Food of Bali - 25 Local Dishes That Anyone Visiting Bali MUST Try

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‘The land of the gods’ or ‘The land of 10,000 temples’, best known as Bali is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Indonesia. It’s a cultural and spiritual hub bustling with activities which contribute to the happening nature of Bali. Like their varied culture, the food of Bali is loaded with a variety of spices ranging from turmeric to cumin to cloves. Believers of the fact that turmeric is of immense help, the use of turmeric is rampant throughout Bali. Sambal, one of the vital side dishes, is found to be served alongside every meal prepared.

Influenced by Indian and Chinese cuisine, the Balinese are fantastic at integrating the two to present a delightful combo of dishes which can douse out your hunger pangs. Known to be meat lovers, the Balinese can whip up meals of global fame such as Ayam Betutu, Nasi Ayam and Nasi Campur, to name a few. The food here is diverse, delicious and affordable. Here are some of the Balinese dishes favourite amongst locals!  

1. Nasi Ayam

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Nasi Ayam is one of the most ubiquitous highlights of Balinese cuisine; this dish is a must-try for every foodie out there! Comprising of shredded chicken, satay, boiled egg, roasted peanuts, french bean salad, sambal and a bowl of steamed rice; this dish is guaranteed to take you on a wild ride exploring the variety of flavours that it has to offer. The satay made of fish is marinated along with the chicken and grilled to perfection. The former is served on a stick, whereas the latter is served shredded. The peanuts add a crunch and take the dish to a whole new level!
Where to find: Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki, Badung (opens 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM); Nasi Ayam Kadewatan Bumangku, Denpasar (opens 8:00 AM to 9:00PM)

2. Ayam Betutu

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A bowl of steamed rice accompanied by chunks of chicken bathed in chilli sambal with the satay, salad and peanuts makes up the dish. Traditionally, the chicken is first braised and then smoked. It is broken down into chunks and is served with chili sambal and Sambal Matah. Sambal Matah makes up for the lack of the other side dishes and serves as a Kickstarter for your tastebuds.
Where to find: Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki, Nusa Dua (opens 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM); Ayam Betutu KR, Badung (opens 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM)

3. Lawar

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This is the undisputed king of all coconut-based dishes out there and is a go-to dish as a starter. It is primarily made from coconut gratings, to which minced jackfruit, bits of chicken skin, chilies, and coconut milk are added. Jackfruit and coconut milk bring out the fruity sweetness of the dish, while the chicken skin makes it a bit chewy. All of these ingredients are mixed by hand and are traditionally served on a banana leaf.
Where to find: Lawar Bali Kartika, Denpasar (opens 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM); Kuwar Kuwir Lawar, Gianyar (opens 11:00 AM to 5:00PM)

4. Babi Guling

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A favourite amongst food critics, Babu Guling, is one of those Balinese dishes that is unique in terms of preparation. A whole pig is stuffed with spices and is sealed. Two stands are set up over which the pork is grilled to a smoky red color. The skin is crisp and preserved, and the meat is finely shredded. Satay, Lawar, pork skin, shredded pork meat, and rice are served along with pork soup. Chunks of pork meat are present in this steaming hot soup with a hint of green onions and cilantro.

The satay made of pork is roasted to perfection and is served on a skewer. At times, to make the dish even better, the soup can be added to the main dish, making you savor every bite that you take. Definitely, there is no missing out on this one!
Where to find: Babi Guling Pak Dobiel, Badung (opens 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM); Warung Babi Guling Sanur (opens 11:00 AM to 7:00PM)

5. Klepon

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Sweets are considered an integral part of any culture. The Balinese leave no stone unturned when it comes to savouring sweets. Made from boiled rice cakes filled with palm sugar and covered in coconut gratings, these are among the sweetest delights you will ever encounter. They are usually available in small plastic boxes and have a massive demand in the Balinese market.
Where to find: Pasar Senggol, Gianyar market (opens 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM)

6. Fish Head Soup

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Considered a delicacy, the fish head soup cooks the whole fish, eyes, teeth, and all, which are boiled in a broth to which various spices are added. Traditionally, cucumber is added to it too. This cools the soup while the broth imparts its flavor to the fish.

It is usually served with fried fish and a bowl of rice. The fish is fried to a golden brown and crispy on the outside while being tender on the inside. It is succulent at best and instantly melts in your mouth. This Bali food is a must-have for all fish lovers!
Where to find: Warung Mak Beng, Sanur (opens 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM); Ku De Ta, Badung (opens 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM)

7. Tipat Cantok

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One of the few vegetarian Balinese dishes that anyone can find with ease on the island, it is made from peanut sauce, rice cakes steamed in palm leaves, cabbage and baby green sprouts, these are mixed thoroughly and drizzled with sweet soy sauce. It has a sweet and salty taste, with neither one overpowering the other. Using a pesto, the peanut sauce is made by crushing peanuts, garlic, and chilies together on a stone mortar. These old-school methods are what make this dish so delicious.
Where to find: Pasar Senggol, Gianyar market (opens 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM); Warung Mak Beng, Sanur (opens 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM)

8. Es Dalumen

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Need a way to beat the heat? This signature power drink or food from Bali is what you’re looking for! A dessert drink made of coconut milk and palm sugar with jelly, made from Dalumen leaves, is great for hypertension and digestion. The jelly in the drink gives it a whole new experience for your taste buds.
Where to find: Can be found in any marketplace

9. Durian

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Nicknamed the ‘king of fruits,’ it is found predominantly in Indonesia and is consumed regularly. Its outer covering is greenish-yellow and has a spiky appearance in addition to the oval shape. Used in several milkshakes and dishes, even though it has a pungent smell, which is quite overpowering, goes on to prove that it is the undisputed king of fruits. Most people prefer eating this raw.
Where to find: Can be found in any marketplace

10. Nasi Goreng

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This is an all-time favorite food of Bali. Various spices are mixed to form a thick paste, which is subsequently added to boiled rice and cooked on a slow flame. Loads of vegetables are added along with chicken meat or beef, which have been previously marinated and fried to perfection. To the very end, butter is added to this mountain of fried rice to make it all the more sumptuous and better.
Where to find: Raja Nasi Goreng, Denpasar (opens 11:00 AM to 11:00AM); Warung Padmasari, Badung (opens 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM)

11. Ares Soup

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A part of the royal Balinese cuisine, this dish is one of the most wholesome soups anyone will ever encounter! Salt is added to a finely chopped banana stalk, and the mixture is pressed to remove the moisture and make it devoid of its juices. Turmeric and bay leaves, among other spices, are added along with chunks of chicken, which are mixed thoroughly and put on a low flame. It is then boiled in a closed vessel where the spices and condiments work their wonders and produce praiseworthy soup!
Where to find: Cuca Restaurant, Badung (opens 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM); Coup D’eat, Badung (opens 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM)

12. Serombotan

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In need of a light snack? We’ve got you covered. A mixture of various items starting with bean sprouts, spinach, green banana slices, soybeans, and peanuts, topped with coconut and peanut sauce, along with sambal, this is one of the healthiest foods of Bali you will come across. The vegetables are crisp; the banana is a wacky addition, and the peanuts add a crunch to every bite taken. The coconut sauce enhances the taste and takes it to a whole new level. Traditionally, this dish is served in a paper cone.
Where to find: Pasar Senggol, Gianyar market (opens 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM); Serombotan Klungkung, Denpasar (opens 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

13. Sate Lilit

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Sate is known for coming in all shapes and sizes. Beef and pork, being prominent in Bali, are usually served in Sate instead of chicken. However, Sate Lilit is made from pork and is smoked over charcoal to give it a charred taste. These are served on sticks, dipped into peanut sauce, and topped with garlic flakes. The meat is tender and chewy and has a sweet taste to it. Another variation of this is the beef state.
Where to find: Warung Sate Babi Nyoman Bledor (opens 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM); Warung Satelit, Denpasar (opens 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM)

14. Be Lindung

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This food of Bali is made from eels. Eels are either gathered fresh from local water bodies or bought from the market. The eel is cleaned out by hand, after which they are deep-fried until crispy. Roasted coconut gratings are mixed with these fried eels and are served smokin’ hot. It is usually had with rice and sambal.
Where to find: Locavore, Gianyar (opens 11:00 AM to  11:00 PM); Warung Nia, North Kuta (opens 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM)

15. Nasi Campur

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Campur loosely translates to a mix of everything. This is another offshoot of Nasi Ayam, which comprises the same dish but has an add-on that comes along with it, i.e., chicken soup. Flavor is imparted to it by boiling chicken bones for the broth and adding various spices (primarily turmeric) to it. It serves as a great lunch and is good for a quick fill.
Where to find: Gianyar market, Sanur Night market; Warung makar teges

16. Kunyit Asam

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Turmeric is a spice with several health benefits, and this ingredient plays a vital role in the food of Bali. It works as an antiseptic and comes in very handy for curing various diseases. Kunyit Asam is a turmeric-based drink that has two variants - one with lime and the other with tamarind. It tastes a bit sour, but then, hey, health comes at a price!
Where to find: Warung Damar, Badung (opens 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM); Livingwell, Badung (opens 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM)

17. Jaje Bali

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An assortment of 5 - 6 different sweets on the same plate ranging from Jaje Bendu to Jaje Pisang rai. They are either made from tapioca or sticky rice. Most of these sweets are covered with coconut gratings and palm sugar. These are not overwhelmingly sweet and serve to hit your sweet tooth right on the spot.
Where to find: Sanur Night Market

18. Ururtan Sausage

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Pork intestines are used to make Ururtan sausages while the remainder of the pig serves as a base for various other dishes like Babi Guling, pork soup and other pork-related dishes. The intestines are first sun-dried, filled with a filling, marinated in sweet chili sauce, and subsequently deep-fried. This local food of Bali is usually served with sambal Matah and roasted peanuts.
Where to find: Bambu, Badung (opens 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM); Merah Putih, Badung (opens 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM)

19. Kopi Tubruk

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Balinese coffee is made in a way that sets it apart from the rest. Pipping hot water is poured into a glass containing coffee beans and left untouched for 5 - 6 minutes. The beans impart their flavor and remain settled at the bottom of the glass. You can then proceed to drink the coffee while avoiding the beans. In terms of taste, it is somewhat similar to Turkish coffee.
Where to find: Kopi Bali, Ubud (opens 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM); Crumb and Coaster, Badung (opens 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM)

20. Rujak

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This food of Bali is a fruit salad. Green mango, papaya, and yam beans are diced and mixed with shrimp paste, which makes it a bit salty. It is drizzled with chili sauce and is finally dressed with palm sugar. The taste varies between two extreme ends, ranging from sweet to chilly to salty.
Where to find: Gula Bali the Joglo, Denpasar (opens 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

21. Es Cendol

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Another drink on the list! This one’s made from rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar droplets. The rice flour jelly imparts a colorful look to the drink, while the coconut milk serves to sweeten it a bit. Occasionally, ice or crushed ice cubes may be added to cool down the drink.

Indeed, it is a refreshing drink that shouldn’t be missed out on!
Where to find: Solo Jimbaran, Kapubaten Badung (opens 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM); Es Cendol Solo, Denpasar (opens 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

22. Mujair Nyatnyat

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Somewhere between a stew and a curry, this exquisite fish-based food of Bali has much to offer. ‘Mujair,’ a type of fish, is entirely cooked, including its head and tail. It is marinated with many herbs and spices and caked with them before cooking. It is cooked in an open vessel until it is moderately done. Served with rice, spinach, peanuts, and sambal Matah, the fish tastes nutty and hints of lemongrass.
Where to find: Warung Kintamani, Ubud (opens 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM); Danau Batur, Gianyar (opens 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM)
Approximate cost: IDR 35,000

23. Martabak

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Need the perfect occasion to erupt in joy? Guess what?! This is it! Martabak is the Indonesian version of a pancake loaded with a ton of toppings like Toblerone, Nutella, peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, butter, cheese, and condensed milk. The pancake is folded in half and cut through evenly so that the toppings remain in the middle, causing the flavors to explode and leaving you contentment, making you savor every bite of this dessert.
Where to find: Sedap Mantap Martabak & Terang Bulang, Denpasar (opens 02:00 PM to  10:00 PM); Warung Bunana, Badung (opens 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM)

24. Bakso

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Bakso translates to meatballs is a commonly eaten food of Bali. It can be served with egg noodles, flat noodles or vermicelli. Vegetables are tossed in to make it even better, and eventually, a broth is added, making it a fragrant mix of noodles and soup.

For visual appeal, it can be served in a coconut and topped with loads of other sauces.
Where to find: Garage Meat Ball, Badung (opens 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM); Made's Warung, Badung (opens 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM)

25. Ikan Bakar

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This loosely translates to burned fish in English. A fish of your choice is selected and marinated with turmeric, chili, and garlic sauces, among loads of other seasonings. It is then smoked with charcoal to give the fish a charred taste. The meat is tender and delicious, causing it to melt in your mouth. It is usually served with sambal.
Where to find: Pondok Rasa, Badung (opens 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM); Ikan Bakar Musiara, Denpasar (opens 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM)
Also, if you intend to transform into a fire-breathing human, help yourself with loads of red chilli sambal, an ingredient used in almost every Balinese dish. It is the secret ingredient that makes Bali's food the delicious cuisine it currently is.

This post was published by Sufiyan

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