FOOD IN BALI

When the sun sets, the gastronomic scene comes to life in Bali. From family warungs offering modest Balinese dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, to restaurants with excellent cuisine that offer a combination of local flavours and international cuisine, to world cuisine. However, today we would like to show you traditional Balinese cuisine.

We are talking about old recipes passed down from generation to generation, about local dishes full of fresh herbs, spices, and lots of Balinese culinary secrets. Here are 6 dishes you must try in Bali.

1. Babi Guling
A trip to Bali is not complete without trying babi guling. It’s an amazing sight: from the plate it’s served on, to the juicy and crispy meat soaked in spices that is so spicy it will make your eyes water. It’s usually served with rice, pork sausage, and saur urap (vegetable salad in coconut chilli dressing).

And who can resist the golden crispy skin?

2. Bebek Betutu
Among the most famous dishes in Bali are those prepared on traditional fire. Bebek Betutu (smoked duck) is probably the most unique local dish on the list of Balinese dishes you must try. Local ducks are rubbed and filled with a mixture of spices, wrapped in banana leaves and coconut shells, and traditionally cooked in a pit with charcoal underground for up to 24 hours. The meat is cooked to perfection and coated inside and out with a mixture of basa gede (traditional spice mix) with long strands of lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger.

3. Nasi Campur
The word “campur” translates to “mixture” in English. Nasi campur is a dish that is served with a mound of rice and a mixture of small side dishes that usually include tofu, tempeh, fish, and meat. Some of the best dishes from this local food can be tasted in many places in Bali where nasi campur is served. Local characteristic spices used in many Balinese dishes give the food a special taste.

4. Gado Gado
If you want to try Balinese cuisine, Gado Gado is a must-try. This Indonesian salad contains vegetables and tofu and is topped with a special sauce made with peanut sauce, which is slightly sweet, salty, and spicy. It is served with steamed rice, of course.

5. Pepes Ikan
Pepes ikan is a whole marinated fish that is wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf.

This method of preparation allows the fish to absorb all the flavours of the spices. Pepes ikan can be made with any type of fish, but mackerel and sardines are the most commonly used for this dish.

6. Nasi goreng and Mie goreng
Nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles) are the staples of local food and are served with fried egg, dried shallots mixed with vegetables and complemented with cucumbers, shrimp crackers, and several sticks of chicken or beef satay.