A Food Lover’s Guide to Bali: Top 5 Traditional Balinese Dishes to Try
Bali, a province of Indonesia that has become a tourist hub in itself, is a remarkable place that is on every traveller’s wishlist. From the temples to the surrounding beaches, Bali has been an avid tourist spot that millions of travellers visit every year.
Alongside the iconic beauty that this province offers, the Balinese foods are also an experience on their own. Becoming a heaven for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food lovers alike, there are hundreds of dishes and sweets that you should try on your trip to Bali. Without further ado, here is a list of the famous food in Bali and where you can find them on your next trip!
- Babi Guling (Balinese Suckling Pig)
Babi Guling or Balinese Suckling Pig has been a traveller and local favorite ever since the dish was invented. Several of the Balinese delicacies include pork however, the Babi Guling is one of the most sought-after dishes while exploring the province.
To get some of the best Babi Gulings, there are hundreds of warungs (a type of small family-owned business like a cafe or eatery in Indonesia). These warungs offer several options in the Balinese cuisine while the Babi Guling is often the most famous in the menu.
A Babi Guling is often served with steamed rice and lawar (a type of dry chutney). Having said this, here are the best places to try Babi Guling:
- WarungBabi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud)
- Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak)
- Babi Guling Karya Rebo (Kuta)
- Warung Nasi Babi Guling Sanur
- Lawar (Vegetable and Meat Salad)
Speaking of Lawar, this iconic Indonesian dish is also a favourite amongst the locals and travellers. This dish is often served alongside a heavy meal however, the Lawar packs a punch on its own.
Lawar is made from a mixture of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat with some rich herbs and spices. The dish originated in Bali and has been ordered countless times whenever having a meal. To try it yourself, here are some places in Bali that offer some of the best Lawar in Bali:
- Lawar Sapi Odah, Sanur
- Lawar Bali Kartika, Denpasar
- Babi Guling Bu Ari, Ubud
Pro Tip: There are several Lawar Bali tours where you can visit multiple places and try different types of Lawar.
- Ayam Betutu (Spiced Chicken)
For all the spice lovers, the Ayam Betutu dish is specially made for you. An inexpensive dish that gives you a whole roasted and delicious chicken is something that travellers should do during their trip.
The Ayam Betutu consists of a steamed or roasted chicken covered in rich bumbu betutu (a blend of spices or pastes). To get in that extra spiciness, a chutney of raw sliced onions alongside red chilli peppers and coconut oil is also served with the Ayam Betutu. Here are some of the best places in Bali that offer this spicy and hearty dish:
- Ayam Betutu Gilimanuk, Kuta
- Bambu Restaurant, Seminyak
- Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant, Ubud
- Laka Leke Restaurant, Gianyar
- Tipat Cantok (Balinese Salad with Rice Cake)
A vegetarian dish made with boiled vegetables and tossed in spicy peanut sauce. Who would say no to that? The Tipat Cantok is a Balinese Salad that is served with a ketupat rice cake (served in a diamond-shaped container made with a leaf).
The Tipat Cantok is famous among tourists and locals and as such, here are some places where you can try the famous Balinese dish:
- Dapoer Buleleng, Gianyar
- Several Warungs of Bali
- Jajan Pasar (Traditional Balinese Sweets)
To end your culinary journey on a sweet note, we recommend you try out the Jajan Pasar while travelling in Bali. The Jajan Pasar are traditional Balinese sweets with many different types. It mainly consists of rice flour, sticky rice, cassava (a type of plant), and coconut.
The Jajan Pasar is mainly found while you are munching on some Bali street food as it is a common delicacy for people. Since this is a fan-favourite amongst tourists and locals alike, the sweets encompassing Jajan Pasar can be found in any street food stall or restaurant in Bali.
Conclusion
Suffice it to say that Bali is not just a province. It’s a journey. From the natural landscapes to the historical and religious sites, everything in Bali is a journey, including the food. The Balinese culinary journey is something that most travellers will be glad to take part in. Be sure to check out some of Flamingo Travels’ iconic Bali Tour Packages to make the best out of your trip.
Also Read: Top Instagrammable Spots in Bali for Stunning Photos in 2025!
