Balinese food is fragrant, spiced and social, built on rice, a rich base gede spice paste, and slow cooked meats, and it is far more distinctive than the generic Indonesian dishes on tourist menus. Eat at a local warung and you will spend almost nothing for some of the best food of your trip. This guide covers what to eat in Bali on a first visit and where to find it. For the whole picture, see our Bali travel guide.
The dishes to try first
- Babi guling. Balinese suckling pig, spit roasted with spices and served with rice and crackling, the island's signature feast dish.
- Nasi campur. A plate of rice with small portions of many dishes, the everyday Balinese meal and the best way to sample lots at once.
- Satay lilit. Minced fish or chicken satay pressed onto lemongrass sticks, more delicate than the usual skewers.
- Bebek and ayam betutu. Duck or chicken slow cooked for hours in spices and banana leaf until falling apart.
- Nasi goreng and mie goreng. Fried rice and fried noodles, the reliable Indonesian staples found everywhere.
- Fresh seafood. Grilled fish on the beach at Jimbaran, chosen from the day's catch at sunset.
Warungs and where to eat
The warung, a small family run eatery, is the heart of Balinese eating. They are cheap, fresh and where the best local food is, from a simple nasi campur counter to a famous babi guling spot. Ubud and the local neighbourhoods have the most authentic ones, while the beach towns mix warungs with Western cafes and beach clubs. Point at what looks good, and do not be shy of the busy, plain looking places.
Coffee, drinks and sweets
Bali grows coffee, and a plantation visit is where many travellers meet luwak coffee and the civet debate. Order a strong kopi or a fresh young coconut, and try jaje, the colourful Balinese sweets, and pisang goreng, fried banana. Bintang beer is the cheap local lager, and fresh juices are everywhere.
Eating as a vegetarian
Vegetarians eat very well in Bali, especially in Ubud, the island's wellness and plant based hub. Look for gado gado, a vegetable and peanut sauce salad, tempeh and tofu dishes, and vegetarian nasi campur. Ask for no terasi, the shrimp paste that flavours many otherwise vegetable dishes, and no ayam or babi to keep a dish meat free.
How to eat well and safely
- Eat at busy warungs where the turnover is high and the food is fresh.
- Drink bottled or filtered water and be a little careful with ice early on, to avoid Bali belly.
- Try babi guling at a dedicated specialist rather than a generic restaurant.
- Book a Jimbaran seafood dinner for sunset, the classic Bali food experience.
If you would rather have the logistics handled for you, compare a Bali tour package to see what a bundled trip covers.
Frequently asked questions
What food must you try in Bali?
Babi guling, the spit roasted suckling pig, is the signature dish. Add nasi campur for variety, satay lilit for something different, and a Jimbaran beach seafood dinner at sunset for the classic Bali food experience.
Is Balinese food spicy?
It is aromatic and spiced rather than fiery, built on a base gede paste of shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric and chilli. Sambal, the chilli condiment, is served on the side so you control the heat yourself.
Can vegetarians eat well in Bali?
Yes, exceptionally so, especially in Ubud, which is a plant based and wellness hub. Gado gado, tempeh, tofu and vegetarian nasi campur are widely available. Ask for no terasi shrimp paste to keep dishes meat free.
What is a warung in Bali?
A warung is a small, family run local eatery, the heart of Balinese food culture. They are cheap, fresh and where the best local dishes are found, from a simple rice counter to a famous babi guling specialist.
More Bali travel guides
- Bali Travel Guide: Visas, Money, Getting Around and When to Go
- Things to Do in Bali: 15 Experiences Worth Your Time
- How to Avoid Bali Belly: A Traveler's Guide
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