The best way to travel and explore is through the local food. Balinese cuisine is quite unique and different from Indonesian cuisine. Most notably the use of pork (Bali is home to the biggest Hindu population in Indonesia) and other unique ingredients. The two outstanding flavours of Balinese cuisine are salty and spicy, using spices like ginger, turmeric and lemongrass.
Being a popular tourist destination, Bali’s food scenery has become quite international. Here’s a look at some of the popular local must-eat places in Bali.
Babi Guling Pak Malen
Babi Guling or roasted suckling pig is definitely one of Bali’s most famous dishes. A specially prepared suckling pig stuffed with a mixture of spices and then roasted over an open fire to a crispy glistening skin on the outside and juicy tender meat on the inside. The dish is then served with other sides like satay, chips and soup.
Address: Jalan Sunset Road No.554, Seminyak, Kuta, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 7pm (Daily)
Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck
A must-try local dish – bebek bengil (literally translated to ‘dirty duck’) is probably going to be the crispiest duck you have ever tried. The duck is steamed with a variety of spices and then deep fried to a crispy finish. Like many other Balinese dishes, the dish is typically served with sides like creamy mashed potatoes.
Address: Padang Tegal, Jl. Hanoman, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Opening Hours: 10am – 10:30pm (Daily)
Naughty Nuri’s Ubud
Another popular dish in Bali is Balinese pork ribs and you can find arguably the best one here at Naughty Nuri’s. This establishment has come a long way since it first opened in Ubud in 1995, they’ve opened franchises and expanded internationally to Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Macau and Melbourne. The ribs are flavorfully marinated with a perfect blend of kecap manis, lemongrass, shallots and turmeric.
Address: Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.88X, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily)
Seniman Coffee
Looking for a java fix with some authentic Balinese coffee? Seniman Coffee is the place to be. They actually roast, design and process their beans inhouse! Balinese coffee is slightly on the bitter side, so order some of the sweet desserts here and sip away the afternoon! They also have a unique bottled cold brew to take away.
Address: St. Sriwedari No 5, Ubud, Bali
Opening Hours: 5am – 12am (Daily)
Warung Wardani
Balinese nasi campur is rice with a selection of mixed dishes similar to our economic rice or nasi lemak. This local favourite is perfect for any time of the day, whether breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea or dinner. Warung Wardani offers authentic Balinese nasi campur with a huge variety of dishes, from spicy chicken slices to fish or beef satay and fried beef.
Address: Jl. Yudistira No. 2 North Denpasar, Bali
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Daily)
Warung Cahaya
Sambal matah, Bali’s unique version of sambal and a delicious spicy staple for any Balinese dish, made typically with a heavenly blend of shallots, lemongrass, garlic, chilli and lime. You can find pork and chicken sambal matah in this traditional warung. Just be warned, it’s very spicy and very addictive!
Address: Jl. Dewi Ratih No.1, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), 8:30am – 5:30pm (Sat – Sun)
For more info, please call us at +65 6532 5686 or enquiry@airelatedtravel.com.sg
