The Ultimate Bali Food Guide

Traditional Balinese Cuisine

Traditional Balinese food is renowned for its harmonious blend of rich flavours, aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, reflecting the island's cultural heritage and agricultural abundance. More than this, Balinese cuisine is characterised by locally sourced produce and is elevated by fragrant spices and herbs indigenous to the region, including turmeric, lemongrass and galangal.

In traditional Bali cuisine, rice serves as a staple and is accompanied by vegetables and protein like fish, often marinated in a rich Balinese sauce. These dishes and their accompanying flavours satisfy the palate and reflect the island's deep-rooted culinary traditions, offering you a glimpse of Bali's food heritage with every bite.

Must-Try Balinese Dishes

Bali food is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and there are a few dishes that embody the essence of the island's rich food culture. Enjoyed by locals and visitors, many of these dishes are offered at street food vendors, small eateries known as 'warungs' and more upscale restaurants across the island. Regardless of where you're dining, there are some meals you just can't go without if you want to experience Bali cuisine at its finest; these include:

Babi Guling: When it comes to things to eat in Bali, Babi Guling tops the list. A renowned Balinese dish featuring a succulent suckling pig, Babi Guling is slow-roasted to perfection with a blend of spices, resulting in tender meat and crispy skin.

Nasi Campur/ Nasi Ayum: A flavourful mix of rice served with an assortment of side dishes, including chicken, vegetables, sate and sambal.

Jimbaran Seafood: Jimbaran is Bali's seafood capital, where you can enjoy grilled fish, prawns and squid, freshly caught and expertly prepared.

Ayam Betutu/ Bebek Betutu: Slow-cooked chicken or duck marinated in aromatic spices and wrapped in banana leaves, resulting in tender and flavourful meat infused with rich, spicy flavours.

Sate (Varieties): Skewers of succulent grilled meat, typically chicken, beef, or pork, served with peanut sauce and rice cakes, offering a delicious combination of smoky, savoury and sweet flavours.

Nasi Goreng: Indonesia's famous fried rice dish, stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, meat and shrimp paste, topped with a fried egg, crispy shallots and shrimp crackers.

Martabak Manis: A delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth, Martabak is a thick and sweet fluffy pancake topped with butter, cheese, chocolate, condensed milk and peanuts.

Bubuh Injin: Black rice pudding sweetened with palm sugar and coconut milk and topped with banana slices, offering a warm and satisfying end to a meal.

Where to Eat in Bali

Whether you choose to indulge in some of the traditional Indonesian delicacies or stick to the more familiar flavours of home, Bali's culinary scene has something to offer everyone. From traditional Bali street food markets to open-air bamboo cafes along the roadside and some of the world's most trend-setting restaurants, the options are endless. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the best places to eat in Bali.

Kaum Bali - Seminyak

Translating to 'tribe' in Indonesian, Kaum offers a contemporary take on exotic Indonesian cuisine, focusing on using local ingredients and traditional recipes with a modern twist. A prominent part of the Potato Head empire, Kaum offers patrons a fine dining experience with breathtaking views of the shore below. Dedicated to their craft, the Kaum team have travelled to remote tribal communities across Bali to learn about traditional Indonesian cooking techniques and local ingredients.

Without a doubt, it is one of the top 10 restaurants in Bali. So, if you're seeking a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine, Kaum should be your first stop.

Address: Desa Potato Head. Jl. Petitenget 51B, Seminyak, Bali 80361

Sangsaka - Kerobokan

Sangsaka offers its patrons a sophisticated dining experience and an ever-changing menu of dishes inspired by the flavours of Java, Sumatra, Bali and beyond. From aromatic curries and spicy sambals to flavourful grilled meats and fresh seafood, each dish at Sansaka takes you on a journey through the archipelago of Indonesia. If you're seeking fine dining in Bali, Sangsaka is your go-to.

Address: Jl. Pangkung Sari No. 100, Kerobokan, North Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361

Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen - Seminyak

For a taste of Bali's famous Babi Guling, Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen is the place to be. This humble eatery is renowned for its signature dish, Babi Guling, a succulent roast pig with crispy skin accompanied by fragrant rice and spicy sambal. Locals and visitors line up out of the door of this humble eatery to get a taste of the iconic Indonesian dish and a range of other authentic Indonesian meals available at affordable prices.

Address: Jl. Sunset Road No.554, Seminyak, Badung, Bali 80361

Ku De Ta - Kuta

One of the best restaurants in Bali, Ku De Ta is known for its panoramic ocean views, lively atmosphere and diverse menu featuring a fusion of international cuisines. From fresh seafood dishes to gourmet burgers, salads and a vibrant cocktail menu, Ku De Ta caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. With multiple dining options, guests can enjoy everything from casual cocktails on the shore to a luxurious fine dining experience under the stars.

Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Badung, Bali, 80361

Mason Restaurant - Canggu & Uluwatu

With two venues in Canggu and Uluwatu, Mason has captivated the hearts of locals and visitors with its rustic charm, sophisticated yet laid-back ambience and focus on local ingredients. At the heart of Mason's philosophy lies a fierce commitment to freshness and simplicity. Their menu showcases an exquisite array of house-made charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and succulent cuts of meat, all prepared with an emphasis on wood-fired cooking techniques.

Canggu Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.39a, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Uluwatu Address: Jl. Labuansait No.10, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

Naughty Nuri's - Seminyak

Naughty Nuri's offers a fusion of Indonesian and Western flavours, with dishes inspired by local ingredients and international culinary techniques. Several Indonesian dishes grace the menu; however the real star of the show is their signature pork spare ribs, which are undoubtedly the best on the island. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, it's no wonder that Naughty Nuri's is a favourite amongst locals and visitors.

Address: Jl. Mertanadi No. 62, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361

Badung Market - Denpasar

One of the largest food markets in Bali, Badung Market attracts locals and holidaymakers with its bustling atmosphere and variety of goods. However the main attraction here is the array of authentic Bali meals on offer. Here, visitors can sample local delicacies ranging from traditional snacks and grilled meats to seafood, noodles, rice dishes and sweet treats. Grab a stool and take a seat by a traditional warung and enjoy a bowl of Nasi Goreng, or wander the markets with a few sticks of sate in hand.

Address: Jl. Sulawesi, Dauh Puri Kangin, Pasar Badung, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80221

Sanur Night Market - Sanur

As the sun sets on Sanur Beach, the Sanur Night market comes alive with the aroma of sizzling meats, aromatic spices and the smell of freshly cooked local delicacies wafting through the air. Sanur Market packs a punch with an array of street vendors firing up their grills, enticing visitors with the tantalising aromas of Indonesian street food classics. With its affordable prices on a range of meals, eating in Bali has never been so affordable and so delicious!

Address: Jl. Pungutan No.2, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228

Kreneg Night Market - East Denpasar

Kreneng Night Market is a local favourite known for its range of vendors offering everything from traditional clothing to local handicrafts, fresh produce and unique cultural souvenirs. Kreneg Market tempts visitors with its dynamic street food scene, drawing holidaymakers in to roam the streets of Denpasar in the pursuit of mouthwatering Babi Guling, a renowned market specialty.

Address: Jl. Rijasa, Dangin Puri Kangin, Denpasar Utara, Denpasar, Bali, 80236

Gianyar Night Market - Gianyar

Gianyar Night Market is a popular destination for food enthusiasts and visitors looking for an authentic Balinese culinary experience. Small but mighty, Gianyar Market has gained fame for its mouthwatering street food, including crispy Babi Guling, Nasi Goreng, savoury Sate, traditional Balinese cakes and more. Here, visitors come for the mouthwatering range of street food but stay for the atmosphere as they become swept up in the vibrant energy of the bustling crowds.

Address: Jl. Ngurah Rai-Gianyar No.38, Gianyar, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80361

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