Indonesia · tool
Bali food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Bali.
Photo by Antonio Araujo on Unsplash
What to eat in Bali
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Babi Guling
$3–$7
A whole roasted suckling pig, marinated with a rich blend of spices, herbs, and chili, then slow-roasted to perfection. The crispy skin and succulent, flavorful meat make it a quintessential Balinese experience.
Where to try: Warungs (small local eateries) specializing in Babi Guling, particularly in the Gianyar region.
Bebek Betutu
$8–$20
A whole duck or chicken slow-cooked or roasted in banana leaves with a complex spice mixture, often for many hours. The result is incredibly tender meat infused with aromatic spices.
Where to try: Specialty restaurants and some higher-end warungs across the island, often requiring advance order.
Sate Lilit
$0.5–$1.5
Minced meat (often fish, chicken, or pork) mixed with grated coconut, spices, and herbs, then wrapped around a lemongrass stalk or bamboo skewer before grilling. Its unique texture and aromatic flavor are addictive.
Where to try: Seafood restaurants and warungs along the coast, especially in Jimbaran, and at local markets.
Nasi Campur Bali
$1.5–$5
A mixed rice dish served with small portions of various Balinese delicacies, including meats, vegetables, peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg, often accompanied by a spicy sambal. It's a great way to sample a variety of local flavors in one plate.
Where to try: Ubiquitous at warungs and restaurants island-wide; look for busy ones with a good selection displayed.
Lawar
$2–$5
A traditional dish made from a mixture of minced meat, vegetables (like green beans or jackfruit), grated coconut, and rich spices. Variations include red lawar (with blood) and white lawar (without).
Where to try: Traditional Balinese warungs, often found in local villages and markets.
Ikan Bakar
$7–$15
Freshly caught fish marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal, often served with rice and various sambal sauces. The smoky char and fresh seafood are a delight.
Where to try: Seafood restaurants and night markets, particularly famous in Jimbaran Bay.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Ubud
Spiritual and artistic, with a focus on healthy, organic, and traditional Balinese cuisine.
Vegetarian & VeganHealthy EatingTraditional Balinese
Seminyak
Trendy and upscale, offering a mix of international fine dining, chic cafes, and sophisticated Indonesian fusion.
Fine DiningInternational CuisineTrendy Cafes
Jimbaran Bay
Relaxed beachfront dining, famous for its fresh seafood grills.
SeafoodSunset DiningCasual Beachfront
Denpasar (Night Markets)
Bustling and authentic, offering a wide array of local street food and snacks.
Street FoodLocal SnacksAffordable Eats
Dietary notes
Balinese cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, with pork (Babi) and chicken (Ayam) being staples. However, with the rise of tourism, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, particularly in areas like Ubud. Gluten-free options can be found, but it's wise to confirm ingredients due to soy sauce and other common flavorings.
Local etiquette
- •When eating with your hands, always use your right hand for hygiene.
- •It is customary to finish all the food on your plate to show appreciation.
- •Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for excellent service, typically around 5-10%.
- •Dress modestly when visiting temples or rural villages; cover shoulders and knees.
- •While many places accept cards, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller warungs and markets.
Plan the rest of your Bali trip
Food guides elsewhere