Looking to explore Balinese food? Here are the top 10 dishes that showcase Bali’s unique flavours and cultural richness. From the famous Babi Guling to the refreshing Jamu, this guide introduces you to the must-try dishes of Bali.
Key Takeaways
Babi Guling is an iconic Balinese roast pig, famous for its rich spices and traditional cooking methods.
Nasi Campur Bali brings a delicious mix of dishes, showcasing the island’s diverse culinary scene in one meal.
Jamu, a traditional herbal drink, combines health benefits with a refreshing taste.
Babi Guling: The Iconic Roast Suckling Pig
Source: nibble.id/
Babi Guling, the iconic roast suckling pig, is an integral part of Balinese cuisine. This popular Balinese dish is a centrepiece of traditional celebrations and religious ceremonies, highlighting its cultural significance.
The preparation of Babi Guling is an art form itself, starting with marinating a relatively young pig in a blend of spices such as turmeric, garlic, and lemongrass. Stuffing the pig with a unique mixture of cassava leaves and rice enhances its flavour profile.
Roasting over an open fire using coconut husks is a traditional and fascinating process. This method imparts a distinctive smoky flavour, rendering the meat succulent and aromatic.
The result is a crispy-skinned, juicy roast suckling pig, typically served with turmeric rice and sweet chilli sauce.
A variety of side dishes, including pork sausage, urab, and vegetable salads, typically accompany Babi Guling. This blend of flavours and textures is a feast for the senses.
Attending a local ceremony or dining at a restaurant, Babi Guling provides an authentic taste of Balinese culinary tradition that shouldn’t be missed.
Nasi Campur Bali: A Taste of Everything
Source: delicious.com.au/
Nasi Campur Bali is the perfect solution for those who can’t choose just one dish.
This mixed rice dish provides a comprehensive taste of Balinese flavours, offering a bit of everything. It typically includes a variety of side dishes like grilled meat, shredded chicken, and sambal, served with a generous portion of steamed rice.
The use of basa genep, a traditional Balinese spice mix, sets Nasi Campur Bali apart. This blend of turmeric, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves infuses the dish with a rich and aromatic flavour quintessentially Balinese. Each bite offers a new experience, transforming it into a delightful culinary adventure.
In Bali, Nasi Campur transcends being just a meal; it represents the island’s diverse culinary landscape. From spicy sambal matah to savoury grilled meats, every component harmonises to create an authentic, satisfying, and delicious taste. No wonder Nasi Campur is a favourite among both locals and tourists.
Ayam Betutu: Aromatic Slow-Cooked Chicken
Source: shoreamora.com/
Ayam Betutu is another iconic traditional Balinese dish worth trying. Originating from Gilimanuk, this aromatic slow-cooked chicken is a staple at special ceremonies and celebrations.
The meticulous preparation starts with marinating the chicken in tamarind juice and applying a special spice paste of lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger.
Wrapping the chicken in banana leaves retains moisture and enhances flavour during cooking. Traditionally, this dish is wrapped in banana leaves and then placed in an underground clay oven, where it steams and roasts slowly, allowing the flavours to deeply soak in the meat.
This method of cooking results in a juicy and aromatic dish that is both rich in flavour and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Ayam Betutu is often accompanied by steamed rice and various side dishes, creating a complete, hearty, and satisfying meal. The rich blend of spices and slow-cooking process ensures each bite bursts with flavour, making Ayam Betutu a highlight of Balinese cuisine.
Lawar: A Traditional Balinese Meat Salad
Source: shutterstock.com/
Lawar, a traditional Balinese salad, is as intriguing as it is delicious. Often served during celebrations, Lawar embodies the communal spirit of Balinese culture.
The dish is made from a combination of chopped meat, green vegetables, and grated coconut, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.
Lawar comes in two primary varieties: red and white. Red Lawar includes animal blood, giving it a distinct umami taste, while white Lawar, often incorporating jackfruit, does not use blood. The variety ensures a version of Lawar to suit every palate.
Preparing Lawar is often a communal effort, with men gathering to chop and mince the ingredients together. Whether red or white, Lawar offers a unique and authentic taste of Balinese cuisine, sure to leave a lasting impression.
Sate Lilit: Flavorful Minced Meat Satay
Source: youtube.com
Sate Lilit is a delightful Balinese dish offering a unique twist on traditional satay.
Minced meat marinated in coconut milk and spices makes Sate Lilit a flavorful and aromatic treat. ‘Lilit’ means ‘to wrap’ in Indonesian and Balinese, describing the dish’s method of wrapping minced meat around sticks, often lemongrass, before grilling.
Grilling over an open flame helps the meat mixture hold together and imparts an irresistible smoky flavour. Common meats for Sate Lilit include minced fish like tuna, with chicken or pork variations that are also popular.
A favourite at street food stalls and local markets, the aroma of grilling meat entices passersby. Sate Lilit, typically served with spicy sambal and steamed rice, makes a complete and satisfying meal. A must-try for anyone seeking to experience the rich flavours of Balinese cuisine.
Pepes Ikan: Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves
Source: fimela.com
Pepes Ikan showcases the island’s love for fresh, flavorful ingredients. Marinating fish in a blend of traditional spices and wrapping it in banana leaves before steaming defines this dish. Banana leaves keep the fish moist and infuse it with a subtle, aromatic flavour.
Common fish choices include mackerel, sardines, and snapper, bringing unique tastes to the dish. The marination process packs the fish with flavour while steaming keeps it tender and juicy.
Pepes Ikan is typically served with steamed rice, Balinese sambal, and fried chilli peppers, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
This dish exemplifies how simple ingredients can become a culinary masterpiece through traditional Balinese techniques.
Laklak: Traditional Balinese Rice Flour Pancakes
Source: kampungkaleng.com/
Laklak, a traditional Balinese rice flour pancake, offers a sweet escape from savoury dishes.
Made from rice flour, coconut milk, suji leaf extract, and brown sugar, these small, round pancakes have a unique texture with one side firm and the other soft. Measuring around 3-5 cm in diameter, Laklak is a delightful bite-sized treat.
Served with grated coconut and a drizzle of melted palm sugar syrup, Laklak achieves a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. In some regions, variations include durian sugar, adding a new layer of flavour to this traditional dish.
Often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, Laklak is widely available at traditional markets. Prepared using a special mould resembling a small skillet, these pancakes testify to the ingenuity and versatility of Balinese cuisine. Whether you have a sweet tooth or seek something different, Laklak is a must-try.
Sambal Matah: Essential Balinese Condiment
Source: astronauts.id/
Sambal Matah, a raw chilli sauce, is an essential condiment in Balinese cuisine.
Primarily made from fresh lemongrass, shallots, garlic, chilli, kaffir lime leaves, and shrimp paste, this sambal bursts with fresh, vibrant flavours.
Preparation involves finely chopping the ingredients and mixing them with lime juice, salt, and sugar.
Unlike many other sambals that are cooked, Sambal Matah remains raw, preserving the crispness and intensity of its ingredients.
Urap: Coconut-Based Vegetable Salad
Source: shutterstock.com/
Urap, a refreshing coconut-based vegetable salad, is both nutritious and delicious.
The dish features a variety of blanched vegetables like steamed or raw vegetables:
green beans
cabbage
bean sprouts
spinach
cassava leaves
These are mixed with a coconut-based dressing and seasoned with traditional Balinese spices. Combining fresh vegetables and grated coconut creates a delightful medley of textures and flavours.
Urap is not only a feast for the palate but also suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets, making it an inclusive dish for everyone.
Commonly enjoyed as a side dish, Urap complements rice and various meat dishes. Its light and refreshing nature makes it a perfect accompaniment to heavier mains, balancing the meal and adding freshness.
Jamu: Traditional Herbal Drink
Source: ciputrahospital.com/
Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink, is known for its health benefits and refreshing taste.
Made from ingredients such as:
turmeric root
ginger
lime juice
other beneficial herbs
Jamu is a staple in Balinese culture. Each ingredient is chosen for its medicinal properties, making this drink not only delicious but also good for your health.
Jamu is often sold by women known as Jamu Gendong, who carry baskets filled with herbal remedies and sell them in markets.
This traditional drink is available in various flavours and formulations, each catering to different health needs. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system or simply enjoy a refreshing beverage, Jamu is a must-try.
Top Places to Try Authentic Balinese Food
Bali’s culinary landscape is rich with vibrant flavours and ancient recipes passed down through generations. From bustling local warungs to family-run stalls, these spots offer some of the most authentic Balinese dishes on the island.
Discover where locals and visitors alike go to enjoy everything from Babi Guling to the iconic Ayam Betutu, prepared with traditional ingredients and cooking methods that highlight the unique tastes of Bali.
Dapur Bali Mula
Location: Les Village, Tejakula, Buleleng
Founded by Chef Jero Mangku Gede Yudiawan, Dapur Bali Mula transports diners to a traditional Balinese culinary experience in a rural, tranquil setting.
The menu often includes daily fresh catches like Bumbung Fish and the renowned Betutu Chicken. Here, the concept of paying sincerely, or “seikhlasnya,” invites guests to value the authentic, earthy flavours of Balinese cuisine deeply rooted in local customs.
Warung Liku Nakula
Source: piesusubliman.com
Location: Nakula Street, Denpasar
Known for its succulent Balinese chicken dishes, Warung Liku Nakula specialises in Ayam Betutu, a flavourful steamed and spiced chicken that’s a Balinese staple. This cosy warung is loved by locals for its hearty and affordable servings, capturing the home-style essence of Balinese cooking.
Warung Babi Guling Pande Egi
Location: Gianyar
Famous for serving one of Bali’s signature dishes, Babi Guling (suckling pig), this warung provides an authentic taste experience that has won the loyalty of many locals and visitors alike.
The tender, seasoned pork with crispy skin is served with a side of rice, sambal, and lawar, offering a full traditional meal.
Sate Pepes Sop Ikan Marlin Bu Ribu Sejak 1950
Source: detik.com
Location: Manggis, Karangasem
Established in 1950, this family-run eatery is known for its marlin satay, a unique take on traditional fish satay using locally sourced marlin. The flavours here have been passed down generations, with each satay skewer and soup filled with aromatic spices that celebrate Bali’s rich seafood offerings.
Laklak Biu Penebel Men Bayu
Source: detik.com
Location: Penebel, Tabanan
Specialising in Laklak, a traditional Balinese rice flour pancake, Men Bayu’s humble stall in Penebel serves these pancakes with shredded coconut and palm sugar.
The vibrant flavours and textures are a perfect balance of sweet and savoury, capturing a popular local dessert and snack.
Summary
Bali’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture, offering flavours that are deeply rooted in the island’s traditions and rich heritage. Iconic dishes like Babi Guling (suckling pig) and Ayam Betutu (spiced chicken) bring a burst of spices and herbs, showcasing Bali’s unique twist on Indonesian cuisine.
Other must-try options include Sate Lilit, a flavorful skewered dish, and Lawar, a coconut-infused blend of vegetables and meat, each carefully prepared to highlight Bali’s love for bold tastes.
The journey to savour these authentic Balinese dishes can lead you to local favourites and hidden gems. Dapur Bali Mula offers a traditional ambience perfect for trying classics like Nasi Campur, while Warung Liku Nakula is well-known for its affordable, authentic fare.
For a quintessential Balinese roast experience, Warung Babi Guling Pande Egi offers the popular Babi Guling in a vibrant local setting. Meanwhile, Sate Pepes Sop Ikan Marlin Bu Ribu Sejak 1950 has been serving marlin sate and fish soups for generations, a testament to Balinese seafood traditions.
Lastly, Laklak Biu Penebel Men Bayu provides a taste of traditional Balinese desserts, especially Laklak, in a rustic village setting near Tabanan.
Whether you’re diving into hearty meals or sampling Balinese sweets, each one of these places gives a truly local and memorable dining experience, connecting you with the island’s culture through its flavours.
