Bali is a paradise for foodies, and there are a host of delicious dishes to sample. From classic Balinese specialties like Bebek Betutu and Babi Guling to more modern creations like Nasi Campur, the island offers an array of flavors that will tantalize taste buds. Let’s explore Balinese cuisine and the best dishes to try in Bali. When curating the Bali tour packages from India, you can dedicate a day for taking cooking classes.
Balinese cuisine is the traditional cuisine of the people of Bali. It is a unique and exciting blend of flavors, textures, and spices that make it one of the most interesting and varied cuisines in the world. You should must-try food in Bali atleast once in your lifetime. Bali's food exhibits traditions as well as influences from other Indonesian regional cuisines, Chinese and Indian, by using a range of spices paired with fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood.
The island's population is largely Hindu, and culinary traditions differ from those of the rest of Indonesia. with festivals and religious celebrations comprising various specific delicacies created as sacrifices for the deities, as well as other dishes shared communally during the celebrations.
Rice is the main course, which is complimented by vegetables, meat, and fish. Pork, poultry, fruit, vegetables, and shellfish are popular, but beef is never or rarely consumed, as it is in most Hindu communities. Night markets, warungs (food stalls), and fruit vendors also sell native delicacies that attract a lot of tourists.
Every food enthusiast should eat Nasi Ayam, one of the most popular dishes in Balinese cuisine. This dish, which includes shredded chicken, satay, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, a French bean salad, sambal, and a bowl of steaming rice, is sure to take you on an exciting culinary adventure as you explore the range of flavors it offers. The satay, made of fish, is marinated with chicken and cooked to perfection. The latter is served shredded, while the former is presented on a stick. The dish is elevated to a whole new level by the crunch that the peanuts add making it one of the best dishes to try in Bali.
This meal is a go-to appetizer since it is unquestionably the best coconut-based food on the land and truly one of the best food to try in Bali. The main ingredient is grated coconut, to which are added minced jackfruit, pieces of chicken skin, chilies, and coconut milk. The dish's fruity richness is enhanced by jackfruit and coconut milk, while the chicken skin gives it a somewhat chewy texture. These components are all manually combined and customarily served on a banana leaf.
Kuta (5N)
One of the must-try foods in Bali is Ayam betutu. The dish is a combination of a bowl of boiled rice, chicken chunks drenched in chili sambal, satay, salad, and peanuts. The chicken is typically braised first, then smoked. It is cut into pieces and served with Sambal Matah and chili sambal. You don't require any sides for this dish as the Sambal Matah will linger on your tastebuds and make you feel like heaven.
Ubud (2N)
Kuta (3N)
Babu Guling, which claims to be a critic's favorite, is one of those Balinese meals that is unique in its preparation. An entire pig is stuffed with spices and sealed. The meat is cooked over two stands until it turns a smoky red color. The crisp skin is retained, and the flesh is neatly shredded. Pork soup is served with rice, satay, Lawar, pork skin, and shredded pork meat. This steaming hot soup contains chunks of pork meat and a dash of green onions and cilantro.
The satay is grilled to perfection and served on a skewer. To enhance the dish, the soup can sometimes be added to the main course, letting you savor every bite. You cannot miss Babu Guling, one of the best foods to try in Bali.
Kuta (2N)
Seminyak (2N)
Sweets are considered an essential aspect of any culture. Well, the Balinese don't spare any attempt when it comes to enjoying sweets. These sweet treats are made from boiling rice cakes filled with palm sugar and topped with coconut gratings. They typically come in little plastic boxes and are extremely popular in the Balinese market. This is the best dish to try on your Bali vacation.
Kuta (2N)
Ubud (3N)
Looking for a way to beat the heat? This is the signature energy drink or snack of Bali that you're looking for! Dalumen is a sweet beverage made from coconut milk, palm sugar, and jelly derived from dalumen leaves, which is excellent for digestion and hypertension. The drink's jelly gives your taste buds a completely different experience making it one of the top dishes to try in Bali.
Ubud (2N)
Kuta (3N)
This is one of Bali's all-time favorite dishes. A thick paste is created by combining a variety of spices, and it is then put into boiled rice and slowly heated. Together with the chicken or beef that has already been marinated and cooked to perfection, a tonne of vegetables are also added. Finally, butter is added to this heap of fried rice to make it even more luscious and delicious. Nasi Goreng is a common staple for Balinese people and a must-try food in Bali for tourists.
Sanur (2N)
Nusa Penida (2N)
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The most famous food to try in Bali and a best. It is popularly known as the "king of fruits" and is mostly found in Indonesia. In addition to the oval shape, its exterior coating is greenish-yellow and spiky. Despite having a pungent, overbearing smell, it is used in a variety of smoothies and meals, proving that it is the uncontested king of fruits. Most consumers like to consume this raw.
Kuta (2N)
Seminyak (2N)
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Need a reason to take pleasure? Here it is! Martabak is an Indonesian pancake that comes with a plethora of toppings such as Toblerone, Nutella, peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, butter, cheese, and condensed milk. The pancake is folded in half and evenly cut through so that the toppings remain in the center, enabling the flavors to explode and leaving you with a sense of contentment, allowing you to savor every bite of this treat.
Kuta (3N)
Ubud (2N)
Balinese snacks and street food offer a variety of flavors and textures, from savory to sweet. From spicy sate lilit to fresh fruit juices and sweet cakes, there’s something for everyone.
You will undoubtedly come across a lot of street vendors selling goods from small, wheeled wooden carts, including buns, noodles, soups, and sate. These carts are usually referred to as "pedagang kaki lima," which is named after the country's five-foot-wide sidewalks. Several of these carts have their own peculiar sounds; for example, a vendor of "bakso" (noodle soup) could hit a bowl's side with a spoon, while a seller of "mie ayam" (chicken noodles) might hit a wooden block to produce a completely different sound. Nevertheless, there are also numerous Balinese eateries accessible.
Bali is one of the most popular vegan tourist destinations in the world, and traditional Indonesian cuisine is already largely vegan-friendly because of the extensive use of tofu and tempeh in many regional specialties. In Bali, there are countless restaurants that serve just vegetarian and vegan fare and make delectable, nutritious food. Finding the Best vegetarian restaurants in Bali is simply no task.
You could learn about all the must-try foods in Bali by enrolling in the culinary workshops. The local chefs organize special programs for all varieties of Balinese food (vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian). The course can last anywhere from a few hours to several months. Cooking classes in Bali offer travelers a unique opportunity to experience the flavors of the island. From learning about traditional Balinese ingredients to creating a traditional Balinese feast, travelers can immerse themselves in Balinese culture and the art of cooking.
Bali is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and delicious local cuisine. From Balinese dishes to international favorites, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Bali. Whether you're looking for a light snack or an indulgent feast, here are some of the best dishes that you should try when visiting the island. To explore this beautiful island, book Pickyourtrail’s Bali vacation package for a hassle-free trip.