Best Local Foods to Try in Bali

Best Local Foods in Bali: Must-Try Dishes for Food Lovers
John
11 Jan 2022
5 min read

Best Local Foods to Try in Bali

Bali is a culinary paradise, offering a mix of traditional Indonesian flavors and unique local dishes. From fragrant spices to fresh tropical ingredients, here are the must-try Balinese dishes that will tantalize your taste buds:

  1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig):
    A Balinese specialty, babi guling is a dish of roasted suckling pig, stuffed with spices and herbs like turmeric, ginger, and coriander. It’s often served with rice, crispy pork skin, and spicy sambal. For the best babi guling, visit Ibu Oka in Ubud.
  2. Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice):
    This iconic dish features steamed rice served with an assortment of small side dishes, including chicken, vegetables, tempeh, and sambal. Each warung (local eatery) has its own version, making it a unique experience every time.
  3. Lawar:
    A traditional Balinese salad made from minced meat, grated coconut, and a medley of spices. It’s often paired with rice and other main dishes, adding texture and flavor to your meal.
  4. Sate Lilit:
    A twist on traditional Indonesian satay, sate lilit is made with minced fish or chicken mixed with coconut and spices, wrapped around bamboo sticks, and grilled to perfection.
  5. Jimbaran Seafood:
    Head to Jimbaran Bay for a beachfront seafood feast. Enjoy freshly grilled fish, prawns, clams, and squid, paired with sambal matah (Balinese raw sambal) and a view of the sunset.

Balinese cuisine is an explosion of flavors that reflects the island’s rich culture and traditions. Don’t hesitate to explore local markets and warungs for a truly authentic experience.