Best Indonesian Cuisine to Try in Bali

Best Indonesian Cuisine to Try in Bali

As a food lover and an avid traveler, experiencing the local cuisine is one of the highlights of any trip. Bali, with its rich cultural heritage, offers a wide array of mouthwatering dishes that perfectly capture the essence of Indonesian food. From savory delights to sweet treats, Bali’s food scene offers something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best Indonesian cuisine to try in Bali and share my personal experiences with each dish.

1. Nasi Goreng: Bali’s Signature Fried Rice

No trip to Bali is complete without trying nasi goreng, Indonesia’s famous fried rice. This dish is a staple in Bali and can be found in virtually every restaurant, street stall, and local eatery. The dish features a savory mix of rice stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and a delicious combination of soy sauce and spices. Often topped with a fried egg, nasi goreng is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

On my recent trip, I had the pleasure of trying nasi goreng at a beachside cafe. The aroma of the sizzling rice, combined with the smoky flavors from the wok, was irresistible. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchy fried egg on top, made this dish a true highlight of my culinary experience in Bali.

What Makes Nasi Goreng Special:

• Versatile: Can be served with various proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or pork.
• Simple yet flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and chilies gives it a unique taste.
• Widely available: Found everywhere from local street vendors to high-end restaurants.

2. Babi Guling: A Balinese Feast

Babi Guling is a traditional Balinese dish that features roasted pig, marinated with a blend of spices, and cooked to perfection. The dish is often served during special ceremonies and celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed by visitors at local warungs (small restaurants) throughout Bali.

During my stay in Ubud, I was invited to join a family-owned restaurant for a traditional babi guling feast. The tender, juicy pork was complemented by a rich mix of spices, and it was served with rice, lawar (a traditional Balinese salad), and sambal (chili paste). The whole experience was unforgettable—especially as we dined with locals, learning about the cultural significance of this dish.

Why You Should Try Babi Guling:

• Unique cultural experience: Babi guling is often reserved for festive occasions, making it a special treat.
• Flavorful: The blend of turmeric, lemongrass, and garlic in the marinade makes the pork incredibly aromatic and tender.
• A must-try: Bali's most famous dish that’s worth experiencing for its rich flavors and cultural significance.

3. Sate Lilit: Balinese Skewered Delights

Sate lilit is a unique Balinese take on the traditional Indonesian satay. Unlike the usual skewered meat, sate lilit features minced meat (usually chicken, fish, or pork) that is mixed with grated coconut, spices, and herbs, then wrapped around a skewer and grilled. This dish is often served with a side of spicy sambal and rice cakes.

I stumbled upon sate lilit while exploring the streets of Sanur. The smokey aroma as it cooked over hot coals was so inviting. The first bite was an explosion of flavors—tender meat, a slight crunch from the coconut, and the perfect balance of spices. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes to enjoy during sunset dinners along the beach.

Why Sate Lilit is a Must-Try:

• Deliciously tender and full of flavor: The use of spices and coconut makes it unique to Bali.
• Perfect as a snack or a main dish: Serve it as an appetizer or pair it with rice for a filling meal.
• Great for grilling enthusiasts: The grilling method gives it a smokey, charred flavor that is irresistible.

4. Lawar: Traditional Balinese Salad

Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad made from finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. It’s mixed with rich coconut milk and flavored with a variety of spices. Lawar is usually eaten as a side dish to accompany babi guling or other rice-based dishes.

One of the most memorable experiences I had was dining at a local Balinese restaurant where lawar was served alongside a feast of babi guling. The combination of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and the creaminess of coconut milk was simply divine. It added a refreshing and light contrast to the rich flavors of the other dishes.

Why Lawar Should Be Part of Your Bali Experience:

• Perfectly balances rich and fresh flavors: The creamy coconut and the crunch of vegetables make for an exciting texture contrast.
• Customizable: Can be made with or without meat, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Unique to Bali: Lawar is a dish specific to the island, offering a truly authentic taste of Balinese culture.

5. Pisang Goreng: A Sweet Ending

No meal in Bali would be complete without a sweet treat. Pisang goreng is a popular dessert in Bali that consists of deep-fried banana fritters. The bananas are coated in a light batter, fried until golden and crispy, and then served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.

On one of my evenings in Seminyak, I wandered into a local warung and ordered a plate of pisang goreng. The crispy exterior and warm, gooey banana inside were the perfect indulgence. The sweetness of the banana combined with the slight crunch from the fried batter was the ultimate way to end my day of exploration.

Why Pisang Goreng is the Perfect Dessert:

• Simple yet indulgent: The balance of sweetness and crunch is irresistible.
• Widely loved by locals: A staple dessert enjoyed by families and tourists alike.
• Easy to find: Available at most warungs and street vendors across Bali.

Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure in Bali

Indonesian cuisine in Bali offers a fascinating array of flavors and textures that will excite any food lover. From the savory nasi goreng to the rich babi guling and the sweet pisang goreng, Bali’s food scene is a reflection of the island’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another culinary adventure, Bali’s local dishes are sure to leave you craving more.

Want to explore Bali and taste these amazing dishes yourself? Book your trip with Elaleph Cruising to embark on an unforgettable culinary and cultural journey through Bali.