7 Irresistible Street Snacks to Try on a Night Out in Bali

When the sun sets over the beaches of Bali and the island begins to shimmer under twinkling lights, it’s not just the nightlife that comes alive—it’s the food scene too. Bali may be famous for its surf spots and yoga retreats, but the island’s street food deserves just as much of the spotlight. Rich in culture, flavor, and local charm, the street snacks you’ll find at night markets and roadside stalls are a direct path to experiencing the soul of Balinese cuisine.

Forget fancy restaurants for a night. If you’re ready to discover authentic, mouthwatering bites that are easy on the wallet and heavy on flavor, join us as we explore 7 irresistible street snacks to try on a night out in Bali.

---

1. 🌶️ Sate Lilit – Spiced Balinese Skewers

One of Bali’s most iconic dishes, Sate Lilit is a unique take on Indonesian satay. Unlike the typical version with chunks of grilled meat, Sate Lilit is made from minced meat (often fish, chicken, or pork) mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, garlic, shallots, and a rich blend of Balinese spices. The mixture is then wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks and grilled to perfection.

The result? Juicy, flavorful skewers that offer the perfect balance between smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet. You’ll often find these at night markets or roadside warungs, freshly grilled and served with a spicy sambal or sweet soy sauce.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Packed with bold spices
✅ Smoky from the grill
✅ Often served with rice or lontong (rice cake)

Best Spot
👉 Gianyar Night Market or local stalls in Sanur.

---

2. 🍠 Pisang Rai – Steamed Banana in Grated Coconut

Need something sweet after your spicy treats? Enter Pisang Rai, a beloved traditional snack that showcases the simpler, sweeter side of Balinese cuisine.

Pisang Rai is made from ripe bananas, coated in rice flour dough, steamed, and rolled in freshly grated coconut. Sometimes, it’s served with palm sugar syrup, making it slightly indulgent yet naturally satisfying.

The texture is soft and chewy with a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower. It’s commonly sold by elderly women on the roadside, especially in residential neighborhoods or near temples during local ceremonies.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Naturally gluten-free and vegan
✅ Warm, comforting texture
✅ Subtle tropical sweetness

Best Spot
👉 Sindu Night Market or local temple festivals.

---

3. 🍢 Bakso – Indonesian Meatball Soup

Although bakso is found throughout Indonesia, Bali gives this comfort food its own local twist. Served from pushcarts or small stalls, Bakso is a flavorful meatball soup typically made from beef or chicken, served with noodles, tofu, egg, and vegetables.

What makes Balinese bakso stand out is the fiery sambal often served on the side. Adventurous eaters can spice up their soup to their liking—just beware, the locals don’t hold back!

This snack is more like a full meal and is perfect after a night of clubbing in Kuta or wandering through the beachside streets of Seminyak.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Hearty and filling
✅ Customizable spice level
✅ Comfort food at its finest

Best Spot
👉 Look for roaming bakso vendors around Legian at night.

---

4. 🥟 Jaje Bali – Traditional Balinese Sweets

“Jaje” is the Balinese term for snack, and Jaje Bali refers to a wide assortment of colorful traditional sweets often made from rice flour, coconut, palm sugar, and banana. These snacks are not only tasty but also deeply rooted in Balinese Hindu rituals.

From klepon (glutinous rice balls filled with molten palm sugar) to lupis (sticky rice triangles wrapped in banana leaves), the variety is astounding. Often sold in mixed bundles wrapped in banana leaves, they’re the perfect takeaway snack.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Colorful and Instagram-worthy
✅ Natural ingredients
✅ Bite-sized bliss

Best Spot
👉 Pasar Badung Night Market in Denpasar or early night stalls near Ubud Palace.

---

5. 🐙 Terang Bulan Mini – Sweet Indonesian Pancakes

If you’re a dessert lover with a late-night sweet tooth, Terang Bulan Mini is your dream come true. Often described as a cross between a pancake and a sponge cake, this snack is cooked in small, round molds and filled with a generous mix of toppings—chocolate sprinkles, crushed peanuts, condensed milk, and cheese.

Yes, cheese and chocolate. It might sound odd, but the combo is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The outer layer is crispy while the inside remains soft and sweet.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Endless topping combinations
✅ Crispy outside, gooey inside
✅ Cheap and cheerful

Best Spot
👉 Kreneng Night Market or outside major supermarkets.

---

6. 🥚 Martabak Telur – Savory Stuffed Pancake

While the sweet version of martabak is also popular in Bali, it’s the savory Martabak Telur that steals the show for night owls. This golden, crispy fried pancake is filled with a mix of eggs, minced meat, green onions, and spices. It’s then folded and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

Typically served with pickled cucumber and chili sauce, it’s the kind of indulgent snack that perfectly balances rich flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Hearty and protein-rich
✅ Perfect for sharing
✅ Deep-fried perfection

Best Spot
👉 Food trucks near Sunset Road or Jalan Dewi Sri.

---

7. 🐟 Ikan Bakar Jimbaran – Grilled Seafood by the Sea

Okay, this one blurs the line between street snack and full meal, but Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) at Jimbaran Bay deserves a spot on this list. Late-night seafood stalls along the beach offer freshly caught fish, squid, and prawns, marinated in Balinese bumbu (spice paste), then grilled over coconut husk embers.

You choose your fish, watch it get grilled, and enjoy it with sambal matah and rice—all with your toes in the sand and the sea breeze in your hair.

Why You’ll Love It
✅ Ultra-fresh seafood
✅ Breathtaking views
✅ Local grilling techniques

Best Spot
👉 Jimbaran Seafood Cafes (open until late night).

---

🎉 Tips for Enjoying Street Snacks in Bali

• Go where the locals go – Busy stalls usually mean fresh food and great taste.
• Carry small cash – Most vendors don’t accept cards or digital payments.
• Ask for “sedikit pedas” if you want it only mildly spicy.
• Respect local etiquette – Say “terima kasih” (thank you) and smile!
• Try everything once – Even if it looks unfamiliar, street food is where real adventure begins.

---

🌟 The Magic of Bali’s Nighttime Bites

Bali’s street food culture is a feast for the senses. From the wafting scent of grilled meat to the kaleidoscope of colorful desserts, these snacks are more than just food—they’re memories in the making. Whether you’re bar-hopping in Seminyak or taking a moonlit stroll in Ubud, you’ll find a street snack calling your name.

So next time you’re in Bali, skip the five-star menu for a humble warung or night market vendor. What you find might surprise you—and will definitely satisfy you.