What to eat in Bali: Balinese dishes and where to try them
Balinese cuisine is spicy and aromatic, built on base genep spice paste. Try these dishes beyond the café smoothie bowls.
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Dishes
Babi guling (spit-roasted pork), bebek betutu (slow-cooked spiced duck), sate lilit (minced fish satay), lawar (spiced minced salad), nasi campur and nasi goreng.
Where
Local warungs, night markets such as Sindhu in Sanur and Gianyar, and Jimbaran's seafood beach.
Drinks
Fresh coconuts, jamu herbal tonic, Balinese coffee and arak (only from licensed sellers; avoid unbranded arak).
Vegetarian
Tempeh and tofu dishes are everywhere, and Ubud has many plant-based cafés.
Food safety
Choose busy places and avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources.
FAQ
What is Bali's signature dish?
Babi guling and bebek betutu.
Is street food safe?
Busy stalls are usually fine; use common sense.