18 Best Bali Food For An Unique Culinary Experience

Every Bali itinerary talks only about its stunning beaches, picturesque locations and historic temples. But did you know that there is something else that awaits you in Bali: the incredible Balinese delicacies. Its unique blend of Indonesian cuisine with influences from India and China makes it a food lover’s paradise. The diverse menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian culinary delights is sure to leave you craving for more. If Bali is on your mind, do check out our list of Bali food that’s packed with flavors and aromas.

Top Bali Food To Try While In Bali 

Here’s a list of must-try dishes for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians in this tropical paradise. The many delicious local cuisines with its bold flavors will make you want to visit the island again.

1. Gado-Gado – Traditional Indonesian Salad

Gado Gado is a simple flavorful veg salad that’s packed with proteins. The salad is made with fresh vegetables and a dressing of a delicious peanut sauce. The slightly sweet and spicy flavors of the dressing is what makes this ordinary salad extraordinary. Ingredients that go into making this delicious salad are a mix of fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots, beans, potatoes, cabbage, cucumber, tofu and spinach. It is generally served as a main dish, however it can also be served as a side dish with rice. It is one the best Bali food options for vegetarians and vegans.

2. Sayur Urab – Classic Veg Masterpiece

Yet another simple but delicious dish is the Sayur Urab which is made of steamed vegetables and coconut. Shredded and boiled veggies like long green beans, Chinese bean sprouts and bay leaves go into the making of this dish. When done the dish is seasoned with grated coconut, shallots, garlic, herbs and a mix of Balinese spices. Sayur Urab is always served as a side dish with rice. This dish too is packed with nutrients and fibers, making it one of the most healthy and popular Bali foods to try. 

3. Nasi Goreng – Indonesian Fried Rice

The word Nasi goreng meaning “fried rice” is a popular staple, so popular that it is considered one of the country’s national dishes. The flavorful and satisfying plate of fried rice is made of cooked rice mixed with chunks of meat, vegetables and topped with crispy shallots and a fried egg. Some aromatic spices, shrimp paste and sweet soy sauce is what elevates the taste of the dish. A plate of Nasi Goreng can be found everywhere. From street food joints to restaurants, fancy hotels to cafes, you can see them all over. This famous Indonesian Bali food is so good that it is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

4. Lawar – Non-Vegetarian Salad

Another version of Gado Gado is the Lawar, but the twist here is, minced meat such as pork, beef, chicken or duck are added to the dish. Finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, minced meat and spices goes into making of this flavorful dish. Lawar comes in two types, the red one and the white one. The one made with blood is called the Red Lawar and the one made with jackfruit and has no animal products is called the white Lawar. The vibrant dish is often prepared for ceremonial occasions and festivals to showcase the true Balinese culinary adventure.

5. Sate Lilit – Balinese Version Of Kebabs

The fragrant and slightly spicy dish is a Balinese version of the Indian kabab. Here the minced meat is mixed with grated coconut, thick coconut milk, shallots, spices, herbs and lemon juice. The nicely blended mixture is wrapped around a lemongrass stalk or bamboo skewer and grilled over an open flame until it is well-cooked. The word “lilit” means ‘to wrap around, hence instead of skewering the meat the method of wrapping is used here. It is a street food that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.

6. Babi Guling – Roasted Turning Pig

Babi Guling is a pork dish that is generally cooked only during special occasions and celebrations. However due to its popularity this dish has made its way into many local food stalls and restaurants throughout the island. This popular Bali food is made by slowly roasting pork on an open flame.  Here one whole pig is stuffed with a blend of spices, including turmeric, black pepper, coriander, garlic and lemongrass to enhance its flavors. The slow roasting of the pig gives the dish a distinctive taste.  The soft texture from the inside and crispiness from the outside is what makes the dish so addictive. Best served with rice, lawar and sambal.

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7. Tum Ayam – Cooked In Banana Leaf

Wrapping food in banana leaf technique is used to cook this famous Balinese cuisine. Finely minced chicken is mixed with a bold and enticing paste made of shallots, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, turmeric, capsicum herbs and spices. This mix is then coated with coconut milk and finally wrapped in banana leaves to be steamed. These banana packets are steamed until all the flavors are released. This true Bali food is a must try while here.

8. Ayam Betutu – Fiery Chicken Delight

Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish made of whole chicken or duck. When made with chicken the dish is called Ayam Betutu and when made with duck it is called Bebek Betutu. However the ingredients and preparation of both the dishes are the same. A whole raw chicken/duck is marinated well with a paste made of shallots, ginger, garlic, turmeric, galangal, candlenuts, chili peppers, shrimp paste and peanuts. The marinated meat is then wrapped in banana or plantain leaves and cooked over barbeque or steam-cooked. The method of preparation varies from place to place but the taste of this dish is unbeatable either way. 

9. Nasi Campur – Indonesian Thali

The word Nasi campur which translates to “mixed rice” is another culinary favorite among all due to its simple and delicious flavors. As the name suggests, it is a dish that comes with a mix of many side dishes, typically like an Indian Thali. The center of the plate has a generous scoop of rice with several sides like grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, fried tofu or tempeh, boiled egg, beef rendang, crispy pork belly, sambal and condiments. The side dishes that accompany the rice might vary from place to place. There are a few places that serve soups along with Nasi campur. Bigger group of travelers love this dish as it has something for everyone.

10. Pepes Ikan – Yummy Steamed Fish

Pepes Ikan is an authentic Balinese dish that is made of fish. This famous Bali food has been eaten by locals for many years and hence a favorite among many. Fish like mackerel, sardines, and snapper are used in the preparation of this special dish. The fish is cleaned and marinated with an awesome Balinese spices paste and then steamed after wrapping in a banana leaf. This method of cooking locks all the flavors within the leaf, making the fish incredibly tender and juicy. The super yummy local Balinese food is a must try when you visit Bali.

11. Tipat Cantok – Salad With A Twist

Tipat Cantok, a vegetarian Balinese salad, is so popular that it can be found almost anywhere in Bali with ease. It is made of mixed vegetables, sprouts, rice cake, peanut and soy sauce.  A special sauce made by crushing peanuts, garlic, and chilies is what makes the dish so delicious. Veggies like water lilies, long beans, and bean sprouts are mixed with steamed rice cake. The nutritious mix is then tossed with the magical peanut sauce and finally drizzled with sweet soy sauce. This sweet and salty salad made the old-school way is a hit among locals and tourists alike.

12. Sambal Matah – For That Extra Flavor

Call it a sauce, a dip or a side dish, Sambal Matah is sure to add more spice and flavors to your culinary experience. Sambal Matah is made of finely chopped shallots, fresh garlic, lemongrass, spices, torch garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of shrimp paste. This refreshing dish goes well with grilled meat, fish, chicken, seafood and noodles. There are over 300 variations of the Sambal Matah all over in Indonesia that helps add that extra flavor to every meal. It can be had on its own or as a side dish too. 

13. Laklak – Cravings For The Sweet Tooth

Laklak is a traditional Balinese cake usually served as a breakfast food. It also makes for a perfect snack item to be enjoyed during any time of the day. The small green cakes made of rice flour, coconut milk, grated coconut and palm sugar resembles a pancake. Laklak gets its green color from the Pandan leaves used to bake it. The white color of the shredded coconut and brown sugar sauce used for the garnish compliments the look and taste of the dish. It is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or with a scoop of black sticky rice. 

14. Rujak – Sweet, Chilly, Salty Salad

Rujak is a popular Balinese fruit salad which is a mix of sweet, chilly and salty flavors, all in one dish. What brings a twist to this popular street food in Bali is the soaking of fruits in a spiced fish broth. The spiced fish broth is made of fermented prawn paste, red chili, pindang fish broth and salt. There are many variations to this dish like kuah pindang, Lodek, Bebek and Juhi. Unripe fruits like green mangoes, papaya and Granny Smith apples are used in making this salad. Since the salad is very refreshing, its best had on hot days.

15. Sambal Udang – Indo-Malay Spicy Shrimp

Sambal udang is a spicy shrimp dish created from a fusion of Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine. The preparation is quite simple with the use of minimal ingredients like large prawns, onions, green pepper, red chili peppers and tamarind paste. The prawns are cooked in spicy sambal and tamarind paste and garnished with coriander leaves and coconut milk. Leftovers of the spicy sambal paste can be freezed and served later by mixing with raw vegetables or rice. This absolutely delicious, quick and easy dish is generally served with a salad to balance out the heat.

16. Pisang Goreng – Sweet Banana Fritters

Another finest dessert to try is the Pisang Goreng which is a famous food in Bali. Fine ripe banana or plantain slices are coated with batter (flour, water, and salt) and deep-fried in oil until golden brown. They are crispy from the outside and soft and sweet from the inside. This snack item is so popular that you can easily find them all over the island. Pisang Goreng are best served with ice cream, grated coconut, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or eaten during tea time. Treating yourself to some of these is a must while in Bali.

17. Soto Bakso – Spaghetti With Meatballs

Soto Bakso is a classic melting-pot dish that is a commonly eaten Bali food. The word ‘soto’ translates to broth and ‘bakso’ translates to meatballs. It is a dish that has the Chinese, Dutch and local flavors induced to get unique flavors. Minced beef is made into small balls and cooked in water with spices. When cooked, into the broth goes some sorted vegetables, tapioca flour, eggs, shallots, rice noodles and loads of sauces. A bowl of fragrant mix of noodles, meatballs and soup is a great meal to start the day.

18. Kopi Luwak –Expensive Coffee In The World

Kopi Luwak is the world’s most expensive coffee that is harvested from the poop of the Asian palm civets. It is believed to have been discovered during the time of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia. Surprisingly, Kopi Luwak has low acidity and is also good in preventing diseases like colon cancer, diabetes, asthma and Parkinson’s. A cup of Luwak coffee can cost anywhere between $65 to $100 around the world but can get the same for about $4 in Bali, so make sure you get to taste it.

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