20 Must-Try Balinese Cuisine: Explore the Unique Taste of the Island of the Dewata

Bali is known as a paradise for tourists, not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its unique and mouth-watering traditional cuisine. The Island of the Dewata offers a variety of dishes that blend spices from the Indonesian archipelago with authentic flavors that are rich and satisfying.

From simple dishes like fresh tipat cantok to flavorful spiced dishes with tempting chicken, each bite tells a story of local tradition and culture. Warm white rice often accompanies these delicacies, making for a perfect pairing. Prepare yourself to explore flavors you can only find in Bali?

The Influence of Balinese Cuisine

Bali is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its captivating culinary heritage. Balinese cuisine reflects the deep culture and traditions of its people, where every dish carries meaning and historical value.

Many traditional Balinese dishes are connected to ceremonial rituals and religious ceremonies, making them more than just ordinary food. These dishes are often prepared using traditional cooking techniques, resulting in authentic flavors that are hard to find elsewhere.

Well, those of you who are curious to see recommendations for typical Balinese cuisine can see Cinchy's Instagram post here, and don't forget to follow to see other recommended updates.

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20 Traditional Balinese Dishes

Tasting traditional Balinese cuisine is an inseparable part of any holiday on the island. Here are 20 Balinese dishes that you must try during your visit:

1. Ayam Betutu

Ayam Betutu is one of the famous Balinese dishes known for its strong spice blend and unique cooking process. The chicken is seasoned with shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili, then wrapped in banana leaves and slowly roasted until tender.

The spicy and richly flavored taste makes it a must-try dish. A popular place to enjoy this dish is Warung Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh in Gianyar, with prices ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 100,000 per portion.

2. Babi Guling

Babi Guling is a must-try Balinese dish, especially for those looking for a unique culinary experience.This dish is often served during special ceremonies and is made by rotating a whole pig that has been seasoned with coriander, turmeric, and garlic.

Ibu Oka in Ubud is famous for offering the best Babi Guling, with prices around Rp 100,000 to Rp 200,000 per portion.

3. Sate Lilit

Sate Lilit is a traditional Balinese dish made from minced meat (usually fish or chicken) that is seasoned and wrapped around a lemongrass stick.

The unique flavor from the spices and grated coconut makes this dish special and loved by many. You can try Sate Lilit at Sate Lilit Men Tempeh in Ubud for around Rp 30,000 to Rp 70,000 per portion.

4. Lawar

Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish that combines minced meat and vegetables mixed with traditional Balinese spices.

This dish is often served during religious ceremonies, reflecting deep spiritual meaning. Lawar can be found in many warungs in Seminyak, with prices ranging from Rp 25,000 to Rp 50,000 per portion.

5. Nasi Campur Bali

Nasi Campur Bali serves white rice with a variety of side dishes such as shredded chicken, sate lilit, lawar, and sambal matah, creating a perfect blend of flavors. This dish is one of the most popular food choices in Bali. You can try it at Laka Leke Hideaway Restaurant for around Rp 40,000 to Rp 80,000 per portion.

6. Serombotan

Serombotan is a traditional salad from Klungkung made from boiled vegetables and served with grated coconut and spicy peanut sauce.

The fresh taste makes it a great halal food option in Bali that everyone can enjoy. You can try Serombotan in Klungkung for around Rp 20,000 to Rp 40,000 per portion.

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7. Rujak Kuah Pindang

Rujak Kuah Pindang is a fresh dish made from fresh fruits served with a spicy fish pindang broth. Its unique taste makes this rujak popular in Bali.

A recommended place to try it is in Sanur, with prices ranging from Rp 15,000 to Rp 30,000 per portion.

8. Tum Ayam

Tum Ayam is a traditional Balinese dish made from minced chicken wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. The savory and spice-rich flavor is its main attraction. You can find Tum Ayam in traditional warungs in Kuta for around Rp 25,000 to Rp 50,000 per portion.

9. Sambal Matah

Sambal Matah is a raw Balinese sambal made from shallots, chili, lemongrass, and raw coconut oil. The spicy and fresh flavor makes this sambal a perfect complement to Balinese meals.This sambal can be found in many warungs in Ubud for around Rp 10,000 to Rp 20,000 per portion.

10. Jaja Bali

Jaja Bali includes a variety of traditional snacks such as klepon and laklak made from glutinous rice flour. These snacks are usually served at traditional markets, such as Pasar Ubud, with prices around Rp 5,000 to Rp 15,000 per item.

11. Nasi Jinggo

Nasi Jinggo is a small wrapped rice filled with spicy shredded chicken, serundeng, and sambal. This affordable dish is commonly sought after when visiting Bali. It costs between IDR 10,000 - IDR 20,000 per package, and you can find it in Kuta.

12. Tipat Blayag

Tipat Blayag is a type of rice cake served with a special Bali peanut sauce and vegetables, creating a unique blend of flavors. You can try it in Gianyar for IDR 20,000 - IDR 40,000 per serving.

13. Komoh

Komoh is one of the unique culinary delights in Bali, where minced meat is seasoned and often prepared for traditional ceremonies. Its distinctive flavor and cooking technique make it an attractive option for lovers of traditional cuisine.

14. Sambal Embe

Sambal Embe is a spicy Balinese sambal made from fried shallots and chili. It has a savory and slightly spicy taste, making it the perfect complement to other traditional dishes. You can find this sambal in Denpasar for IDR 10,000 - IDR 20,000 per serving.

15. Nasi Tepeng

Nasi Tepeng is soft rice seasoned with spices and served with vegetables and side dishes like chicken and long beans. Try it in Gianyar for IDR 30,000 - IDR 60,000 per serving.

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16. Pesan Be Pasih

Pesan Be Pasih is fish seasoned and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled. This dish is popular in seafood restaurants in Jimbaran and costs around IDR 50,000 - IDR 100,000 per serving.

17. Bebek Timbungan

Bebek Timbungan is duck cooked in bamboo with a special Balinese spice mix, resulting in rich and tender flavors. This dish is a must-try in Ubud.

18. Urutan

Urutan is a traditional Balinese sausage made from minced pork seasoned with a special spice blend. It has a savory taste with a rich aroma of spices, making it a popular choice for a snack or as part of a Bali mixed rice dish.

19. Bubur Mengguh

Bubur Mengguh is a porridge cooked with coconut milk and served with shredded chicken and fried peanuts, famous in Buleleng Bali. Bubur Mengguh is often served during ceremonial events or as breakfast, reflecting the rich culture and culinary uniqueness of Bali.

20. Kopi Bali

Kopi Bali from Kintamani is known for its rich robusta or arabica flavor and distinctive aroma. Tasting this coffee is the perfect way to end your culinary exploration in Bali.

Explore Bali’s Culinary Richness with Ease

Bali's traditional cuisine offers an experience that not only satisfies your taste buds but also reflects the cultural richness of the Island of the Dewata. Enjoying this diverse cuisine is one of the best ways to get to know Bali's rich culture.

To explore various culinary destinations comfortably, renting a scooter in Bali is the ideal choice. With a motorcycle, you can easily visit legendary eateries with Bali scooter rental services from Cinchy.

Learn more about scooter rental prices in Bali and the various types of motorcycles available. It's time to explore unique culinary locations and tourist destinations with affordable prices and reliable services.