Bali Food Guide: 17 Must-Try Dishes & What to Eat in Bali

Why do I keep returning to Bali? It always comes back to the Bali food.

The food in Bali is honestly one of the biggest draws for me every time I land in Indonesia’s most popular holiday destination. There is something about those bold flavours, fresh ingredients, smoky sate, fragrant rice, and layers of spice that makes every meal feel exciting.

From street eats to beachfront dining, Bali food has this way of keeping you constantly wanting more. While you will find similarities across Southeast Asia, the food in Bali has its own unique twist. Familiar dishes are elevated with deeper, more aromatic flavours, fresh sambals, local spice pastes, and traditional Balinese cooking techniques that make them completely addictive.

Whether you are searching for traditional Balinese food, famous Bali food, authentic local dishes, or simply wondering what to eat in Bali on your first trip, this Bali food guide is full of must-try dishes worth adding to your eating list.

Next time you are relaxing in Bali, you simply must try all ten of these.

What Food Is Bali Famous For?

Bali is famous for bold, flavour-packed food that combines rice, fresh vegetables, coconut, chilli, turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, and aromatic spice pastes. Some of the most famous Bali food dishes include Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Babi Guling, Sate Lilit, Bebek Betutu, Nasi Campur, Gado-Gado, Lawar, and Pisang Goreng.

The food in Bali can be found everywhere, from tiny roadside warungs and beach cafés to cooking schools, luxury resorts, and family-run local restaurants. That is one of the things I love most about eating in Bali. You do not need to spend a fortune to find incredible food.

Some of my favourite meals have come from casual roadside stalls where the food is cooked fresh, the flavours are huge, and the price is almost ridiculous compared to what you would pay at home. If you are wondering what to eat in Bali, start with the classics below and work your way through the island one plate at a time.

Quick Bali Food Guide

Is Bali Food Different From Indonesian Food?

Yes, Bali food is part of Indonesian food, but it has its own identity.

Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, so the food changes depending on where you are. Bali has strong Hindu cultural influences, which makes its food different from many other parts of Indonesia. One of the biggest differences is pork. In many areas of Indonesia, pork is not commonly eaten, but in Bali, pork dishes like Babi Guling are a huge part of traditional Balinese food.

Balinese food also has a strong connection to ceremony, family gatherings, and community cooking. Many authentic Balinese food dishes use spice pastes made from fresh ingredients like turmeric, ginger, galangal, candlenut, chilli, lemongrass, shrimp paste, shallots, and garlic. These spice blends create the rich, layered flavours that make food in Bali so memorable.

You will still find Indonesian favourites like Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Sate, Gado-Gado, Lumpia, and Soto Ayam all over Bali, but the island also has its own signature dishes, including Babi Guling, Lawar, Sambal Matah, Bebek Betutu, Ayam Betutu, and Sate Lilit.

Where to Stay in Bali

Where you stay in Bali can shape the way you eat, explore, and experience the island. Ubud is wonderful for culture, rice fields, and traditional Balinese food, while Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, and Uluwatu all offer their own mix of beaches, cafés, restaurants, and family-friendly stays. For a deeper breakdown, read my full guide to the best areas to stay in Bali before choosing your base.

1. Pisang Goreng. Bali’s Favourite Fried Bananas

Let’s start with dessert, because nothing is sweeter than my all-time favourite Bali food: fried bananas.

Bali has such a variety of bananas, from the small, sweet varieties to the large ones that look like a weapon. The different types make fried bananas a treat every time.

Pisang Goreng is usually served with honey, palm sugar syrup, a little flaked coconut, vanilla ice cream, or sometimes just plain from a roadside stall. And honestly, sometimes plain is best. Hot, crispy, sweet, and simple.

I have eaten Pisang Goreng in cafés, hotels, and from little roadside stalls, and it never lasts long enough for me to be polite about sharing. You can pay around AUD $1 for a small bag of Pisang Goreng from a stall, making it one of the easiest must-try Bali food snacks to grab on the go.

2. Nasi Goreng. Indonesia’s Famous Fried Rice

Nasi Goreng is one of the most classic dishes you will find when exploring food in Bali.

It is Indonesian fried rice, often served with vegetables and your choice of chicken, shrimp, or pork. Sometimes it comes with a fried egg on top, chicken sate sticks, prawn crackers, peanut sauce, and pickled vegetables on the side.

This is one of the most popular staple dishes in Bali. Rice is grown all over the island, so there is no shortage of this grain, and Nasi Goreng appears on menus everywhere from local warungs to high-end resorts.

I do not think I have ever had a bad Nasi Goreng in Bali. Every chef seems to know how to do it justice, from the five-star resorts to the roadside stalls. It is simple, comforting, and completely delicious.

Preparing Nasi Goreng can cost around AUD $1.30 from a local spot, which makes it one of the best value meals if you are eating your way through Bali on a budget.

Preparing Nasi Goreng – approx $1.30 AUD

3. Sate Lilit and Sate Ayam. Bali’s Famous Skewers

Unlike its Malaysian counterpart, Indonesian sate is not always served as satay with a thick peanut sauce.

In Bali, you will find different types of sate, including Sate Ayam, which is chicken sate, and Sate Lilit, a traditional Balinese food made by blending minced meat or fish with spices, coconut, and aromatics before wrapping it around a stick, often lemongrass.

Unless it is written on the menu, it may not include peanut sauce, so make sure you ask for it if you want that classic dipping sauce.

While we usually prefer chicken sate, Bali is especially known for fish sate, or Sate Lilit Ikan. You can also find beef and pork versions. The flavour is smoky, fragrant, and so much more interesting than a plain skewer of meat.

If you are wondering what to eat in Bali that feels easy, familiar, and still packed with local flavour, sate is always a good idea.

4. Mie Goreng. Bali’s Favourite Fried Noodles

Mie Goreng is another classic Indonesian staple and one of the easiest dishes to find in Bali.

It is made with fried noodles and usually served with vegetables, egg, prawn crackers, and sometimes pickled vegetables. It can come with chicken, seafood, pork, or be kept vegetarian, depending on where you order it.

This is my daughter’s favourite Bali food, and I completely understand why. It is salty, savoury, slightly sweet, and very easy to love. If you are travelling to Bali with kids, Mie Goreng is often a safe dish to order because it is full of flavour without being too intimidating.

It is also one of those meals that works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a very late night “we’ve just come back from the pool and everyone is starving” situation.

5. Babi Guling. Bali’s Famous Suckling Pig

Babi Guling is one of the most famous Bali food dishes and a must-try if you eat pork.

Just be aware when ordering this dish that it can be nose-to-tail dining, so you might receive some interesting pork pieces on your plate. Bali’s famed suckling pig is rubbed with turmeric, stuffed with a spice paste, and roasted on a spit over coconut husks or wood until tender.

The spice paste often includes coriander seeds, lemongrass, lime leaves, salam leaves, chillies, black pepper, garlic, red shallots, ginger, and galangal. The result is rich, fragrant, crispy in places, juicy in others, and full of flavour.

Babi Guling is one of the dishes that really shows how different traditional Balinese food can be from food in other parts of Indonesia. It is tied closely to ceremonies, celebrations, and local culture, but you can also find it in specialist warungs across Bali.

If you only try one authentic Balinese food dish that is truly iconic to the island, make it Babi Guling.

6. Nasi Campur. Mixed Rice and One of the Best Bali Food Experiences

Nasi Campur means “mixed rice”, and it is one of the best ways to try lots of food in Bali on one plate.

It usually consists of small portions of vegetables, fish, meat, tofu, tempeh, sambal, peanuts, shredded coconut, and other little sides served with a mound of steamed rice. There is no one “right” combination, so it is rarely the same twice.

That is what makes Nasi Campur so fun. You never know exactly what you are going to get.

I think of it as an Indonesian antipasto. A bit of this, a bit of that, and suddenly you have a plate full of colour, texture, spice, crunch, and surprise. It is one of the best dishes to order if you want to try authentic Balinese food but do not know where to start.

You may also see Sayur Urap served as part of Nasi Campur or a traditional Balinese meal. It is made with cooked vegetables and grated coconut, and it is one of those simple side dishes that adds freshness, texture, and a little extra local flavour to the plate.

Credit: @FoodFunTravel

7. Bebek Betutu and Ayam Betutu. Bali’s Famous Spiced Duck and Chicken

Bebek Betutu is smoked duck and probably one of the more unique dishes in Bali.

The duck is rubbed and stuffed with a mix of spices, wrapped in an areca palm leaf or betel nut bark, and smoked with the embers of rice husks. Most restaurants require one day’s notice because the cooking process can take around 12 hours.

We got to make Bebek Betutu at a hotel in Legian, and it gave me such a new appreciation for traditional Balinese food. This is not a quick throw-it-in-a-pan meal. It is slow, careful, fragrant, and deeply connected to Balinese cooking traditions.

You may also see Ayam Betutu, which is the chicken version. If duck feels a little adventurous, Ayam Betutu is a great place to start. It has the same beautiful spice profile, but with chicken instead.

Both versions are rich, aromatic, and perfect if you want to try one of Bali’s most traditional dishes.

Credit: @FoodFunTravel

8. Mini Rijsttafel. A Bali Feast Made for Sharing

A mini rijsttafel is a meal to be shared, and one of the best ways to taste a little bit of everything.

My first rijsttafel was with my best friend in Kuta many years ago. Rijsttafel is a Dutch word that literally means “rice table”, a name that has stuck since colonial times.

Depending on where you order it, a rijsttafel usually comes out all at the same time and contains a mixed selection of Balinese and Indonesian delicacies. You might find Bebek Betutu, chicken with sambal, prawns, pork and chicken sates, Sayur Urap, potato croquettes, tempeh, tofu, and yellow Nasi Tumpeng, which is rice shaped like a cone.

It is a great option if you are looking for the best Bali food to share with friends or family. Everyone can try a little bit of everything, and no one has to commit to one dish and then suffer from order envy.

I ate it too fast to get a decent photo, so here is a photo of a Balinese cook preparing sate instead.

Ate it too fast, so here’s a photo of a Balinese preparing sate

9. Lumpia. Crispy Spring Rolls in Bali

Who does not love crispy spring rolls?

Lumpia are usually filled with mixed vegetables and minced chicken, then served with peanut sauce or sweet chilli sauce. They are crisp, golden, snackable, and a winner every time.

I have noticed multiple restaurants in Bali offering vegetarian options, as well as other creative versions. I even tried a Tandoori Chicken Lumpia in Bali, which is not traditional, but was very much appreciated by my tastebuds.

Lumpia may not be the most uniquely Balinese dish on this list, but when you are exploring food in Bali, it is one of those easy little starters that appears everywhere and rarely disappoints.

10. Gado-Gado. Indonesia’s Famous Peanut Sauce Salad

Gado-Gado means “mix-mix” and is one of Indonesia’s best-known dishes.

Essentially, it is a vegetable salad covered in a classic peanut sauce. While it is usually served as a cold salad, I honestly think it would taste pretty amazing warm too.

At its base, Gado-Gado often includes boiled long beans, spinach, potato, corn, egg, bean sprouts, cucumber, tofu, and tempeh. Then it is topped with that rich, creamy peanut sauce that makes everything better.

You will find Gado-Gado in many buffets and local restaurants, and it is a great option if you are looking for vegetarian food in Bali. It is filling, flavourful, and packed with vegetables, which is always helpful when you have been living your best holiday life on fried bananas and noodles.

11. Lawar. Traditional Balinese Spiced Vegetable and Meat Mix

Lawar is one of the biggest traditional Balinese food dishes missing from many first-time visitors’ Bali eating lists, but it is a dish worth knowing.

Lawar is usually made from finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, spices, and minced meat. You may find chicken lawar, pork lawar, duck lawar, or vegetarian versions depending on where you eat.

It is often served as part of a larger Balinese meal or alongside Babi Guling. The texture is completely different from a curry or stir-fry. It is finely chopped, heavily seasoned, aromatic, and packed with local flavour.

Some versions can be quite intense, especially if they are made in a very traditional style, but that is also what makes Lawar such an authentic Balinese food experience. It is not the tourist-safe version of Bali food. It is the real deal.

If you see Lawar on a menu or as part of a Nasi Campur plate, give it a try.

12. Sambal Matah. Bali’s Fresh Chilli and Shallot Sambal

Sambal Matah is one of Bali’s signature condiments, and once you start adding it to your meals, it is hard to stop.

Unlike cooked sambals, Sambal Matah is usually made fresh with raw shallots, chilli, lemongrass, lime, oil, and sometimes shrimp paste. It is bright, spicy, citrusy, and incredibly fragrant.

You will often find Sambal Matah served with grilled fish, chicken, rice dishes, seafood, or anything that needs a little fresh kick. It is one of those simple additions that can completely change a meal.

If you are building a list of must-try Bali food, do not just focus on the main dishes. The sambals are part of what makes food in Bali so exciting, and Sambal Matah is one of the best.

13. Tipat Cantok. Balinese Rice Cakes with Peanut Sauce

Tipat Cantok is a local Balinese dish made with rice cakes, vegetables, tofu, and peanut sauce.

Think of it as a cousin to Gado-Gado, but with its own Balinese twist. The rice cakes make it more filling, while the peanut sauce brings that rich, savoury flavour that makes Indonesian food so comforting.

It is often found at local warungs and is a great dish to try if you are looking for affordable, authentic Bali food that is not always listed on tourist-focused menus.

Tipat Cantok is also a good option for vegetarians, though it is always worth checking whether shrimp paste or other non-vegetarian ingredients are used in the sauce.

14. Jaje Bali. Traditional Balinese Sweets

Jaje Bali refers to traditional Balinese sweets, and if you love dessert, you need to keep an eye out for them.

These little treats are often colourful, sticky, sweet, and made with ingredients like rice flour, coconut, palm sugar, and banana leaves. You may find them at markets, ceremonies, local stalls, or included in traditional snack boxes.

Jaje Bali is not one single dessert, but rather a collection of traditional Balinese cakes and sweets. They are usually small, which is dangerous because it makes it very easy to try “just one more”.

If you are wondering what to eat in Bali beyond fried rice and satay, traditional sweets like Jaje Bali are a lovely way to experience another side of the island’s food culture.

15. Laklak. Balinese Coconut Pancakes

Laklak is a traditional Balinese pancake, usually made from rice flour and often served with grated coconut and palm sugar syrup.

They are small, soft, slightly chewy, and just sweet enough. Some versions are green from pandan, which gives them a beautiful colour and gentle fragrance.

Laklak is the kind of Bali food I wish more visitors knew about. It is simple, local, and such a nice alternative to the more Western-style pancakes and waffles you find in tourist cafés.

If you see Laklak at a market or local food stall, order it. It is a sweet little piece of traditional Balinese food that feels humble, comforting, and very easy to love.

16. Es Campur. Indonesia’s Colourful Iced Dessert

Es Campur is a popular Indonesian dessert and a very welcome treat in Bali’s heat.

It usually includes shaved ice, syrup, condensed milk, jelly, fruit, coconut, grass jelly, and other sweet toppings depending on where you order it. Every version seems to be slightly different, which is half the fun.

On a hot Bali day, Es Campur is refreshing, sweet, colourful, and a little chaotic in the best way. It is not a neat and tidy dessert. It is more of a big icy bowl of everything delicious.

If you are travelling with kids, this is one of those food in Bali experiences they will probably remember. It looks fun, tastes sweet, and cools everyone down fast.

17. Soto Ayam. Indonesia’s Comforting Chicken Soup

Soto Ayam is one of those dishes that feels simple at first, but the flavour is so much better than plain chicken soup.

This popular Indonesian dish is made with shredded chicken, turmeric, lemongrass, herbs, spices, noodles or rice, boiled egg, and sometimes crispy shallots on top. The broth is usually golden, warming, fragrant, and full of flavour without feeling too heavy.

You will find Soto Ayam all over Bali, especially at local warungs and casual restaurants. It is a great option when you want something comforting, lighter than fried rice or noodles, but still full of that beautiful Indonesian spice.

I love dishes like this in Bali because they remind you that not every meal has to be dramatic to be memorable. Sometimes a bowl of hot, fragrant soup after a long day of swimming, exploring, or wandering through markets is exactly what you need.

Best Bali Food for Different Travellers

Best Bali food for first-timers

If it is your first trip and you want easy, reliable dishes, start with Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Sate Ayam, Lumpia, Gado-Gado, and Pisang Goreng. These are popular, easy to find, and a gentle introduction to food in Bali.

Best traditional Balinese food to try

For more authentic Balinese food, look for Babi Guling, Bebek Betutu, Ayam Betutu, Lawar, Sate Lilit, Sambal Matah, Tipat Cantok, Jaje Bali, and Laklak.

Best Bali food for kids

For kids, I would start with Mie Goreng, Nasi Goreng, chicken sate, Lumpia, Pisang Goreng, and Es Campur. These are familiar enough to feel safe, but still give them a taste of Bali.

Best vegetarian food in Bali

Vegetarians can look for Gado-Gado, Tipat Cantok, vegetable Nasi Campur, tempeh, tofu dishes, Sayur Urap, Laklak, Jaje Bali, and Pisang Goreng. Just check whether sambals or sauces contain shrimp paste if you are strictly vegetarian.

Best cheap food in Bali

For affordable food in Bali, local warungs are your best friend. Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Nasi Campur, Soto Ayam, Tipat Cantok, and Pisang Goreng are usually budget-friendly and easy to find.

Where to Find the Best Bali Food

One of the best things about Bali food is that you can find great meals all over the island. Every area has its own food personality, so where you stay can shape the way you eat.

If you want the most authentic Bali food experience, do not only eat at resort restaurants. Try a local warung, visit a night market, book a Balinese cooking class, or order Nasi Campur from a counter-style local eatery where you can point to what looks good. Resort restaurants are lovely, but the small local places are often where the biggest flavours and best prices are hiding.

Ubud

Ubud is one of my favourite places for food in Bali. You will find traditional warungs, cooking classes, health cafés, vegan restaurants, rice field dining, and beautiful local dishes. It is a great place to try Nasi Campur, Gado-Gado, Lawar, Sambal Matah, and cooking class-style Balinese meals.

Pancakes & Waffles

Seminyak

Seminyak is great for stylish restaurants, beach clubs, brunch spots, and more polished dining experiences. You can still find authentic Balinese food, but it is also a strong area for modern restaurants and international menus.

Canggu

Canggu is café heaven. Think smoothie bowls, vegan food, beachside eats, coffee, and modern Indonesian dishes. It is not always the most traditional place to eat in Bali, but it is fun, easy, and full of options.

Sanur

Sanur is relaxed and family-friendly, with beachfront restaurants, local warungs, seafood, and easy dining. It is a lovely spot if you want good food without the rush.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is perfect for cliffside dining, seafood, sunset restaurants, and post-beach meals. You will find both local Indonesian dishes and more modern dining spots.

Local Warungs

For authentic Bali food, do not skip the local warungs. Some of the best meals I have eaten in Bali have been from simple places with plastic chairs, handwritten menus, and huge flavour. This is where you will often find the best value, the most local dishes, and the kind of food you remember long after your holiday ends.

FAQ About Bali Food

What food is Bali famous for?

Bali is famous for dishes like Babi Guling, Nasi Campur, Bebek Betutu, Ayam Betutu, Sate Lilit, Lawar, Sambal Matah, Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Gado-Gado, and Pisang Goreng. These dishes show the mix of traditional Balinese food and popular Indonesian favourites you will find across the island.

What should I eat in Bali for the first time?

If it is your first time visiting Bali, start with Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Sate Lilit, Babi Guling, Nasi Campur, Gado-Gado, Pisang Goreng, and Sambal Matah. These are easy must-try Bali food dishes that give you a great introduction to the flavours of the island.

Is Bali food spicy?

Some food in Bali can be spicy, especially dishes served with sambal or fresh chilli. However, many restaurants and tourist-friendly warungs can adjust the spice level. If you are unsure, ask for sambal on the side so you can control the heat yourself.

Is food cheap in Bali?

Yes, food in Bali can be very cheap, especially if you eat at local warungs or roadside stalls. Simple dishes like Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Pisang Goreng, and local rice dishes can cost very little compared to restaurant meals in Australia. Of course, Bali also has luxury restaurants, beach clubs, and fine dining if you want to spend more.

Can vegetarians eat well in Bali?

Yes, vegetarians can eat very well in Bali. Gado-Gado, Tipat Cantok, vegetable Nasi Campur, tofu, tempeh, smoothie bowls, and plant-based cafés are widely available. Just check whether sauces contain shrimp paste or fish sauce if you are strictly vegetarian.

What is the best street food in Bali?

Some of the best street food in Bali includes Pisang Goreng, Sate, Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Jaje Bali, Laklak, and Es Campur. Local markets and roadside stalls are great places to try affordable, authentic Bali food.

What is a warung in Bali?

A warung is a small local restaurant or family-run food stall. Warungs are some of the best places to try authentic Bali food because they are usually affordable, casual, and full of local dishes like Nasi Campur, Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Soto Ayam, and Gado-Gado.

Printable Bali Eating List

Must-Try Bali Food and Food in Bali Guide

Bali is one of those places where planning meals becomes part of the adventure. Every café, warung, and beachside spot offers something worth trying, from fresh tropical flavours to rich, spice-filled classics that define the island’s food scene.

This Bali eating list is designed to make your trip easier, so you can focus on enjoying every bite instead of overthinking where to go next. Think of it as your ready-to-go guide for must-try dishes and iconic food experiences across the island.

Save this image before you fly. Keep it on your phone and tick off each one as you go. It is your simple checklist for eating your way through Bali, one unforgettable meal at a time.

Explore With Erin Food in Bali Wrap Up

Whatever you do in Bali, make sure you tick as many of these dishes off your Bali food list as possible.

The beauty of the food in Bali is that you can experience it anywhere, from budget warungs and roadside vendors to upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, cooking classes, and beachfront cafés. You do not have to dine somewhere fancy to eat well. In fact, some of the best Bali food is found in the simplest places.

Bali food is easy to fall in love with. Most ingredients are locally sourced, incredibly fresh, and prepared with care. Traditional spice pastes are often made by hand, giving the food in Bali its rich, authentic depth without relying on processed ingredients.

Whether you are eating Nasi Goreng by the pool, trying Babi Guling at a local warung, cooling down with Es Campur, or discovering Lawar for the first time, food becomes part of the Bali experience.

Hopefully, you discover a new favourite along the way. Either way, once you have worked your way through this Bali food list, your taste buds will be in for something special.

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