Buzz
What’s there to eat in Bali? Which local delicacies should you try on your upcoming trip? Discover these renowned and mouthwatering Balinese dishes for a delightful culinary journey.
Bali is not only a renowned travel destination with breathtaking natural beauty but also a captivating culinary paradise. With its exquisite blend of flavors, colors, and cultural traditions, Balinese specialties are more than just delicious meals—they are a gateway to exploring and understanding the island’s unique culture.
Join Mytour on a journey to uncover Bali’s rich culinary culture, where every bite evokes emotion, every dish tells a story, and every local is a master of their craft.
1. Pisang Goreng - Balinese-Style Fried Bananas
One of the must-try specialties in Bali is Pisang Goreng—crispy, sweet fried bananas. This incredibly popular snack can be found at any local market across the island.
This dish is beloved not only for the natural sweetness of bananas but also for its simple yet unique preparation. Sliced bananas are coated in a crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft, sweet, and aromatic interior.
2. Mie Goreng - Balinese-Style Fried Noodles
Mie Goreng is a flavorful fried noodle dish made with thick noodles, chicken, shrimp, eggs, and vegetables, creating a rich and savory taste. What makes Mie Goreng special is its versatility in preparation and presentation, from humble street food stalls to upscale restaurants.
Each place adds its own twist, using local spices or fresh seafood to create unique and enticing versions of this dish. To experience authentic Mie Goreng, head to local Indo eateries for a truly traditional flavor.
3. Nasi Goreng - Balinese-Style Fried Rice
A symbol of Bali’s rich and diverse cuisine, Nasi Goreng stands out for its ability to combine simple ingredients into a dish with a distinctive and irresistible flavor.
The secret to this dish’s success lies in the delicate balance of spices and accompaniments. The fiery kick of chili blends seamlessly with the tangy tamarind sauce, while the savory flavors of shrimp and egg create a harmonious taste. Nasi Goreng not only satisfies the palate but also delights even the most discerning food lovers. You can enjoy this fried rice dish at any restaurant, from casual eateries to upscale dining spots.
4. Laklak - Balinese-Style Pancakes
Laklak is a traditional Balinese dessert made from rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. These ingredients are poured into traditional molds to create small, soft, and round cakes with a distinctive green hue.
Laklak is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of Balinese culinary culture. Each cake is typically topped with a drizzle of sweet honey and a splash of creamy coconut milk, offering a unique and irresistible flavor. This treat is widely available across Bali, making it easy to find during your visit.
5. Sate Lilit - Balinese Grilled Skewers
This dish features skewers made from tuna, seafood, or chicken, mixed with a blend of traditional Balinese spices.
Unlike traditional satay skewers made with bamboo sticks, Sate Lilit is wrapped around lemongrass or sugarcane stalks. The meat is finely ground and mixed with herbs, pepper, sugar, salt, and fresh coconut milk. Grilling over charcoal is a crucial step, imparting a distinctive, enticing aroma to the dish. For the freshest seafood flavor, it's best to visit coastal eateries.
6. Babi Guling - Balinese Style Roast Suckling Pig
Babi Guling is a traditional Balinese roast pork dish. The suckling pig is cleaned and then stuffed with a finely chopped spice blend including shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, pepper, herbs, galangal, chilies, lemongrass, and various other spices.
After stuffing, the pig is roasted over a large flame for about 5 hours. This process ensures the meat becomes flavorful, tender, and infused with the rich aroma of the spices. Most warungs, or local eateries in Bali, serve this delicious dish.
7. Nasi Campur - Balinese Mixed Rice
Nasi Campur Bali, also known as Nasi Rames, is a dish featuring a combination of side dishes such as vegetable salad (urap), shredded meat, and sate lilit, served with a portion of white rice.
Currently, there are three most popular types of Nasi Campur Bali: Nasi Campur Babi (pork), Nasi Campur Ayam (chicken), and Nasi Campur Pedas (spicy). To experience the authentic flavors of Bali, you should try the Nasi Campur Babi Guling version, one of the culinary icons of Bali.
8. Bebek Betutu - Balinese Betutu Fried Duck
With its intricate preparation process and rich flavors, Bebek Betutu features carefully selected duck meat that is simmered for hours until tender and infused with spices.
Once the meat is tender, it is fried in oil until it achieves a beautiful golden color. What makes Bebek Betutu special is that the duck meat remains juicy and never dry. Enjoying this dish promises an unforgettable culinary experience. It is served in most hotels and restaurants across Bali.
9. Mini Rijsttafel - Balinese-Style Small Rice Table
Mini Rijsttafel is a compact version of a traditional Indonesian meal featuring an array of dishes arranged on a single tray. In a Mini Rijsttafel, you can enjoy dishes like nasi putih (white rice), sate ayam (chicken skewers), rendang (beef stew), sambal (spicy chili sauce), krupuk (crackers), and various salads and fresh vegetables.
10. Lumpia Rolls - Balinese-Style Spring Rolls
The process of making Lumpia Rolls involves preparing the ingredients, wrapping them in lumpia wrappers, and frying until golden and crispy. This dish is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour fish sauce or a special homemade sauce.
Lumpia Rolls can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or as a snack during parties and gatherings. The crispy texture and delightful flavor of this dish create a unique culinary experience. You can find these spring rolls at various eateries and restaurants across Bali.
11. Gado-Gado - Balinese-Style Vegetable Salad
Each plate of Gado-Gado typically includes a variety of vegetables such as water spinach, carrots, cabbage, and tofu, which are chopped or prepared according to personal preference. These ingredients are arranged on a plate and often paired with tempeh, a soybean-based cake.
The Gado-Gado sauce is the key element that defines the dish's unique flavor. The sauce is usually made from peanuts, sugar, tamarind, fish sauce, garlic, chili, and coconut milk. The sweet, tangy, spicy, and rich flavors of the sauce perfectly complement the freshness of the vegetables. For an exceptional taste, visit Chez Gado Gade in Badung Regency to try this delicious salad!
12. Tempeh - Balinese Soybean Tempeh
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans and rice flour. Beyond the classic Tempeh, you can also enjoy variations like Tempeh Burgers, Tempeh salads with tomatoes, and more.
In addition to being a staple in Indonesian cuisine, Tempeh has gained global popularity among vegetarians and health-conscious individuals due to its high nutritional value and versatile preparation methods.
13. Urap Sayur - Balinese-Style Mixed Vegetables
The main ingredients of Urap Sayur typically include vegetables like water spinach, cabbage, carrots, tofu, and bean sprouts, which are boiled and finely chopped. These vegetables are then mixed with a special sauce.
The Urap Sayur sauce is usually made from peanuts or candlenuts, garlic, chili, sugar, salt, and coconut milk, creating a sweet, slightly tangy, and rich flavor. This sauce is evenly poured over the mixed vegetables, resulting in a delicious and nutritious salad.
14. Kare - Balinese-Style Curry
Kare is a stew made with a variety of ingredients such as meat, seafood, or vegetables, cooked with a blend of spices and coconut milk.
This dish is typically served with white rice or bread, creating a wholesome and flavorful meal. The rich, spicy, and aromatic taste of Kare makes it a popular choice for parties and family gatherings. For an authentic experience, consider visiting TAKE Authentic Japanese Cuisine in Bali!
15. Rujak Buleleng - Balinese-Style Fruit Salad
Known for its refreshing and spicy flavor, Rujak Buleleng is a harmonious blend of fruits and unique spices. It offers a delightful culinary experience for anyone looking to savor the distinct flavors of Bali in a tropical setting.
In addition to common fruits like pineapple, guava, cassava, and mango, Rujak Buleleng may also include sweet potatoes and cucumbers. The combination of fresh fruits in Rujak Buleleng creates an exciting treat for the taste buds.
16. Bakso - Balinese-Style Meatballs
Bakso is a renowned Indonesian meatball dish, primarily made from beef, though pork or chicken can also be used depending on regional preferences and traditions.
The meatballs are boiled in a broth made from chicken or beef bones, enhanced with spices like ginger, shallots, cloves, and fish sauce. The rich and aromatic broth is the highlight that makes this dish truly special. As one of the top 5 famous street foods in Bali, you can easily find delicious Bakso while exploring the area!
17. Jagung Manis Keju - Balinese-Style Grilled Corn with Cheese
Jagung Manis Keju is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert after a main meal. You can spot many street vendors selling this dish across Bali.
To prepare this dish, fresh corn is boiled or grilled over charcoal until tender and golden. The corn is then coated with a layer of cheese and further grilled until the cheese melts and infuses into the corn.
18. Martabak - Balinese-Style Pancake
As a popular and beloved street food in Indonesia, Martabak can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether for breakfast, a quick snack, or a hurried lunch.
Martabak comes in two main varieties: Martabak Manis and Martabak Telur. Martabak Manis is made from flour, sugar, and coconut milk, fried on a large griddle, and topped with peanuts or chocolate. On the other hand, Martabak Telur is filled with eggs and meat or seafood, fried, and folded into a square or rectangular shape. The filling typically includes eggs, onions, fried shallots, minced beef, or shrimp, creating a rich and savory flavor.
19. Nasi Jinggo - Balinese Banana Leaf Rice
Nasi Jinggo primarily consists of white rice, shredded chicken, sambal goreng, tempeh, and noodles. This specialty is served on a banana leaf folded into a cone shape, reflecting the traditional and cultural essence of Bali.
Many restaurants offer additional side dishes like sate lilit or salted eggs to enhance the flavor of this dish. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick, filling, and nutritious meal with a balanced mix of carbs and protein.
20. Ayam Betutu - Balinese Betutu Chicken
Originating from Gilimanuk, a port city on Bali's western coast, Ayam Betutu is a slow-cooked chicken dish where the meat is marinated with a blend of spices and simmered for hours. The spice mix typically includes turmeric, shallots, garlic, ginger, candle nut, coriander leaves, and fish sauce.
Ayam Betutu is widely available across the island, from upscale restaurants to street food stalls, making it an iconic dish in Balinese cuisine.
21. Tum Bali - Balinese Specialty Meat Dish
Tum Bali is typically made with chicken, beef, or pork, depending on personal preference and available ingredients.
The preparation of Tum Bali starts by finely chopping the meat and sautéing it with garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, chili, and vegetable oil. The meat is then wrapped in banana leaves, folded tightly, and steamed until fully cooked. The rich and aromatic flavors of Tum Bali are sure to captivate your taste buds. Be sure to visit local restaurants in Bali to try this remarkable dish!
22. Bebek Timbungan - Balinese Bamboo Steamed Duck
Bebek Timbungan, a bamboo-steamed duck dish, takes approximately 12 hours to prepare. The cooking process typically uses halved bamboo tubes, which help retain moisture and enhance the dish's flavor.
When enjoying Bebek Timbungan, you’ll experience the unique and delicious taste of incredibly tender duck meat, infused with rich and aromatic spices from the slow-cooking process. This is a must-try culinary experience when visiting Bali.
23. Serombotan - Balinese Spicy Vegetable Salad
Serombotan is not just a traditional Balinese vegetable salad but also a symbol of the diversity and richness of the island's cuisine. Originating from Klungkung, a region known for its vibrant and diverse culinary culture, this dish is a true representation of Balinese flavors.
Serombotan features a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, spinach, kale, green beans, bean sprouts, and more, all boiled to perfection. A key component of Serombotan is the Sambal Nyuh sauce, a spicy and savory condiment made from grated coconut mixed with chili, garlic, shrimp paste, sugar, and salt.
24. Bubur Mengguh - Balinese Mengguh Porridge
Bubur Mengguh is served as a thick porridge, typically made from rice and coconut milk, combined with grains like mung beans, lotus seeds, or black beans to create a unique and rich flavor.
The cooking process for Bubur Mengguh is also special and intricate, often taking several hours to ensure the best quality and taste. Rice and grains are simmered in coconut water until soft and smooth, then mixed with coconut milk to create a fragrant and delicious blend. You can find this nutritious dish at local markets, especially in the morning!
25. Entil - Balinese Rice Cake
Entil is made from rice and usually wrapped in Nyelep or Talangidi leaves. Although Entil doesn’t require additional seasoning, its distinct flavor comes from the rich and aromatic coconut milk. You can enjoy Entil with vegetables like spinach or bean sprouts. Sometimes, it’s served with Sambal Kelapa or Sambal Goreng for a spicy kick that satisfies the palate.
Savoring Balinese specialties is a way to immerse yourself in the island’s deep culture and traditions. It’s about discovering local ingredients and hearing stories from locals about how each dish is prepared and perfected.
Let every bite become an adventure, every flavor a piece of tradition, and every meal an opportunity to deeply experience Bali. You can also explore more with Latest Bali Indonesia Travel Guide for Independent Travelers, 6-Day 5-Night Bali Itinerary for Independent Travelers, 4-Day 3-Night Bali Itinerary for Independent Travelers, Latest Indonesia Travel Tips and Guides,... on Mytour Vietnam.
Book your flight tickets and get ready to savor Bali’s specialties right now!
