When you think of Bali, images of lush rice terraces, beaches, and temples might come to mind. But Bali isn’t just a tropical paradise. it’s a food lover’s heaven. The island’s cuisine is a melting pot of intense spices, fresh herbs, coconut-rich sauces, and age-old cooking traditions. Whether you’re a backpacker, foodie, or digital nomad, trying Balinese food is an essential part of your travel experience.

This guide explores 15 authentic Balinese dishes, from traditional meals to street food favorites, and tells you exactly where to find them in 2025.

1. Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice Plate)

Nasi Campur is Bali’s version of a tasting platter. It usually features white rice with small portions of meats like satay, tempeh, vegetables, peanuts, egg, and sambal (spicy chili paste). The beauty lies in its variety you’ll get a new experience with every bite.

Where to Try: Warung Wardani (Denpasar) or Warung Murah (Seminyak)

2. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)

Babi Guling is a ceremonial dish turned tourist favorite. Whole pig is marinated with turmeric and slow-roasted, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s typically served with rice, vegetables, and spicy sauce.

Where to Try: Ibu Oka (Ubud) a legendary spot.

3. Bebek Betutu (Smoked Duck)

This is a traditional Balinese dish where duck is rubbed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked or smoked for hours. The result is fall-off-the-bone tenderness and deep flavor.

Where to Try: Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) in Ubud.

4. Lawar

Lawar is a traditional mix of vegetables, grated coconut, minced meat (usually pork or chicken), and spices. Sometimes fresh animal blood is added, making it a unique dish not for the faint-hearted.

Where to Try: Local warungs in Gianyar and Bangli.

5. Sate Lilit

Different from regular satay, sate lilit uses minced meat (chicken, pork, or fish) mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices, then wrapped around lemongrass sticks before grilling.

Where to Try: Sate Bali Restaurant (Seminyak)

6. Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)

Indonesia’s national dish, nasi goreng is a staple in Bali too. Balinese-style fried rice includes kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, egg, and fried shallots on top.

Where to Try: Any local warung or beachside café.

7. Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)

Just like nasi goreng, but with noodles! Often served with chicken, vegetables, egg, and crackers.

Where to Try: Warung Eny (Seminyak) or Made’s Warung (Kuta)

8. Gado-Gado (Indonesian Salad)

A colorful salad of boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, boiled egg, and lontong (rice cake) all smothered in a creamy peanut sauce.

Where to Try: Vegetarian cafés in Ubud.

9. Tipat Cantok

This is Bali’s street food version of gado-gado. It includes rice cakes, vegetables, and a chunky peanut sauce. A quick and tasty snack, especially from roadside vendors.

Where to Try: Street vendors in Denpasar or Ubud Market.

10. Tum Ayam

A traditional steamed chicken dish where seasoned ground chicken is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled. It’s healthy, aromatic, and rich in flavor.

Where to Try: Warung Sopa (Ubud)

11. Balinese Sambal Matah

Technically a condiment, but worth a mention. Sambal matah is made from shallots, chili, lemongrass, lime juice, and coconut oil—fresh, raw, and spicy. Served with grilled fish or rice.

Where to Try: Almost every Balinese dish includes this; especially delicious with seafood.

12. Jaje Bali (Balinese Sweets)

Balinese desserts often use glutinous rice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and banana. Try klepon (green rice balls filled with palm sugar) or pisang rai (banana wrapped in rice flour and coconut).

Where to Try: Ubud Traditional Market or Pasar Badung (Denpasar)

13. Es Campur

A vibrant shaved ice dessert loaded with jelly, coconut, condensed milk, fruit, and syrup. Perfect for cooling down in Bali’s tropical heat.

Where to Try: Night markets and food stalls across the island.

14. Balinese Coffee (Kopi Bali)

Strong, earthy, and often served unfiltered, Balinese coffee is brewed from local beans grown in the volcanic soil of Kintamani.

Where to Try: Seniman Coffee Studio (Ubud) or cafes in Munduk.

15. Arak Bali (Traditional Liquor)

Made from fermented rice or coconut palm sap, Arak is Bali’s traditional liquor. Drink responsibly, preferably from reputable places, as poorly-made arak can be dangerous.

Where to Try: Cocktails at upscale beach bars like Potato Head (Seminyak)

Bali food guide 

Tips for Eating in Bali

• Warung = Best Value: Small, family-owned eateries called warungs often serve the most authentic food at the lowest prices.

• Go Spicy—But Know Your Limits: Balinese food can be spicy. Ask for “tidak pedas” (not spicy) if you’re sensitive.

• Watch the Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice unless you’re in a high-end place.

• Vegan/Vegetarian? Bali is a paradise for plant-based eaters, especially in areas like Ubud and Canggu.

Final Thoughts

Food in Bali is more than just a meal. it’s a journey through culture, tradition, and community. From ceremonial dishes like babi guling to spicy street food snacks and refreshing tropical desserts, every dish tells a story. Whether you’re hopping between warungs, exploring local markets, or dining in a jungle-view café, Bali’s food scene will leave a lasting taste on your tongue and in your heart. Bali food guide

So the next time you visit Bali, ditch the burgers and fries go local, try everything, and experience the island through its food. Bali food guide

              “After tasting Bali’s best dishes, explore the island with our Top 10 Things to Do in Bali guide.“