Indulge in the true essence of Balinese cuisine and elevate your dining experience beyond the typical tourist fare. Uncover the culinary treasures of Bali by steering clear of overpriced traps and immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of local flavors.
Embark on a culinary journey through the island’s gastronomic gems, where time-tested favourites beckon discerning palates with an authentic taste of Bali.
From hidden gems within bustling markets to enchanting family-run eateries, we’ve meticulously compiled a roster of the most cherished dining establishments, adored by locals. These culinary havens not only promise but guarantee to envelop you in the vibrant tapestry of Balinese culinary traditions, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Brace yourself for a sensory adventure that transcends the ordinary and transports you to the heart of Bali’s diverse and delectable food culture.
Babi guling, or roasted pig, is an enduring classic in the pantheon of Balinese culinary. The combination of succulent pork slices, crispy pork skin, fresh lawar (think of it as Balinese salad) and zesty Balinese sambal make for an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Babi guling joints are a dime a dozen in Bali but we’d recommend Karya Rebo for its crowd pleasing recipe.
A trip to Bali won’t be complete without tasting its fresh ocean catch. The coastline of Jimbaran is packed with seafood stalls offering everything from fish, clams, shrimps to crabs. Among them all, Menega Cafe is a long-standing establishment preferred by the locals for its delish homemade spices and sambals.
In 2023, the Sanur-based joint is ranked #3 in TasteAtlas’ 150 most legendary restaurants in the world. Dating back since 1941, the warung – locals’ term for humble eateries – was established by a family who’s still running it to this day. Their signature dishes, fried fish and fish head soup, attract thousands of crowds daily.
To satiate your sweet tooth, opt for Bali’s authentic pastry dish, pia. A pia has thick crusty skin with generous fillings inside. Pia Legong, the most renown brand in the island, offers a wide selection of flavors, including mung bean, cheese, and the much-loved chocolate. Their neat packaging also makes this a great gift to take home.
Nobody does pork ribs like Naughty Nuri’s! Their succulent pigs are flame roasted to charred perfection and then lathered in sumptuous barbeque sauce. Enjoying this dish isn’t complete without a heaping pile of fries and Bir Bintang to polish it off. With its consistent taste over the years, this establishment stands the test of time despite an onslaught of competitors.
Balinese sure love their pork. At Souphoria, the art of pork cooking is taken to the next level with its wide variety of pig-based menus. For first timers, their crispy pork belly with sambal matah is not to be missed. Actually, their pork rendang and pork ribs soup are also certified must-try.
Beginning as a humble eatery, Bebek Tepi Sawah has grown into a huge institution with multiple branches across Bali and Indonesia. Here, you can indulge in their iconic fried ducks at gazebos surrounded by scenic paddy fields while soothing Balinese gamelan music plays in the background.
We’re not done with pork just yet! Complete your pork-venture with the juicy goodness of pork satay. None is more iconic than Sate Babi Bawah Pohon, which translates to Pork Satay Under the Tree – which is literally where the stall has been standing for decades in Kuta, Bali.
As the melting pot of cultures, there is a serious movement in Balinese culinary scene to reinvent classic recipes. Casa Luna arrives on the scene with inventive concoctions like Balinese-style paella and lime tart, which quickly earn stellar reputations among food aficionados.
For the natives, nasi tempong is their most humble, no-frill dish. A plate of nasi tempong contains just the essentials: lalapan/vegetables, freshly ground sambal, fried proteins (chicken or fish), tempe/soybean patty, and steamed rice. A straightforward, satisfactory meal.
