What to Eat in Bali, Indonesia

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In this post, we’ll take a look at the basic concept behind traditional Indonesian food, before moving on to discover the most unmissable Indonesian dishes and what to eat in Bali. Finally, we’ll finish off by answering some of the most popular questions tourists ask about food when visiting Bali.

Characterised by rugged green volcanic mountains, iconic rice fields or ‘paddies’ and picture-perfect beaches, Bali is arguably one of south east Asia’s most beautiful destinations. Home to a number of historical landmarks and attractions, from the sacred Uluwatu Temple to the seaside city of Kuta with its bustling bars, this tranquil Indonesian island offers plenty to entertain the sightseeing traveller.

After a day of exploring, you’ll probably be wondering what to eat in Bali. Traditional Indonesian cuisine is just as varied as the country’s landscape, with slight tweaks according to region.

Looking for affordable yet elegant accommodation for your trip to Bali? If you’re travelling with a group, renting a villa rather than a hotel could save you hundreds of pounds, while also enabling you to access luxury accommodation. Villa Finder enables you to browse villas in various areas of Bali, with accommodation available in resort villages like Canggu, alongside properties dotted across the entire island.

Alternatively, check out this guide to where to stay in Bali for inspiration on a range of accommodation types.

Read on to discover the traditional Indonesian foods you simply must try when you visit Bali, including recommendations from some of my fellow travel bloggers on where to eat in Bali.

What is traditional Indonesian food?

A typical Indonesian meal will consist of steamed rice accompanied by vegetables, soup and meat or fish side dishes. Usually, each dish will be served from a large bowl or plate at the centre of the dining table and everyone helps themselves.

The most popular Indonesian foods to eat in Bali

Babi Guling

Babi Guling, one of the most authentic Indonesian foods in Bali, used to be a dish reserved for important events such as funerals, weddings and ceremonies. However, the popularity of this ancient delicacy has been steadily rising. Recently, the famous chef Anthony Bourdain visited the city of Bali to sample this famous dish for his TV show, No Reservations. 

After trying Babi Guling (or suckling pig, in English), Anthony gave it two thumbs up. Ever since, foreigners have been flocking from across the world just to take a bite of this delicious wonder. 

So, what is Babi Guling actually made of? It’s a small pig stuffed with various kinds of spices, roasted over an open fire. The spices are no joke and the flavours will explode in your mouth the moment you take a bite. And of course, by flavours, I mean spice! Babi Guling is so spicy, it could make the average person cry. However, it’s also extremely tasty, so it will be tears of joy too!
 
Make sure you try Ibu Oka in Ubud when you visit Bali. It’s the restaurant Anthony Bourdain went to, and a great place to start your search for the best Babi Guling! Afterwards, why not go and check out one of the best waterfalls in Bali?

— Sean Lau, Living Out Lau

Indonesian Noodle Soup

Indonesian Noodle Soups are one of the most nutritious and satisfying meals you can have in Bali.  Bursting with a plethora of flavour and a choice of fresh ingredients, they are a traditional dish loved throughout Indonesia.  That said, every place you go adds its own unique twist.  

While there are several different recipes, the most prevalent is known as Soto Ayam – a yellow spicy chicken soup made with vermicelli noodles.  A variation of this delectable dish is Soto Padang.  This recipe combines beef, potato and egg for a delicious and wholesome meal.

While Indonesian noodle soups are generally meat-orientated, it’s easy to order a vegetarian option. In Bali especially, warungs and restaurants are familiar with welcoming vegan or vegetarian customers. However, it still pays to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, so you can be sure your dietary requirements are understood.  

As well as being one of the most flavoursome dishes in Bali, noodle soups are also one of the cheapest.  In many local warungs, you can eat this dish for as little as $2 a pop.  Healthy, delicious and affordable. What more could you possibly ask for?  

— Charlotte Hockin, Our Taste For Life

Tempeh

Tempeh is one of the classic foods of Indonesia and Bali. It’s made from fermented soybeans by natural culturing and controlled fermentation. And it offers a unique flavour, as well as lots of protein. This makes it a great food choice for vegans and vegetarians as well, and it can be found in any local restaurant in Bali or Indonesia, also known as Warung.

The texture of tempeh is very distinctive, as is the flavour. It has a certain savoury to it, and you don’t really need a sauce with it, although I recommend adding some soy sauce to the rice to make it extra tasty.

The best place to eat tempeh in Bali is at Warung Gauri, which is a lovely family-owned restaurant in Ubud. It’s located in a backstreet with views over a small rice field. The price is just 15,000 IDR (just over $1) for a portion of tempeh and rice.

— Alexander Waltner, Destinavo

Nasi Campur

If there’s one quintessential Indonesian dish you need to try when you’re in Bali, it’s Nasi Campur. It’s simple, ridiculously tasty, a little fiery and oh-so-delicious.

If you’re a lover of Korean food, it’s comparable to the staple national dish called Bi Bim Bap. It’s a rice dish topped or surrounded with a variety of dishes including, tempeh, green beans, curried meats, fried egg and stir-fried eggplant, topped with a crispy prawn cracker.

I, basically, lived off this dish in Bali. It’s one of the cheapest foods you can get at any Warung or cafe, setting you back only $1.50-3, which certainly won’t dint your Bali budget. Absolute bargain for a delicious, traditional meal.

Regardless of whether you’re on a budget or not, Nasi Campur is a must-try dish when you’re visiting Bali.

— Tina Pik, Hangry By Nature

Nasi Goreng

Perhaps one of the most well-known Indonesian foods, Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s answer to egg-fried rice and the country’s national dish, eaten across the country for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

While every recipe is different, the basic concept is steamed rice served in a thick soy sauce known as kecap manis, flavoured with chilli, shrimp paste, onion, garlic and tomato sauce. Some versions also include chicken, meat, fish, eggs and/or seafood.

Available in Warungs throughout Bali, Nasi Goreng is a very affordable dish, selling for around $1-3 per person. Check out the best places to eat Nasi Goreng in Bali.

FAQ: What to eat in Bali

Besides knowing about the best traditional foods to try when you visit Bali, it’s also worth getting clued up on some of the local customs and laws around food – as well as what not to eat in Bali!

Can I take food into Bali?

Yes, you can take almost any food into Bali, although certain foods may need to be declared. As with all countries, you’re not allowed to bring fresh fruit, vegetables, meat or dairy products.

Some supermarkets sell Western brands, like Carefour, although be aware that imported goods may cost more than you’re used to paying back at home.

What food should I avoid in Bali?

If you’re aiming to avoid running the risk of food poisoning in Bali, there are several foods you might wish to avoid:

• Rare or undercooked meats, especially chicken
• Seafood
• Leafy green veg and salad (which might be contaminated after being washed with water)
• Street food

However, if you’re a self-confessed foodie or there’s a particular food you just really want to taste, don’t be afraid to give it a shot. Just use your instinct and common sense and look for a vendor that looks clean and professional. A great way to hunt down a trustworthy local restaurant or food outlet is to look for a long queue of locals trailing across the street or out the door – if they’ll eat there, it must be okay! You might also wish to consider hiring a tourist secrets Asia guide who is familiar with the local street food vendors.

Does Indonesia eat pork?

As Indonesia has a large Muslim population, a large part of the country doesn’t consume pork due to Halal laws. However, in parts of Indonesia where Muslims are less commonplace, pork – and boar – is widely consumed.

Is Indonesian food like Thai food?

While there are some similarities between Thai and Indonesian food, particularly in relation to the use of seafood or chicken and the spices and herbs used for seasoning, there are also several stark contrasts between the two cuisines.

While most Indonesians don’t eat pork and tend to eat a lot of lamb and beef, Thai food focuses heavily on pork. In addition, Indonesian food varies a lot according to region in comparison to Thai cuisine. For example, the food typically eaten in Sumatra closely resembles Malay cuisine, whereas Central Java and Yogyakarta have a reputation for sweet dishes (while Thailand prefers sour foods) and in Manado, you’ll come across unusual delicacies including rats and bats.

Have I missed any dishes off my list of what to eat in Bali? Comment below to let me know.

Did this post leave you hungry for more? Here’s some inspiration on what to read next.

• Top 5 Nepali Dishes and Nepalese Food Tips
• 6 Scrumptious Foods to Eat in Singapore
• 10 Caribbean Foods You Have to Try
• A Guide to Eating Out in Lagos, Algarve
• A Guide to Eating Out in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria,

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