Here is our guide to must-try Balinese specialties, as well as our best warung recommendations in Bali.
🍛 Must-try traditional dishes in Bali
Nasi Goreng
The most popular dish in Indonesia! It is fried rice stir-fried in a wok with eggs, vegetables, and meat or shrimp.
Simple yet incredibly flavorful, it is often served with crispy crackers (krupuk).
🥥 Urab
A fresh and fragrant Balinese specialty, urab is made of finely chopped vegetables mixed with grated coconut,
local spices, and a light touch of chili. It is a light and highly appreciated side dish in traditional cuisine.
🍗 Ayam Betutu
Ayam betutu is a chicken marinated for a long time in a blend of Balinese spices, then wrapped in banana leaves
before being slow-cooked. This process results in tender and intensely flavorful meat.
🦆 Bebek Betutu
Bebek betutu is one of the most iconic dishes to try during a stay in Bali, especially in Ubud.
It consists of duck marinated in local spices such as turmeric, galangal, garlic, and chili.
The meat is then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for several hours, concentrating the aromas and delivering remarkable depth of flavor.
Some versions are served with a spicy sauce made from fresh shallots, red chilies, and coconut oil.
🐖 Babi Guling
Among the island’s most renowned specialties, babi guling holds a central place in Balinese gastronomy.
Historically associated with religious ceremonies such as Galungan or Odalan, it is now widely available.
This dish consists of a whole pig stuffed with a mixture of local spices (turmeric, garlic, aromatic herbs),
then slowly roasted on a spit over a wood fire. The result is tender, flavorful meat with crispy skin.
Babi guling is usually served with lawar (a spicy mix of meat and vegetables) and sambal, a typical Indonesian chili sauce.
For a complete culinary experience, pair your dish with urap (coconut-seasoned vegetables) and a refreshing drink.
🥗 Lawar
Lawar is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Balinese culture, often prepared during ceremonies or family gatherings.
It is a savory mix made of minced meat (pork or chicken), grated coconut, fresh herbs, and local spices.
Depending on the region, some variations include additional ingredients such as jackfruit or beans.
Lawar is usually consumed fresh on the same day it is prepared, symbolizing vitality and energy.
🍢 Sate Ayam
Sate ayam are chicken skewers marinated in a blend of spices including ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass.
Grilled over charcoal, they are served with a creamy peanut and coconut milk sauce, very popular in Indonesia.
🍽️ Where to eat in Bali? Discover warungs
What is a warung?
A warung is a small local, often family-run restaurant where you can enjoy authentic cuisine at very affordable prices.
👉 It is arguably the best way to experience Balinese gastronomy like a local.
🌴 Best warungs in Bali
📍 Bingin (ocean view)
- Ombak Warung
- Kelly’s Warung
📍 Between Bingin and Uluwatu
- Yeye’s Warung
📍 Uluwatu
- Warung Bejana
- Satu Uluwatu
- Warung Cenana
📍 Jimbaran
- Menega Cafe
📍 Canggu
- Warung Murah
- Warung Sulawesi
- Warung Sobat
- Warung Bu Mi
- Dandelion
- Ithaka
📍 Seminyak
- Warung Nia
- Warung Bernadette
📍 Sanur
- Warung Kecil
- Warung Made Weti
- Warung Mak Beng
- Bellissimo
📍 Ubud
- D’Waroeng
- Bintang
- Warung Ibu Oka
📍 Kuta
- Warung Nikmat
- Warung Damar
- Warung Indonesia
- Warung Murah
📍 Denpasar
- Warung Satria