A Crave-Worthy Journey: Food to Try in Bali

Came to Bali for the beaches, stayed for the sambal!

Let’s be real – no matter how tight your itinerary is, your stomach is the real tour guide in Bali. Whether you’re a spice junkie, a sweet tooth, or a deep-fried-everything enthusiast, Bali will feed your soul (and then some). Forget counting sunsets – start counting satay sticks instead! From sizzling street snacks to aromatic rice dishes, the island offers something delicious for every palate. Whether you’re strolling through a local market or dining at a traditional restaurant, the food to try in Bali will leave you craving more.

This blog dives into Bali’s must-eat dishes, with helpful insights into prices, safety, and where to eat – because calories don’t count on vacation, right?

1. Nasi Goreng – The Iconic Indonesian Fried Rice
2. Babi Guling – A Balinese Roast Pork Feast
3. Sate Lilit – Satay with a Twist
4. Bebek Betutu – Slow-Cooked Spiced Duck
5. Lawar – The Ultimate Balinese Salad
6. Gado-Gado – A Colorful and Healthy Favourite
7. Seafood BBQ – Ocean’s Freshness at Jimbaran Bay
8. Balinese Coffee and Traditional Cakes
Food in Bali Price: What to Expect
Where to Eat: From Markets to High-End Dining
FAQs- Food to Try in Bali
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1. Nasi Goreng – The Iconic Indonesian Fried Rice

No trip to Bali is complete without tasting Nasi Goreng, Indonesia’s take on fried rice. This dish is usually served with a fried egg on top and sides like satay skewers, prawn crackers, or pickled veggies. It’s found everywhere – from roadside stalls to upscale restaurants – and it’s one of the most affordable meals you’ll eat in Bali.

If you’re wondering what food to try in Bali first, Nasi Goreng is a classic starting point. And to enjoy the tasty fried rice, getting on cheap flights to Bali should be on your priority list- because every bite tastes better when your trip doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket!

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2. Babi Guling – A Balinese Roast Pork Feast

Babi Guling is a ceremonial dish traditionally served at Balinese festivals. It features a whole roasted pig, marinated with a rich blend of turmeric, coriander, garlic, and other local spices. This dish is best enjoyed at a Bali traditional food restaurant like Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud, which is famous for serving tender, flavorful portions of this local delicacy.

3. Sate Lilit – Satay with a Twist

Sate Lilit is a unique version of Indonesian satay made using minced meat (often chicken or fish) mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices. The mixture is wrapped around bamboo sticks and grilled over charcoal. This dish bursts with flavor and is a must-eat for those wanting to explore Indonesian food to try in Bali. Many travelers enjoy this delicacy right at their resort – several of the best hotels in Bali, especially in Ubud and Seminyak, offer authentic Balinese cooking as part of their in-house dining experience.

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4. Bebek Betutu – Slow-Cooked Spiced Duck

If you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked dishes, Bebek Betutu should top your list of best food to try in Bali. This duck dish is marinated in a mix of shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger, then wrapped in banana leaves and smoked for hours. The result? A tender, flavorful meat that’s deeply satisfying and traditionally Balinese.

5. Lawar – The Ultimate Balinese Salad

Traditional spicy sauce Sambal Matah
Image Credit: Hagen Product/Shutterstock

Lawar is a traditional mix of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat seasoned with rich spices. It’s a staple side dish, often served alongside rice and meat in ceremonial meals. Vegetarians can also enjoy plant-based versions. It’s one of the lesser-known dishes among tourists, but one of the most authentic food to try in Bali.

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6. Gado-Gado – A Colorful and Healthy Favourite

For a lighter yet satisfying meal, try Gado-Gado. It’s a salad made of steamed vegetables, tofu, boiled eggs, and tempeh, all drenched in a thick peanut sauce. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a good option among the safe foods to eat in Bali, especially for travelers with sensitive stomachs or vegetarians.

Also Read: Explore Food in Abu Dhabi: From Traditional Cuisine to Street Food

7. Seafood BBQ – Ocean’s Freshness at Jimbaran Bay

Head to Jimbaran Bay for a seaside feast of grilled seafood – think freshly caught fish, prawns, squid, and clams. This is one of the most scenic ways to enjoy food to try in Bali, with toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background. You can choose your seafood, have it grilled, and enjoy it fresh with sambal and rice.

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8. Balinese Coffee and Traditional Cakes

Don’t miss out on Balinese coffee and sweet treats like Dadar Gulung (pandan pancakes filled with coconut) or Klepon (rice balls with palm sugar). These are often served in local cafés or as part of ceremonial offerings. A quiet afternoon with local coffee and cake is the perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing and savor more food to try in Bali. Many Bali tour packages even include cultural food stops and café-hopping experiences, letting you taste the island’s authentic flavors while exploring its rich traditions.

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Food in Bali Price: What to Expect

One of the biggest perks of eating in Bali is how affordable it is. A meal at a local warung can cost as little as INR 150–250 (around $2–3 USD), while upscale restaurants might charge INR 800–2000 ($10–25 USD) per person. Most street food and traditional dishes are budget-friendly, making Bali a great place for culinary exploration without breaking the bank.

Where to Eat: From Markets to High-End Dining

If you’re looking for variety, here are your options:

Local Warungs: Best for authentic taste at low prices.
Night Markets: Great for trying out street food in Bali like Martabak (pancake).
Bali Traditional Food Restaurant: For a cultural experience, dine in traditional settings like lotus ponds, thatched huts, or garden terraces.

Bali is a destination that feeds your soul – both spiritually and gastronomically. Whether you’re sampling sizzling satay by the roadside or enjoying gourmet duck under the stars, the food to try in Bali will leave a lasting impression. This island doesn’t just offer beauty and culture – it serves it on a plate.

FAQs- Food to Try in Bali

What food is famous in Bali?
Bali is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Popular dishes include Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Babi Guling (roast suckling pig), Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck), and Sate Lilit (spiced minced meat on sticks). These are found everywhere from local warungs to luxury restaurants.

What not to eat in Bali to avoid Bali belly?
To avoid Bali belly, steer clear of raw vegetables washed in unfiltered water, uncooked street food, and ice from questionable sources. It’s safer to eat hot, freshly cooked meals and drink bottled or filtered water.

What is the signature dish of Bali?
Babi Guling is considered the signature dish of Bali. It’s a whole pig stuffed with spices and slow-roasted over an open fire, often served during ceremonies and at traditional eateries.

Is Indian food easily available in Bali?
Yes, Indian food is widely available, especially in tourist areas like Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, and Nusa Dua. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly dhabas to high-end Indian restaurants offering familiar curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes.

What is the most eaten food in Bali?
Nasi Campur, or “mixed rice,” is one of the most commonly eaten meals in Bali. It typically includes steamed rice with a variety of side dishes like vegetables, tofu, tempeh, egg, and sambal, often with some meat or fish.

What fruit is Bali famous for?
Bali is famous for tropical fruits such as salak (snake fruit), mangosteen, rambutan, dragon fruit, and durian. These fruits are sold in markets and often served fresh or as part of desserts and smoothies.

Should I eat street food in Bali?
You can enjoy street food in Bali if you’re cautious. Choose vendors that are busy (a sign of freshness), go for hot and freshly cooked items, and avoid anything raw or pre-prepared that has been sitting out.

What do locals eat in Bali?
Locals typically eat simple, home-style meals centered around rice. These include dishes with vegetables, fried tempeh or tofu, sambal, and small portions of chicken, pork, or fish. Meals are often homemade or bought from small warungs.

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