What to Eat in Bali: 15 Delicious Dishes You Can’t Miss

Bali, the Island of the Gods, is not only famous for its stunning beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant culture, but also for its incredible culinary scene. The island’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of traditional Indonesian flavors with unique Balinese twists, influenced by Hindu culture and local ingredients. From aromatic spices to fresh tropical fruits, every dish tells a story of the island’s rich heritage.

Whether you’re wandering through bustling warungs (local eateries) in Ubud, dining at beachfront restaurants in Seminyak, or exploring traditional markets in Denpasar, Bali offers a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Here are 15 delicious dishes that should be on every food lover’s Bali bucket list.

1. Nasi Goreng 🍚

The King of Indonesian Fried Rice

Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s national dish and a absolute must-try when visiting Bali. This fragrant fried rice dish is typically made with day-old rice stir-fried with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), shallots, garlic, chili, and a variety of proteins like chicken, shrimp, or beef. What makes Balinese Nasi Goreng special is the addition of local spices and the signature fried egg on top, often served with kerupuk (Indonesian crackers) and pickled vegetables.

The best Nasi Goreng in Bali can be found at local warungs where recipes have been passed down through generations. Each family has their own secret blend of spices, making every plate a unique experience. The dish perfectly balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, creating a harmony that represents Indonesian cuisine at its finest.

2. Satay (Sate) 🍢

Grilled Perfection on Skewers

Satay is one of Indonesia’s most beloved dishes, and Bali offers some of the most flavorful variations. These grilled skewers of marinated meat are typically made with chicken, beef, or lamb, though seafood versions are also popular along the coast. The meat is marinated in a blend of turmeric, coriander, and other aromatic spices before being grilled over charcoal, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.

What makes Balinese satay exceptional is the peanut sauce (sambal kacang) that accompanies it. This rich, creamy sauce is made from ground peanuts, palm sugar, tamarind, and chili, creating a perfect complement to the grilled meat. Served with lontong (rice cakes) and fresh cucumber, satay is not just a meal but a cultural experience that brings people together.

3. Gado Gado 🥗

Indonesia’s Ultimate Salad

Gado Gado, literally meaning “mixed mixed,” is Indonesia’s answer to the perfect salad. This colorful dish combines blanched vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, green beans, and spinach with boiled eggs, tofu, tempeh, and sometimes shrimp crackers. The magic lies in the dressing – a rich peanut sauce similar to satay sauce but with its own unique blend of spices.

In Bali, Gado Gado is often served as a light lunch or healthy dinner option. The combination of fresh vegetables and protein-rich ingredients makes it both nutritious and satisfying. Street vendors throughout Bali serve their own versions, each with slightly different vegetables and sauce preparations, making it a dish worth trying multiple times during your visit.

4. Rendang 🍛

The World’s Most Delicious Food

Rendang has been crowned the world’s most delicious food by CNN, and for good reason. This slow-cooked curry originates from West Sumatra but has become a staple throughout Indonesia, including Bali. The dish involves cooking beef (or sometimes chicken) in coconut milk and a paste of mixed spices for hours until the meat becomes tender and the sauce reduces to a thick, almost dry consistency.

The spice paste typically includes chilies, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass, creating layers of complex flavors. What makes rendang truly special is the cooking process – the longer it cooks, the more the flavors intensify and the meat becomes more tender. In Bali, you’ll find rendang served in traditional restaurants and warungs, often accompanied by steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

5. Soto Ayam 🍲

Comforting Chicken Soup

Soto Ayam is Indonesia’s beloved chicken soup, perfect for any time of day but especially comforting during Bali’s occasional rainy seasons. This aromatic soup features shredded chicken in a clear, flavorful broth made from chicken bones, galangal, lemongrass, and various spices. The soup is typically served with rice, boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and fried shallots.

What makes Balinese Soto Ayam unique is the addition of local herbs and spices that give it a distinctly tropical flavor. Many warungs serve this soup for breakfast, providing locals and tourists alike with a nutritious and satisfying start to their day. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and warming spices makes it an ideal dish for exploring Bali’s diverse landscapes.

6. Mie Ayam 🍜

Indonesian Chicken Noodles

Mie Ayam is Indonesia’s take on chicken noodles, featuring egg noodles topped with seasoned minced chicken, vegetables, and often a boiled egg. The dish is typically served with a side of clear chicken broth and various condiments like chili sauce, soy sauce, and pickled vegetables. The noodles are usually tossed in a sweet soy sauce mixture that gives them their characteristic flavor and slightly dark color.

In Bali, Mie Ayam is a popular street food that can be found at food stalls and warungs throughout the island. The dish is affordable, filling, and perfect for a quick meal while exploring. Many vendors also offer variations with different toppings like meatballs (bakso), mushrooms, or additional vegetables, making it a versatile option for different tastes.

7. Nasi Padang 🍽️

The Feast from West Sumatra

Nasi Padang is a style of eating that originated from Padang, West Sumatra, but has become extremely popular throughout Indonesia, including Bali. The concept involves serving steamed rice with a variety of pre-cooked dishes displayed in a glass case. Diners can choose from an array of curries, vegetables, meats, and fish dishes, with the bill calculated based on what they consume.

Popular dishes in a Nasi Padang spread include rendang, gulai (curry), sambal (chili paste), fried fish, and various vegetable preparations. The beauty of Nasi Padang lies in its variety – you can try multiple dishes in one meal and experience different flavors and textures. In Bali, Nasi Padang restaurants are particularly popular among locals and offer an authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine.

8. Bakso 🥣

Indonesian Meatball Soup

Bakso is Indonesia’s beloved meatball soup that has captured hearts across the archipelago, including Bali. These tender meatballs are made from ground beef or chicken mixed with tapioca starch, giving them a unique, slightly bouncy texture. They’re served in a clear, flavorful broth with noodles, vegetables, and various condiments.

In Bali, bakso vendors can be found everywhere, from street carts to proper restaurants. The soup is often customized to individual preferences, with options for different types of noodles, additional toppings like fried wontons or tofu, and varying levels of spiciness. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for any time of day and offers a warming, satisfying meal that’s both affordable and delicious.

9. Martabak 🥞

The Ultimate Street Food Pancake

Martabak comes in two main varieties: savory (martabak telur) and sweet (martabak manis). The savory version is a stuffed pancake filled with eggs, minced meat, and vegetables, then folded and grilled until crispy. The sweet version, also known as martabak manis or terang bulan, is a thick, fluffy pancake topped with butter, sugar, condensed milk, and various toppings like chocolate, cheese, or peanuts.

Both types of martabak are extremely popular in Bali, especially as evening snacks. Street vendors set up stalls throughout the island, and the aroma of cooking martabak often draws crowds. The sweet version has become particularly creative in Bali, with vendors offering unique toppings and combinations that cater to both local and international tastes.

10. Es Campur 🍧

Tropical Shaved Ice Delight

Es Campur, literally meaning “mixed ice,” is Indonesia’s answer to beating the tropical heat. This refreshing dessert consists of shaved ice topped with a colorful array of ingredients like condensed milk, coconut milk, tropical fruits, jellies, beans, and various sweet syrups. Each bowl is a work of art, with vendors arranging the toppings to create an Instagram-worthy presentation.

In Bali, Es Campur vendors can be found at beaches, markets, and street corners, offering relief from the island’s warm climate. The combination of textures and flavors – from the creamy coconut milk to the chewy jellies and fresh fruits – creates a dessert experience that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a day of temple-hopping or beach activities.

11. Pecel Lele 🐟

Crispy Fried Catfish

Pecel Lele is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish featuring deep-fried catfish served with sambal (chili paste), steamed rice, and fresh vegetables. The catfish is typically marinated in turmeric and salt before being fried until golden and crispy. What makes this dish special is the sambal – a spicy, aromatic paste made from chilies, tomatoes, shallots, and various spices.

In Bali, Pecel Lele is often enjoyed as a casual dinner, particularly popular among locals for its affordable price and satisfying taste. The contrast between the crispy fish and the spicy sambal creates a perfect balance, while the fresh vegetables provide a cooling element. Many warungs specialize in this dish, each claiming to have the best sambal recipe on the island.

12. Gudeg 🥘

Sweet Jackfruit Curry

Gudeg is a traditional Javanese dish that has found its way to Bali’s culinary scene. This sweet curry is made from young jackfruit (nangka muda) cooked in coconut milk with palm sugar, giving it a distinctive sweet and savory flavor. The jackfruit is simmered for hours until it becomes tender and absorbs all the aromatic spices, including galangal, bay leaves, and coriander.

Typically served with rice, boiled eggs, chicken, and krecek (spicy beef skin curry), Gudeg offers a complete meal that represents the complexity of Indonesian cuisine. In Bali, you can find authentic Gudeg at Javanese restaurants and some traditional warungs, where the dish is prepared using time-honored recipes and techniques.

13. Sop Buntut 🍖

Rich Oxtail Soup

Sop Buntut is a hearty oxtail soup that’s perfect for those seeking a more substantial meal. The oxtail is slow-cooked until tender, creating a rich, flavorful broth that’s both comforting and nutritious. The soup typically includes vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, along with fried shallots and fresh herbs for garnish.

In Bali, Sop Buntut is often served in restaurants that specialize in Indonesian cuisine, though some warungs also offer their own versions. The dish is particularly popular for lunch or dinner, especially when you want something warming and filling. The tender meat falls off the bone, and the rich broth is perfect for dipping bread or mixing with rice.

14. Klepon 🍡

Sweet Coconut Rice Balls

Klepon is a traditional Indonesian dessert that’s particularly popular in Bali. These small, round rice balls are made from glutinous rice flour and colored green with pandan leaves, giving them a beautiful jade color and subtle floral aroma. The surprise comes from the liquid palm sugar center that bursts in your mouth when you bite into them, creating a delightful sweet experience.

After cooking, klepon is rolled in freshly grated coconut, adding texture and a subtle coconut flavor. These treats are often sold by street vendors or at traditional markets throughout Bali. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the palm sugar center is still liquid and the coconut coating is at its most fragrant.

15. Rujak 🥭

Spicy Fruit Salad

Rujak is Indonesia’s spicy fruit salad that perfectly embodies the country’s love for balancing different flavors. This refreshing dish combines various fresh fruits like mango, pineapple, cucumber, jicama, and star fruit with a spicy, sweet, and tangy dressing made from palm sugar, tamarind, chilies, and peanuts.

In Bali, rujak vendors are everywhere, from beach areas to busy streets, offering this healthy and refreshing snack. The combination of fresh, crisp fruits with the complex dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s an ideal snack for hot tropical days and provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Where to Find These Delicious Dishes 🗺️

Warungs (Local Eateries): These small, family-run restaurants offer the most authentic experience and are usually the most affordable option. You’ll find warungs throughout Bali, from busy streets to quiet village corners.

Traditional Markets: Places like Pasar Badung in Denpasar or Ubud Traditional Market offer various local dishes and snacks, perfect for trying multiple foods in one location.

Street Food Stalls: Especially popular in the evenings, street food vendors offer fresh, hot dishes that are both delicious and budget-friendly.

Local Restaurants: For a more comfortable dining experience, many local restaurants serve traditional dishes alongside modern Indonesian cuisine.

Tips for Food Adventures in Bali 💡

Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate and spicy food mean you’ll need plenty of water. Always drink bottled or properly filtered water.

Start Mild: Indonesian food can be quite spicy. If you’re not used to heat, ask for dishes to be made “tidak pedas” (not spicy) initially.

Eat Where Locals Eat: The best food is often found where you see locals dining. High turnover means fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.

Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes. Indonesian cuisine offers incredible variety, and you might discover your new favorite food.

Ask About Ingredients: If you have dietary restrictions, don’t hesitate to ask about ingredients. Many dishes can be modified to accommodate different needs.

Conclusion 🌟

Bali’s culinary landscape is as diverse and colorful as its culture. From the simple pleasure of perfectly cooked Nasi Goreng to the complex flavors of Rendang, each dish offers a window into Indonesian culture and tradition. These 15 dishes represent just a fraction of what Bali has to offer food lovers, but they provide an excellent starting point for your culinary adventure.

The beauty of Balinese cuisine lies not just in its flavors, but in the way food brings people together. Whether you’re sharing a meal with new friends at a local warung or enjoying a romantic dinner overlooking the rice terraces, food in Bali is always about more than just sustenance – it’s about connection, culture, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

So come hungry, come curious, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you planning your next trip to Bali before you’ve even left. Selamat makan! (Happy eating!)