Due to its cultural and spiritual hub, Bali is one of Indonesia’s most visited tourist attractions. There is no surprise because of where is Bali Located on an optimal place, which lead to it having a perfect weather and bustling with activities throughout the year.
Therefore, any time of the year is the best time to visit Bali. Like its diverse culture, Bali’s food is varied. Special spices create well-made dishes with unique tastes and aromas.
You can also learn about how big is Bali, and its cultural heritage and traditions, by visiting this blog. While also learning the safety in Bali.
It what is important to know what is the climate in Bali for the month or season you wish to visit, so you can have an unforgettable moment with exploration. Visit our blog on the capital of Bali, and weather in Bali.
In this article, we will discuss the culinary dishes that Bali has to offer and recommend what to eat in Bali. Stick around to find out more about Balinese food and recommended restaurants.
This article not only cover what to eat in Bali, but also the best restaurants to eat in Bali. We will cover what dishes they excel in doing.
The History Of Balinese Food:
The Balinese culture uses a variety of spices accompanied by fresh vegetables, meats, and fish. Balinese cuisine is influenced by Indian and Chinese cultures, which is why it uses similar methods to China and India when it comes to preparing food.
The primary grain eaten in the Balinese culture is rice. It is usually served with meat, vegetables, or fish. However, beef, like in the Hindu culture, is not primarily consumed.
I can assure you that you can find delicacies scattered all over Bali from food stands and vendors. However, because it is a popular tourist destination, many Westernised foods are also available.
So you might be wondering what to eat in Bali; here comes the part where we discuss the best food to eat in Bali, Indonesia. We will also recommend restaurants for each dish you can eat in Bali.
What To Eat In Bali? With The Best Restaurants In Bali To Eat, This Balinese Dish:
In this comprehensive guide about what to eat in Bali, we recommend some Balinese dishes and the best restaurants to try each dish. Therefore, stick around to find out what and where to eat in Bali, Indonesia.
1. Nasi Ayam:
Nasi Ayam is one of the most delicious foods served in Bali. It consists of shredded chicken, boiled eggs, French salad, satay, roasted peanuts, sambar, and rice.
This dish is filled with flavours that I am sure will satisfy you. The satay is made of marinated fish and chicken that is perfectly grilled.
You can find this dish in many restaurants throughout Bali. However, I highly recommend visiting Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki restaurant in Bandung and Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Bu Mangku restaurant in Denpasar.
2. Ayam Betutu:
Ayam Betutu is a Balinese-spiced chicken bathed in chilli sambal. It comes with steamed rice, satay, peanuts, and salad.
First, the chicken is braised and then steamed. Then, it is broken into smaller chunks and served with chilli sambal and Sambal Matah.
Where to eat Ayam Betutu in Bali? The best restaurant in Bali to eat this traditional Balinese dish is Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk. I recommend you to visit this restaurant because they have a variety of options so you can try other foods as well.
3. Lawar:
If you are wondering what to eat in Bali, this delicious food should be in your mind. You must try Balinese food. Lawar is mainly made of coconut gratings minced with jack fruit, chicken skin, chillies, and coconut milk. The dish is usually served on banana leaves.
If you are vegetarian, you can order the white Lawar, which is made of jackfruit and has no animal products.
However, if you are not, you should order the red Lawar because it consists of blood, which gives it a red fruity texture. Some restaurants also offer turtles and dragonflies. If that suits you, you can order it.
There are many restaurants where you can order this delightful dish. However, I would recommend you visit Al Jazeerah Signature Bali Restaurant and Lounge.
They have a variety of Balinese cuisine that you must try in the restaurant, such as the already mentioned Nasi Ayam and Ayam Betutu.
4. Babi Guling: (suckling pig):
Babi Guling, a favourite among food critics, is made of roasted pig. Its unique papering makes it a preferable and delicious Balinese option.
Stuffed with many Balinese spices, the roasted pig is grilled for hours until it is smoky red and the skin is crispy. It is served with satay, Lawar, rice, pork meat and skins.
The rest of the pork is served as a steamed pork soup with green onions and cilantro. Some restaurants serve roasted pork Satay on skewers. It is cooked to perfection and can make your mouth melt.
I highly recommend you try this dish, as it is traditional Balinese food. Many restaurants serve this delicious dish, but Babi Guling Ibu Oka restaurant stands out from the rest.
They have been serving Babi Guling for more than 12 years. Many tourists and locals travel from a distance to this restaurant to try the suckling pig dish.
5. Sate Lilit:
Made of minced meat satay, Sate Lilit is served with either beef or pork. It is smoked on charcoal to give it an appealing charred taste. It is pretty delicious and mouth-watering if you ask me.
Sate Lilit is usually served on a stick dipped in peanut sauce and garlic flakes. Its taste is sweet, tender and chewy. Nothing can top this dish; it is one of my favourite Balinese dishes. It melts in your mouth.
The best place to try the Sate Lilit is at the Sate Lilit Tuna restaurant. It is cheap and comes with Oxtail soup. The restaurant also offers grilled tuna meat that is cooked to perfection. I would highly recommend it.
6. Martabak:
Martabak is the Indonesian version of pancakes. It comes with many toppings, such as Toblerone, peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, Nutella, cheese, butter, or condensed milk. It is suitable as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
You can visit many restaurants in Bali for this tender Balinese dish, but I recommend you try Sedap Mantap Martabak & Terang Bulang and Warung Bunana in Badung. They specialize in making Martabak, so you are in the right place and at the right time.
7. Nasi Campur:
This traditional Balinese dish is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Nasi Campur consists of beef rendang, grilled chicken, vegetables, and tofu, all mixed with yellow or white rice. It is cooked in wooden utensils and clay for a smokey taste.
The Made’s Warung restaurant specialises in making Nasi Campur, so there is no better place in Bali to try it than this restaurant. It is a good place to spend a quick bit after a long day roaming Bali.
8. Tipat Cantok:
The Tipat Cantok is a vegetarian dish known as Balinese rice cake Salad. It consists of rice cakes, cabbage, peanut sauce, green sprouts, and sweet soy sauce.
It is a dish that is salty and sweet at the same time, filled with flavour that can melt in your mouth.
You might be wondering where to eat in Bali. You can find it in Warung Tipat Cantok. The peanut sauce offered with Tipat Cantok is made by crushing garlic, chillies, and peanuts, giving it a delicious taste you can not resist.
9. Nasi Goreng:
Nasi Goreng is one of my favourite dishes in Bali. It consists of spices mixed with rice and boiled on a low flame. Then, vegetables, chicken or beef, and butte are added, and the dish is steamed.
The best restaurant in Bali to try Nasi Goreng is Nasi Goreng Pondok LA Andy Food. Their nasi goreng is quite delicious and can melt in your mouth. I highly recommend it.
10. Sambal Matah:
There are many variations of Sambal Matah, so there is a chance that you might try different Sambal Matah dishes in every restaurant.
It comes with lemongrass, spices, chopped shallots, garlic, and herbs. They are usually served with shrimp, but sometimes they are served with chicken or fish.
There are many restaurants in Bali that serve Sambal Matah, but I recommend visiting Warung Mummi Sambal Matah.
Conclusion:
I hope you enjoy our guide on what to eat in Bali and where to eat in Bali. This comprehensive guide about Bali allows you to explore many dishes in the Balinese culture.
Please share your thoughts about your experience. We would love to hear your thoughts about eating at the best restaurants in Bali. Let’s know how it went and how you like the food. Leave a comment below.
We also have a guide about where to stay in Bali, so you might be interested in checking it out. Not to forget about the best places to visit in Bali. Your visit would not be complete without visiting the best beaches in Bali.
We also have a guide about a 2 weeks trip in Bali, so make sure to visit this as it can help you plan your itinerary getaway in Bali.
One of the best things to do on the island is that of chasing waterfalls in Bali, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.
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