Bali is not only famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also for its flavorful and unique cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or a first-time visitor looking to experience the authentic tastes of Bali, indulging in local dishes is a must. From succulent Babi Guling to the rich and aromatic Bebek Betutu, Balinese cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a mix of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to must-try Balinese dishes and recommend the best places to experience them!
1. Babi Guling (Balinese Suckling Pig)
Why You Must Try It
Babi Guling is one of Bali’s most famous dishes, traditionally prepared for ceremonial feasts and special occasions. The dish consists of a whole roasted pig, seasoned with a blend of turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and other local spices, then slow-cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat tender.
Where to Try It
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Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud) – One of the most popular places to enjoy this dish, offering a delicious and crispy version of Babi Guling.
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Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak) – Known for its richly spiced meat and flavorful sambal.
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Babi Guling Men Lari (Gianyar) – A local favorite, famous for its authentic preparation and generous portions.
2. Bebek Betutu (Slow-Cooked Spiced Duck)
Why You Must Try It
Bebek Betutu is a traditional Balinese ceremonial dish, featuring duck that is marinated with Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked for up to 12 hours. The result is incredibly tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
Where to Try It
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Bebek Tepi Sawah (Ubud) – Famous for its crispy and flavorful Bebek Betutu, served with sambal and rice.
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Bebek Bengil (Ubud) – Also known as the Dirty Duck Diner, offering a crispy version of Bebek Betutu with beautiful rice paddy views.
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Warung Eropa (Seminyak) – A well-loved spot for duck dishes, serving a beautifully spiced and tender Bebek Betutu.
3. Lawar (Traditional Minced Meat and Vegetable Dish)
Why You Must Try It
Lawar is a unique Balinese dish made from finely chopped meat, grated coconut, green beans, and a rich spice paste. Some versions include pork, chicken, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. Lawar is often served as a side dish with rice and sate skewers.
Where to Try It
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Warung Nasi Bali Men Weti (Sanur) – A legendary warung that serves authentic Lawar with Balinese rice dishes.
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Warung Wardani (Denpasar) – Offers a mix of Balinese delicacies, including a flavorful Lawar Babi (pork lawar).
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Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (Ubud) – Known for its spicy and aromatic lawar, served with chicken rice.
4. Sate Lilit (Balinese Satay Skewers)
Why You Must Try It
Unlike typical satay, Sate Lilit is made by wrapping minced fish, chicken, or pork around lemongrass sticks, then grilling them to perfection. The dish is bursting with flavors from galangal, lime leaves, and coconut milk.
Where to Try It
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Warung Sate Plecing Arjuna (Denpasar) – Specializes in flavorful, spicy Sate Lilit.
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Jimbaran Seafood Cafes – Many seafood restaurants in Jimbaran offer grilled fish sate lilit as part of their menu.
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Warung Satria (Denpasar) – A hidden gem for locals, known for its authentic Balinese satay.
5. Nasi Campur Bali (Balinese Mixed Rice)
Why You Must Try It
Nasi Campur Bali is the perfect way to sample multiple flavors in one dish. It consists of steamed rice served with small portions of different Balinese dishes, including lawar, sate lilit, shredded chicken, sambal matah, and fried tempeh.
Where to Try It
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Warung Nasi Bali Made Weti (Sanur) – Famous for its delicious and authentic Balinese-style nasi campur.
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Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (Ubud & Seminyak) – Serves one of the best Balinese chicken rice (Nasi Ayam Bali).
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Warung Biah Biah (Ubud) – A great place to try a vegetarian-friendly version of nasi campur.
6. Tum (Balinese Banana Leaf Wrapped Delicacy)
Why You Must Try It
Tum is similar to a Balinese version of steamed dumplings, made with minced meat or fish, mixed with Balinese spices, and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed.
Where to Try It
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Warung D’Sawah (Seminyak) – Known for its authentic Balinese Tum dishes.
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Bumbu Bali Restaurant (Nusa Dua) – A great place to experience traditional Balinese cuisine, including Tum.
Tips for Enjoying Balinese Cuisine
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Try Different Sambals – Balinese food is often served with spicy sambal, including sambal matah (raw shallot sambal) and sambal terasi (shrimp paste sambal).
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Eat Like a Local – Visit traditional warungs (small local eateries) to experience authentic Balinese flavors.
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Pair with Local Drinks – Try Es Campur (Balinese mixed ice dessert) or Bali coffee (Kopi Bali) for a complete meal experience.
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Be Open to Spicy Food – Many Balinese dishes are spicy, so if you’re not used to heat, ask for a mild version.
Bali’s cuisine is an explosion of flavors, reflecting the island’s rich history, cultural traditions, and fresh local ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in Babi Guling, savoring a plate of Nasi Campur, or tasting freshly grilled Sate Lilit, every dish offers a taste of Bali’s culinary magic.
For first-time visitors, exploring Balinese food is an essential part of experiencing the island’s unique charm. So, take a food tour, visit local warungs, and discover Bali on a plate!