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What To Eat in Bali: Top 10 Indonesian Foods You Need To Try

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!

  1. 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.
  1. 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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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!

  1. 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!
  1. 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.
  1. 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!
  1. 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!
  1. 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!
  1. 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
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