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Bali is an island on the bucket list for many people. It is known for its stunning beach view, vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and beloved cultural experiences, which have captured the hearts of many food lovers all over the world.
Video Credits: Novi's Bali Kitchen/ YouTube
This island defines that with its natural beauty, the culinary scene of Balinese cuisine is equally captivating and showcases its rich flavours and heritage. The local cuisine of Bali offers a flavourful journey for you to indulge in the authentic flavours of Bali. So, let's discover the eight must-try local dishes on your Bali visit that celebrate the best of Balinese cuisine:
Pepes Ikan
Pepes Ikan is a cherished Balinese fish dish where marinated fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed and grilled with locally sourced ingredients. Traditional cooking methods define the best authentic taste of Balinese dishes. The banana leaves keep the fish infused with aromatic flavours and moist. Pepes Ikan is frequently accompanied by steamed rice and Balinese sambal, which makes it a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for fish lovers.
Urap
Urap, or Urab, is a mainstay vegetable salad, which features a coconut-based dressing. The dish typically consists of a mix of blanched vegetables, such as spinach, green beans, bean sprouts, and cabbage, tossed with grated coconut and a flavourful dressing. The dressing usually includes a combination of aromatic spices such as garlic, shallots, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and sometimes shrimp paste, all mixed with freshly grated coconut. Urab is a refreshing and popularly chosen side dish as it complements many main course meals.
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Babi Guling
Babi Guling is another traditional Balinese dish that consists of roasted Balinese suckling pig. The preparation of Babi Guling is an elaborate process, often reserved for special occasions, ceremonies, and large gatherings. The pork is marinated with lemongrass, turmeric, coriander, and other varieties of Balinese spices. It is then stuffed with a combination of these spices, along with cassava leaves or other greens, which add to the flavour and aroma of the dish. The pig is then slowly roasted till it achieves a crispy, crunchy, and flavourful skin. This Balinese dish is often served with rice, pork sausage, and urab.
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Lawar
Lawar is a traditional Balinese mixed vegetable salad that features shredded coconut, minced meat (such as pork or chicken), and a rich blend of spices. Common vegetables include green beans, jackfruit, and young papaya. In some variations, the dish includes blood from the meat, enhancing its flavour and colour. The spice mixture typically consists of garlic, shallots, turmeric, ginger, galangal, and chilli peppers. Fresh herbs like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass add aromatic depth. To achieve a balanced flavour profile, fish sauce, shrimp paste, and lime juice are often incorporated.
Lawar in Bali is of three varieties: one that uses animal blood to prepare it called Lawar Merah, and a second that does not use blood and is called Lawar Pulith. Finally, the Lawar Kuning gets its colour from the use of turmeric. Lawar is often served at celebrations and special occasions, like ceremonies.
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Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit is a unique version of the popular Southeast Asian dish, satay or sate. Unlike typical satay, where meat chunks are skewered, Sate Lilit involves finely minced meat, often a mix of fish, chicken, pork, or beef, blended with grated coconut, coconut milk, and a rich blend of spices. This mixture typically includes shallots, garlic, lemongrass, lime leaves, turmeric, and galangal, which gives the satay its aromatic and flavourful profile. The seasoned meat paste is then wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks before being grilled to perfection. It is often enjoyed as an appetiser or as a main course meal.
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Betutu
Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish consisting of chicken (ayam) or duck (bebek) stuffed with a mixture of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then slowly roasted or steamed. The spice mixture typically includes turmeric, ginger, galangal, shallots, garlic, chilli peppers, and a variety of other herbs and spices. The marinated bird is often cooked in a coconut husk fire or buried in hot coals for several hours, resulting in tender, flavourful meat that absorbs all the rich spices. Betutu is commonly served during Balinese ceremonies and festive occasions, reflecting the island’s rich culinary heritage.
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Be Pasih
Be Pasih refers to a Balinese seafood dish, where "be" means fish and "pasih" means sea. It usually involves grilling or frying fresh fish, which is then seasoned with a variety of spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chilli peppers. The fish is typically marinated in this spice blend, grilled until perfectly cooked, and often served with sambal matah, a raw shallot and lemongrass sauce. Be Pasih showcases the island’s abundant seafood resources and its flavourful approach to cooking.
Bubur Mangguh
Bubur Mangguh is a traditional Balinese rice porridge that is savoury rather than sweet. It is typically made with rice cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with various spices. The porridge is often enriched with shredded chicken, vegetables, and sometimes a hard-boiled egg, then topped with fried shallots and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This comforting dish is usually enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch, offering a warm, creamy, and flavourful meal that reflects the simplicity and depth of Balinese cuisine.
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