Discover a variety of traditional Balinese dishes that offer delightful flavors, authentic tastes, and an unforgettable culinary experience on the Island of the Gods.
Bali is not only renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich culture but also for its enticing array of culinary delights.
Each Balinese dish showcases unique flavors influenced by the island’s abundant spices. Here are 10 must-try Balinese dishes to complete your journey to this paradise.
1. Ayam Betutu
Ayam Betutu hails from Gilimanuk and is famous for its long cooking process and the use of a variety of spices.
The chicken is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked underground, creating a tender and flavorful dish. Some variations use duck, resulting in a richer taste.
Typical Balinese food, such as Ayam Betutu, is often served with a flavorful broth, making it a standout choice among Balinese dishes.
This dish is known for its tender, slow-cooked meat, infused with a blend of aromatic spices, offering a truly authentic taste of Bali’s culinary traditions.
2. Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck)
Bebek Bengil, or “Dirty Duck,” is a Ubud specialty featuring fried duck marinated in Balinese spices.
Served with steamed rice and spicy sambal, this dish delivers a crispy texture and a rich, savory flavor. It’s a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic and satisfying culinary experience in Bali.
3. Bulung Buni Kuah Pindang
Bulung Buni Kuah Pindang, also known as Rujak Bulung, combines fresh seaweed with a tangy and spicy pindang broth.
The chewy texture of the seaweed pairs perfectly with the broth’s refreshing sourness and heat. This dish is ideal for those looking for a unique and invigorating culinary adventure in Bali.
4. Tipat Cantok
Tipat Cantok is a traditional Balinese dish similar to gado-gado but with a spicier peanut sauce. It features fresh vegetables like long beans, cucumber, and cassava leaves, combined with rice cakes and drizzled with the sauce.
It’s a great choice for vegetarians, offering a nutrient-rich and flavorful meal.
5. Nasi Campur Bali
Nasi Campur Bali, or Balinese mixed rice, is a must-try dish that showcases a variety of flavors on one plate.
Typically served with white rice, it includes a mix of side dishes such as chicken, duck, pork satay, and vegetables seasoned with Balinese spices. This dish is perfect for sampling the rich culinary diversity of Bali.
6. Serombotan
Serombotan is a vegetarian-friendly dish made of various steamed vegetables served with a signature Balinese sauce called bumbu kalas.
This sauce, made with a blend of turmeric, galangal, coriander, and coconut milk, provides a savory and slightly spicy flavor. Topped with peanut sauce, it’s a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy tastes.
7. Laklak
Laklak is a traditional Balinese snack akin to pancakes, made from rice flour and coconut milk. Cooked over an open flame, it achieves a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Typically served with grated coconut, palm sugar syrup, and a drizzle of coconut milk, Laklak offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for an afternoon treat.
8. Bubur Mengguh
Bubur Mengguh is a Balinese variation of chicken porridge with a richer, more savory profile. The rice is cooked with coconut milk, and the dish is topped with shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and sometimes anchovies or small prawns.
Garnished with fried shallots, celery, and sambal, it’s a hearty and flavorful option for breakfast or dinner.
9. Tum Ayam
Tum Ayam is a traditional dish made of minced chicken mixed with Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed. The steaming process allows the banana leaf aroma to infuse the chicken, resulting in a tender, aromatic dish.
With its rich and slightly spicy flavor, Tum Ayam is a must-try for those exploring Balinese cuisine.
10. Babi Guling
Babi Guling, or roasted suckling pig, is one of Bali’s most iconic dishes. Although not halal, it is highly sought after by both locals and tourists for its flavorful and tender meat, paired with crispy skin.
The pig is marinated with a blend of garlic, turmeric, coriander, and ginger before being slow-roasted. It’s typically served with rice, lawar (vegetable salad), and sambal matah, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Bali’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, offering dishes that are as diverse and vibrant as the island itself. From the spicy complexity of Ayam Betutu to the crispy indulgence of Babi Guling, each dish delivers a taste of Bali’s soul.
In addition to these iconic Balinese dishes, Lombok Culinary delights such as Ayam Taliwang and Plecing Kangkung add another layer of flavor to your Indonesian culinary journey.
Be sure to try these 10 must-try Balinese and Lombok dishes during your visit for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.
