Lawar is an authentic dish often served at ceremonies and festivals. It’s made of finely chopped meat mixed with coconut, vegetables and Balinese spices – simple in appearance, complex in flavour.

Gado-Gado – a vegetarian favourite

A fresh and popular dish for vegetarians: steamed vegetables with tofu and tempeh, topped with plenty of warm peanut sauce. Healthy, filling and full of flavour.

Sweet desserts and snacks

Don’t miss Pisang Goreng (fried banana), Dadar Gulung (pancakes with coconut and palm sugar) and Klepon (rice balls filled with liquid palm sugar). All three are simple, cheap and impossible to resist.

Drinks in Bali

Fresh juices and smoothies are available everywhere. A coconut straight from the tree is unbeatable in the heat. Try Indonesian coffee – especially Kopi Bali – and the local beer Bintang, Bali’s unofficial holiday companion.

Cooking class – learn Balinese cooking yourself

Want to take the taste of Bali home with you? A cooking class is one of the most popular activities among visitors to Bali. You start the day at a local market, learn traditional recipes and cook several dishes from scratch with a local chef – and then eat them yourself.

Food is a big part of any trip – and Bali offers flavours that make your holiday even more memorable. Start the day at the market and take the recipes home.
See the cooking class →