One of the most famous foods in Bali is Babi Guling, a mouthwatering dish featuring a whole pig roasted to perfection with traditional base genep spices, giving it a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. This dish perfectly showcases Bali’s culinary richness, where local spices play a central role in creating bold, authentic flavors.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Bali’s must-try dishes, from street food favorites to traditional delicacies. Get ready to discover the flavors that make Bali’s food scene so unique and exciting!
What Makes Balinese Food Special?
- The Flavor Heart: Base Genep
Nearly every dish is built on base genep, a complex blend of 15 local spices like galangal, turmeric, and chilies. This mix gives traditional Balinese food its signature aromatic, spicy, and deeply flavorful soul. - Slow-Cooked to Perfection
Dishes like Ayam Betutu are cooked slowly, often for hours, until the spices soak into every bite and the meat becomes wonderfully tender. It’s a delicious example of the patience behind the best food in Bali. - More Than a Meal: Food as Ritual
In Bali, dishes like Babi Guling are often prepared for ceremonies and offerings, making Balinese cuisine a meaningful part of spiritual and daily life. - A Harmony of Texture
From crispy roasted pork skin to soft, juicy meat and fresh vegetables with spiced coconut, Balinese food masterfully balances crunchy, tender, and savory in every bite. - Togetherness on a Plate
Traditions like Megibung, where everyone shares from one large platter, turn eating into a celebration of community. It’s a beautiful part of the experience of what to eat in Bali.
Famous Traditional Balinese Dishes
Ayam Betutu
Slow-cooked with a generous blend of local spices, this tender chicken falls off the bone and is a true star of Indonesian food in Bali.
Nasi Campur
This colorful plate is a perfect introduction to local food in Bali, bringing together a little bit of everything: rice, sate, lawar, shredded chicken, and fresh sambal.
Babi Guling
No list of food in Bali is complete without the island’s most famous dish: whole roasted pork with crispy skin and rich, spiced meat that defines Balinese flavor.
Sate Lilit
A unique twist on satay, made with minced meat, coconut, and spices, wrapped around a lemongrass stick before grilling, is a true Balinese street food gem.
Sate Babi
Juicy pork pieces marinated in sweet-savory Balinese spices and grilled over charcoal, perfect on their own or with rice. It’s a delicious part of any Balinese dishes experience.
Famous Street Food in Bali
Fried Banana
A simple, sweet classic found at street carts all over Bali. Crispy on the outside and warm inside, it’s the perfect afternoon snack with coffee or tea, a humble but beloved part of street food in Bali.
Bakso
Chewy meatballs in a comforting beef broth with noodles and tofu. It’s a go-to for both locals and visitors on cooler evenings and a warming highlight of best local food in Bali.
Mie Ayam
Flavorful yellow noodles topped with sweet-savory chicken and greens, often served with meatballs or dumplings. A tasty, satisfying meal that’s easy to find across the island.
Nasi Jinggo
An iconic bite-sized meal wrapped in banana leaves, packed with rice, sambal goreng, shredded chicken, and spicy sambal. It’s a must-try among the best Balinese food in Bali for an authentic street-side experience.
Tipat Tahu (Vegetarian-Friendly)
A tasty and hearty dish of rice cake and fried tofu smothered in peanut sauce, topped with sprouts and crackers. A great example of food in Bali for vegetarians that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Chicken Satay
Juicy skewered chicken grilled over charcoal and served with rich peanut sauce, sweet soy, and rice cakes. It’s a smoky, savory staple of local food in Bali you’ll find almost everywhere.
Famous Food in Bali for Vegetarians
Tempeh
A delicious and versatile local protein made from fermented soybeans. Often served crispy, as satay, or in a sweet-spicy stir-fry, it’s a flavorful and affordable staple, reflecting the accessible food in Bali’s price range for authentic eats.
Tofu Filled with Rice
A delightful snack of fried tofu stuffed with sautéed veggies, then battered and crisped to perfection. It’s a tasty, handheld treat that’s easy to find and enjoy on the go when you’re looking for vegetarian Balinese food.
Nasi Campur (Vegetarian Version)
While this mixed rice dish is one of the most popular foods in Bali, you can easily enjoy a meat-free version. It comes with white rice, urap (spiced veggies), peanuts, tempeh, tofu, and fresh sambal matah, a complete and satisfying plate.
Rujak
A refreshing fruit salad tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy palm sugar sauce. Just be sure to ask for the vegetarian version, as some styles use fish-based sauce (kuah pindang).
Gado-Gado
Gado-Gado is the ultimate comfort bowl, a hearty mix of blanched vegetables, tofu, and tempeh, all generously coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce and served with crunchy crackers. It’s a flavor-packed, satisfying dish you can find at nearly every Bali traditional food restaurant.
Tipat Cantok
A Balinese classic similar to gado-gado, featuring sliced rice cakes and boiled veggies tossed in a freshly ground peanut sauce. Simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying—it’s a must-try vegetarian Balinese food experience.
Where Travelers Commonly Find Famous Food in Bali
- Night Markets
For an authentic street food feast, head to bustling spots like Kreneng Market or Gianyar Market. It’s the perfect place to try Bakso (meatball soup), Sate Ayam (chicken satay), and Nasi Jinggo, all in one lively, local setting. Here’s where to dive into the island’s vibrant food culture and start checking off your Bali food list. - Traditional Warungs
You’ll find cozy local eateries tucked along main roads and quiet alleyways. These family-run spots serve up iconic Balinese dishes like Babi Guling (roasted pig) and Ayam Betutu (spiced slow-cooked chicken), essential stops for anyone exploring where to eat local food in Bali. - Coastal Areas (Jimbaran & Canggu)
Jimbaran is famous for its sunset seafood grills right on the beach, fresh fish, prawns, and squid cooked over coconut husks. Meanwhile, Canggu offers a fresh, health-conscious vibe with tasty vegetarian plates like Gado-Gado and Tipat Cantok. Both are must-visits for a varied and memorable Bali food list.
Understanding Food Safety and Eating Tips
Bali is an amazing adventure for your senses, but let’s keep your stomach happy, too. Here’s how to enjoy the flavors without the famous “Bali Belly” getting in the way.
- Water Wisdom: Stick to the Bottle
Just don’t drink the tap water. It’s rule #1.
- Drinking: Always choose sealed bottled water.
- Ice: Generally safe in popular spots, look for the tubular ice cubes with a hole in the middle (made from filtered water).
- Brushing: If your stomach is sensitive, use bottled water even when brushing your teeth.
- Eat Smart: Follow the Crowd
Great food isn’t always expensive. Street stalls can be fantastic, if you pick wisely.
- Go Where It’s Busy: A crowded spot with locals and tourists means food is fresh and turning over fast.
- See the Kitchen: If it’s open and you can watch your meal being cooked, that’s a good sign.
- Avoid the Buffet Limbo: Steer clear of food that’s been sitting out uncovered for hours.
- Choose Food You Can Trust
- Fruits: Go for ones you can peel yourself, bananas, mangosteen, dragon fruit, so you know they’re clean.
- Salads & Raw Veggies: Be careful. If you’re unsure about hygiene, skip the raw veggies to avoid Bali Belly. Opt for cooked dishes like gado-gado or stir-fried greens instead.
- If Bali Belly Finds You…
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your stomach might rebel. Here’s what to do:
- Be Prepared: Pack probiotics or activated charcoal (like Norit) in your day bag.
- Rehydrate: Drink young coconut water, it’s natural, packed with electrolytes, and available everywhere.
- Know When to Get Help: If you develop a high fever or feel seriously dehydrated, head to one of the island’s international clinics.
Conclusion
Your culinary journey through Bali is more than a meal, it’s an immersion into flavor, culture, and community. From the legendary Babi Guling to humble street-side Nasi Jinggo, the famous food in Bali tells a story in every bite. It’s a celebration of spice, slow cooking, and shared plates that you’ll carry home in your heart (and probably in your camera roll).
To experience this magic in a uniquely beautiful setting, make a reservation at Seven Paintings Ubud. It’s more than a dinner, it’s a sensory journey where art, atmosphere, and authentic Balinese cuisine come together for an unforgettable night. It’s the perfect next chapter in your exploration of Bali’s world-famous flavors.