Known as the ‘island of the Gods’ and one of the most highly rated tourist destinations in the
world, Bali is home to a beautiful diversification of cultures, wildlife, natural landscapes,
weather, and most importantly – food!
Visiting Bali this summer? Here is our Ultimate Travel Guide of what to eat in Bali!
- Nasi Goreng
Translating to ‘fried rice’ Nasi Goreng is a staple Indonesian dish that is often eaten for
breakfast, and it comes in many variations depending on which region you visit in Indonesia.
This dish is made by frying rice with scrambled eggs, shallots, onions, chilli sauce and the
main ingredient – kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)! The dish can be fried with chicken,
prawns, or whatever of your choosing, and served with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, fried
shallots, prawn crackers, and topped with a fried egg.
- Gado-Gado
Gado-Gado is a classic veggie salad, typically made of long beans, spinach, egg, potato,
tofu, tempeh and topped with the classic peanut sauce that is used in other Indonesian
dishes. This salad is a great option for vegetarians or those simply wanting something a bit
lighter in the day!
- Sate
Known as ‘satay’ in English, Indonesia is believed to have introduced the skewered kebabs!
There are so many different types of sate you can find on the island, from fish, tempeh,
chicken, beef, tofu and many more! Sate is usually served with the classic savoury and
sweet peanut sauce, which compliments the dish very well.
- Bakso
Bakso is made up of meatballs served with noodles and fried dumplings in a hot broth, which
you can then add different sauces or herbs to liken to your taste. This yummy dish also
tends to be very cheap, typically costing less than £1! You will definitely see a lot of street
vendors selling bakso on portable carts that they wheel around the island.
Top Tip: To avoid Bali Belly, go to street vendors where there are many other locals being
served – this indicates that the food is good and least likely to result in an upset tummy!
- Babi Guling
This typical Balinese dish is uniquely prepared by stuffing a pig with spices and sealing it,
before roasting to perfection. Once cooked, the meat is shredded and served with rice, pork
skin, sate, a mixture of vegetables and pork soup. This is a classic Balinese dish you just
have to try!
- Nasi Campur
Meaning ‘mixed rice’, this Indonesian dish is suited to anyone! Usually served at local
warungs (family-owned businesses), the dish starts with a scoop of white rice, followed by
small portions of your choosing depending on what the local warung has. This usually
includes meats, vegetables, eggs, sauces, and fried-shrimp crackers! Nasi Campur is a
great way to try many types of local foods without getting too full.
- Pisang Goreng
As you have probably learnt the Indonesian word for ‘fried’ by now (‘goreng’), this dish
translates to ‘fried banana’. Fried fruit? Sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does! This
amazing gorgeous dessert can be topped with honey, palm sugar or even chocolate and
cheese shreds!
- Urap Sayur
This classic Balinese dish is made with steamed vegetables including spinach, long beans
and beansprouts, and served with spicy sambal (chilli paste) and grated coconut. This dish
is also gluten-free and vegan friendly!
- Rujak
Rujak is another Indonesian salad dish, found all over Bali! What is interesting about this
salad dish, is that it is made up of fruit and vegetables and topped with a spicy tamarind and
palm sugar dressing. If you love pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, this is the dish to
try and will impress the locals!
- Batun Bedil
Last but not least, this sweet dish contains chewy tapioca balls mixed in with sweet soup
made of brown sugar, pandan leaves, rice flour and coconut milk, and topped with shredded
coconut. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, this is definitely a Balinese dish you should not
miss out on
Looking to book your balinese adventure to try all these different foods, use our free search
tool to look for hotels during your stay!