Best Food to Try in Bali

Indulge in the Exquisite Cuisine of Bali

Bali is a place of vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty. From its serene beaches to its majestic temples, Bali is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. But, what makes Bali stand out is its world-renowned food. Balinese cuisine is a perfect blend of rich flavors, spices, and herbs, making it a foodie’s paradise. If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds, here are some of the best foods to try in Bali.

🍚 Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian fried rice dish that’s brimming with flavor. Cooked with a blend of spices, shrimp paste, and chili sauce, the dish is a fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Often served with a fried egg on top, Nasi Goreng is a staple dish in Bali and a must-try for every traveler.

🐟 Grilled Fish

Bali is an island surrounded by the ocean, making it a seafood lover’s paradise. Grilled fish is a delicacy in Bali, and it’s cooked to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices, giving it a unique and savory taste. You can find grilled fish in most of the warungs (small local restaurants) in Bali, but the best ones are often found in the beachside towns.

🍛 Sate

Sate is a famous Indonesian dish consisting of skewered meat that’s grilled to perfection and served with a peanut sauce. Pork, chicken, and beef are the most commonly used meats in Bali, and each of them is cooked to perfection with a blend of spices that makes it a tantalizing feast for your taste buds.

🌯 Gado-gado

Gado-gado is a famous Balinese salad that’s made with a mix of vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, and green beans, and served with a peanut sauce. It’s a refreshing dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an excellent option for health-conscious travelers.

🍜 Mie Goreng

Mie Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients, including chicken, shrimp, tofu, and vegetables. The dish is often served with a fried egg on top, making it a substantial and satisfying meal.

🍦 Es Campur

Es Campur is a famous Balinese dessert that’s popular for its refreshing taste. It’s made with shaved ice, mixed fruits, and sweet syrup, making it a perfect dessert after a spicy meal. You can find Es Campur in most of the local warungs and food stalls in Bali.

🍲 Babi Guling

Babi Guling is a traditional Balinese dish made with roasted suckling pig. The dish is marinated with a blend of spices and herbs, including turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger, giving it a unique and savory taste. It’s often served with rice, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, making it a perfect meal for meat lovers.

🥧 Dadar Gulung

Dadar Gulung is a famous Balinese dessert made with coconut, palm sugar, and rice flour. The dessert is wrapped in a pancake-like wrap, giving it a unique and sweet flavor. Dadar Gulung is a perfect dessert for people with a sweet tooth, and it’s often served in most of the local warungs in Bali.

🥘 Sop Buntut

Sop Buntut is a famous Indonesian oxtail soup that’s made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and oxtail meat. The dish is slow-cooked, making it tender and flavorful. It’s often served with rice or noodles, making it an excellent choice for a filling and satisfying meal.

🍢 Satay Lilit

Satay Lilit is a Balinese dish that’s made with minced meat, herbs, and spices, wrapped around a lemongrass or bamboo stick and grilled to perfection. It’s a perfect dish for meat lovers, and it’s often served with rice and a spicy sauce.

🍲 Jukut Ares

Jukut Ares is a traditional Balinese soup made with banana tree trunk, herbs, and spices. The dish is a perfect blend of flavors, making it a popular dish for vegetarians. The soup is often served with rice or noodles, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

🌶️ Bebek Betutu

Bebek Betutu is a popular Balinese duck dish that’s marinated with a blend of herbs and spices, including turmeric, ginger, and galangal. The dish is slow-cooked, making it tender and flavorful, and it’s often served with rice and vegetables. It’s a perfect dish for meat lovers who want to try something unique.

🍚 Lawar

Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish made with a mix of vegetables, meat, and herbs. The dish is often served with rice and a spicy sauce, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Lawar is a perfect dish for people who want to try something unique and different.

🍹 Kecap Manis

Kecap Manis is a sweet soy sauce that’s commonly used in Balinese cuisine. It’s often used to add flavor to dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay, giving them a unique and sweet taste. You can find Kecap Manis in most of the local grocery stores and supermarkets in Bali.

🌭 Bakso

Bakso is a popular Indonesian meatball dish that’s made with a blend of beef and spices. The meatballs are often served with noodles, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Bakso is a perfect dish for meat lovers who want to try something unique and different.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Balinese cuisine?

Balinese cuisine is a blend of rich flavors, spices, and herbs that make it unique and flavorful. It’s a fusion of Indonesian and Indian cuisine, making it a perfect destination for foodies.

2. What are the must-try foods in Bali?

Some of the must-try foods in Bali include Nasi Goreng, Grilled Fish, Sate, Gado-gado, Mie Goreng, Es Campur, Babi Guling, Dadar Gulung, Sop Buntut, Satay Lilit, Jukut Ares, Bebek Betutu, Lawar, and Kecap Manis.

3. Where can I find the best Balinese food?

You can find the best Balinese food in most of the local warungs, food stalls, and beachside restaurants in Bali. The best Balinese food is often found in the smaller and more authentic restaurants.

4. Is Balinese food spicy?

Yes, Balinese food is often spicy, but it can be adjusted to your taste preferences. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can always ask for a milder version of the dish.

5. What are the vegetarian options in Balinese cuisine?

There are many vegetarian options in Balinese cuisine, including Gado-gado, Jukut Ares, Lawar, and many more. Most of the warungs and food stalls in Bali offer vegetarian options.

6. Are there any halal options in Balinese cuisine?

Yes, there are many halal options in Balinese cuisine, including Sate, Grilled Fish, and many more. Most of the warungs and food stalls in Bali offer halal options.

7. What is the best way to experience Balinese cuisine?

The best way to experience Balinese cuisine is to explore the local warungs and food stalls. You can also take a cooking class to learn how to make Balinese dishes from scratch.

Closing Thoughts

Bali’s vibrant culture and natural beauty are not the only things that make it a popular destination. Its world-renowned food is a perfect blend of spices, herbs, and flavors, making it a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, Bali has something for everyone. So, if you’re planning to visit Bali, make sure to indulge in some of its exquisite cuisines and savor every bite.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of the Indonesian government.