What food is Bali known for? Tuck in with this guide to 10 must-eat local bites, from banana-leaf-wrapped chicken to peanut sauce rice cakes.
While Bali was the backdrop for love in “Eat Pray Love,” this mouthwatering guide shows it could have easily been a different story. From street-side warungs (kiosks) to charming beachside restaurants, the food in Bali is a love affair of flavors — expect bold spices, slow-roasted meats, and fresh tropical fruits.
Relish the crispy perfection of babi guling (Balinese suckling pig), cool off with es campur (shaved ice and fruit), or master traditional flavors at a cooking class in Ubud. This guide spotlights Bali’s top foods to try, from classic dishes to local favorites.
1. Babi guling
A feast-worthy dish, babi guling is one of the most famous foods to try in Bali. Once reserved for grand temple ceremonies such as Galungan and Odalan, this dish involves slow-roasting a whole pig, which is stuffed with turmeric, garlic, and rich spices, over an open fire. Traditionally served with lawar (spiced meat and vegetables) and sambal, babi guling is bold and aromatic.
How to eat the best babi guling in Bali?
Visit Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud, famous for its perfectly roasted babi guling. Pair it with urap (coconut-seasoned vegetables) and a cool iced tea.
2. Bebek betutu
Bebek betutu is a ceremonial dish firmly rooted in local culture and a must-eat for first-timers in Ubud. This slow-cooked duck or chicken is marinated in turmeric, galangal, garlic, and chili, then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted until the meat falls off the bone. An even spicier version also exists, which includes a fiery sauce of uncooked onion slices, red chili peppers, and coconut oil.
How to eat the best bebek betutu in Bali?
Try bebek betutu at Menega Cafe in Jimbaran, where it’s served with sambal matah (spicy shallot relish) and warm rice. Pair with a Bintang beer to cool off the heat.
3. Sate lilit
A staple of Bali street food, sate lilit is a unique twist on Indonesia’s popular satay. Instead of skewering whole pieces of meat, this dish comprises minced seafood or chicken with grated coconut, lemongrass, and rich spices. This is then wrapped around bamboo sticks before grilling. The result is a smoky, fragrant satay bursting with umami flavors.
How to eat the best sate lilit in Bali?
For the freshest sate lilit, head to the seafood warungs in Jimbaran. Pair it with spicy sambal matah and a refreshing iced lemongrass tea.
4. Lawar
A dish deeply tied to Balinese culture, lawar is a fragrant mix of minced meat (pork or chicken), shredded coconut, and aromatic spices, often prepared for temple ceremonies and family celebrations. Each region has its own variation, with some adding jackfruit or snake beans for extra texture. Balinese belief holds that freshly made lawar should be eaten on the same day, representing strength and vitality.
How to eat the best lawar in Bali?
Head to Gianyar to try lawar putih, a lighter, refreshing variation made with vegetables, grated coconut, and chicken. Pair it with steamed rice and jamu, a traditional herbal drink.
5. Pisang goreng
Crispy on the outside, soft and caramelized inside, pisang goreng (fried banana) is one of Bali’s most beloved snacks. Lightly battered and deep-fried until golden, it’s often drizzled with honey, topped with grated cheese, or served with palm sugar syrup. A Seminyak cooking class offers the chance to learn how to make this crispy delight from scratch.
How to eat the best pisang goreng in Bali?
Try it at a roadside stall throughout Bali, freshly fried and piping hot. Do as the locals do and pair yours with a cup of Balinese kopi tubruk (unfiltered coffee).
6. Nasi campur
Nasi campur, meaning “mixed rice,” is Balinese food culture at its best, and a delicious way to experience multiple flavors in one meal. A mound of fluffy white rice is served with an assortment of side dishes such as shredded chicken, spiced tempeh, crispy peanuts, and sambal for a spicy kick.
How to eat the best nasi campur in Bali?
Keep an eye out for lawar or sate lilit on your plate — many local warungs add their own twist to nasi campur with these flavorful extras. Eat like the locals and mix everything together before taking your first bite.
7. Ayam betutu
Similar to bebek betutu, ayam betutu is a slow-cooked, spice-infused dish that sings with local Balinese flavors. A whole chicken is marinated in a rich shallot, ginger, chili, and turmeric paste, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted until tender. One of the most romantic things to do in Ubud is to enjoy this dish at a beachfront warung in the evening.
How to eat the best ayam betutu in Bali?
Seek out a warung where ayam betutu is slow-cooked underground, a traditional method that enhances its smoky flavor. Pair with urap and a side of sambal matah.
8. Es campur
A vibrant and refreshing dessert, es campur is the perfect way to cool down in Bali’s tropical heat. This popular food offers a tasty mix of textures and flavors and is made with shaved ice, coconut milk, sweet syrup, tropical fruits, and chewy jellies. It’s a must-eat for those looking to experience local Balinese sweets.
How to eat the best es campur in Bali?
Find it at a street vendor and enjoy it after a Kuta bike tour for a well-earned cool-down. Look for versions with avocado or grass jelly for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
9. Tipat cantok
A traditional Balinese dish, tipat cantok combines compressed rice cakes (tipat) with a rich peanut sauce, fresh vegetables, and fried shallots. It’s a staple at Bali’s markets and often enjoyed as a light yet satisfying snack. The balance of textures — soft rice cakes, crunchy beans, and creamy peanut sauce — makes it a popular street food.
How to eat the best tipat cantok in Bali?
Visit a warung in Denpasar, where vendors prepare it fresh with extra lime juice for a tangy twist. It’s best enjoyed as a midday snack alongside a glass of iced tamarind juice.
10. Jaje Bali
Jaje Bali refers to the colorful array of traditional Balinese sweets made from glutinous rice, coconut, and palm sugar. Often served during ceremonies at Bali’s many temples, these bite-sized treats range from chewy rice cakes to steamed banana-filled parcels, each offering a unique texture and flavor. To combine a spot of Ubud sightseeing with a taste of Balinese culture, browse local markets to find these delicacies.
How to eat the best jaje Bali in Bali?
Visit Ubud’s morning market to sample fresh jaje Bali. It’s best enjoyed with a warm cup of Balinese black tea while soaking in the bustling atmosphere.
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