Bali, a paradise tucked in the westernmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, is the top choice for travellers who love beaches, sunshine, and food. Besides being blessed with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Bali is a food haven. Hot chilli peppers, lemongrass, kaffir lime, peanuts, and coconut are some of the commonly used ingredients in Balinese cuisine. The bustling flea markets, roadside stalls, and traditional warungs, all offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in Bali at affordable prices. While making your way around this island, make sure to try out the traditional foods of the Balinese. You will experience a sensory journey that will stop you from missing Indian food in Bali (well, momentarily).
While choosing one of the best Bali tour packages, find out more about the most popular foods this island has to offer. Who knows? You might just want to spend a day or more to devour them all!
- Nasi Goreng
- Mie Goreng
- Satay
- Babi Guling
- Ayam Betutu
- Lawar
- Nasi Campur
- Sayur Urab
- Bakso
- Gado-Gado
- Rendang
- Pisang Goreng
- Kopi Bali
- Dadar Gulung
Nasi Goreng
If there is one food item in Bali that has touched the hearts of people across the globe, it is Nasi Goreng. While you may have enjoyed a piping hot plate of this fried rice and egg dish in your city, the real deal is a different game! For the uninitiated, Nasi Goreng is one (among five) of Indonesia’s national dishes! This popular food in Bali is available at street joints and the fanciest restaurants.
Mie Goreng
A famous food in Bali, Mie Goreng, is a perfect mix of stir-fried noodles, soy sauce, garlic, shallots, and vegetables/meats. Based on your tolerance for spice, you can get a bowl of Mei Goreng at a local cart. The scintillating aroma of this Balinese dish will make you want to come back for seconds!
Satay
Satay is beloved by foodies from all parts of the world. Why, you ask? The skewered meat (chicken/pork/beef) smothered with soy sauce, lemongrass, lime, and a whole bunch of spices is served with creamy peanut butter. If that doesn’t make you salivate, then honestly, what will?! Satay is a versatile appetiser that you can have on the go while or at a shack on one of the beaches in Bali.
Babi Guling
One of the most famous Asian food habits is to devour succulent pork, which is generally marinated for hours and then roasted well. Babi Guling is Bali’s version of a suckling pig drenched in spices like turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, and more. Are you an adventurous foodie? This one’s for you!
Ayam Betutu
Indians have a love for roasted chicken, especially in the North, that is simply undeniable. However, the Balinese are not far behind! Ayam Betutu, a popular food item in Bali is first wrapped in banana leaves and then slow roasted. The result is the juiciest roasted chicken you will ever try in your lifetime! No, it’s not an exaggeration. Try it on your next trip to Bali to believe it.
Lawar
A traditional veg food item in Bali (also has a meaty version) is Lawar. It is a wholesome Balinese meal with finely chopped veggies, grated coconut, and of course, a lot of herbs and spices. There are two varieties available, namely red and white, based on the type of spices and herbs. For the locals, it is seen as a salad best enjoyed during the day with some other dishes like Nasi Goreng and Gado-Gado. So, when in Bali, do as the Balinese do!
Nasi Campur
Spice lovers would know the magic lies in the first bite of sambal, a rich condiment made using hot chilli peppers. When combined with rice, green vegetables, and egg, it turns into a fabulous entree called Nasi Campur. This Bali food has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variants, which one can choose based on their personal preferences.
Sayur Urab
Another vegetarian food delight in Bali you must try on your holiday is Sayur Urab. A yummy salad prepared with steamed long beans, spinach, bean sprouts, and grated coconut. With a special cameo by our favourite, sambal, it is finished with a generous squeeze of kaffir lime. Fresh, healthy, and nourishing, Sayur Urab will make your travelling tummy very happy!
Bakso
Indonesians are big on soups, especially ones like Bakso which are loaded with meatballs, noodles, tofu, vegetables, and crackers. It is a flavourful broth that is best prepared by a Balinese aunty at a street food joint. A cross-culture invention of the Chinese and Indonesians, Bakso is comfort food at its best.
Statutory warning: the meatballs are generally made with beef. If you have dietary limitations, then get a tofu or chicken alternative.
Gado-Gado
While a lot of travellers identify Balinese cuisine with delectable bowlfuls of Nasi Goreng, the true foodies know that it has nothing on Gado-Gado. Yet another national dish of Indonesia, this tantalising salad is mixed with tofu, tempeh, boiled eggs (or without) and raw and blanched vegetables. With a peanut sauce dressing on top, it’s a game-changing veg food item in Bali.
Rendang
The wisdom of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra is best reflected in Rendang, an invention that has taken the culinary world by storm. A coconut-based curry, it is mildly spiced and slow-cooked to perfection. The most popular versions have beef, lamb, and chicken. For our vegetarians in Bali, this food item is available with tempeh as well.
Pisang Goreng
While Bali has many veg food options, a simple and scrumptious one is Pisang Goreng. Deep-friend bananas with powdered sugar and chocolate sauce are what dreams are made of! If you’re a sweet tooth with an undeniable obsession for desserts, Pisang Goreng should be on your list.
Kopi Bali
Beverages play a key role in the Balinese culture. Kopi Bali is one of the most enjoyed coffee brands that you will easily spot at local cafes. It has a rich flavour with a texture smoother than a baby’s bum. Have a cuppa or two and you will surely bring a pack of Kopi Bali home.
Dadar Gulung
Literally translated as a rolled pancake, Dadar Gulung is a favourite among children and adults alike. These sweet Indonesian pancakes are topped with palm sugar and grated coconut. It is satisfying, light, and delicious. Doesn’t it sound simply divine? Find out for yourself on your trip to Bali!
Be it a Bali honeymoon package, family vacation or solo trip, trying these mouthwatering delicacies should be your top priority. Plan your trip and make your palette dance in glee.
18 videos
Post your Comment
Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.