Enjoy the deliciousness of a variety of Balinese specialties rich in flavor, from traditional to modern dishes, reflecting the richness of Balinese cuisine and culture.
Bali is not only famous for its exotic beaches and rich culture, but also for its delicious culinary delights. Each Balinese dish holds deep history and philosophy, reflecting the cultural diversity that thrives on this island.
The diversity of local ingredients used, as well as the influence of foreign cultures that are woven into the daily lives of Balinese people, makes Balinese cuisine have a distinctive and unique taste.
1. Suckling Pig
Babi Guling is one of the most iconic dishes from Bali that is widely known. Usually served in big events and traditional ceremonies, Babi Guling is made from whole roasted pork with Balinese spices rich in turmeric, ginger, garlic, and galangal.
The roasted pork will have a tender texture on the inside and a very crispy skin. This dish is served with rice, lawar (traditional Balinese salad), and sate lilit, making it a complete meal with extraordinary flavors.
Babi Guling, a Typical Bali Food, is a must-try dish in Bali because it offers a combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors.
2. Bebek Betutu
Bebek Betutu is one of the most luxurious dishes in Bali. This dish is made from duck seasoned with Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked by roasting or grilling for a very long time, so that the duck meat becomes very tender and rich in flavor.
The slow cooking process allows the spices to penetrate perfectly into the duck meat. Bebek Betutu is usually served with white rice, sambal matah (a typical Balinese chili sauce with raw ingredients such as shallots, chilies, and lemongrass), and fresh vegetables . Bebek Betutu has a very rich taste and a tempting aroma of spices, making it a dish full of flavor.
3. Sate Lilit
Unlike most satay, Balinese Sate Lilit uses finely ground meat, such as chicken, fish, or pork, which is then wrapped around lemongrass stalks or thin bamboo, not skewers.
The meat, which has been seasoned with Balinese spices such as grated coconut, shallots, garlic, ginger, and other spices, is then grilled over hot coals .
Sate Lilit has a savory taste with a touch of spiciness, as well as a chewy and soft texture. Usually served with white rice and sambal matah, Sate Lilit is a Balinese snack that is perfect for eating at any time.
4. Balinese Mixed Rice
Nasi Campur Bali is a popular dish in Bali and can be found in almost every food stall throughout the island. This dish consists of white rice served with various side dishes, such as ayam betutu, sate lilit, lawar, sambal, and fried peanuts.
Each side dish served provides a different but complementary taste, ranging from spicy, savory, to fresh from vegetables and sambal. Nasi Campur Bali is a simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for those who want to try various flavors in one plate.
5. Lawar
Lawar is a Balinese dish made from a mixture of vegetables, minced meat (often pork or chicken), grated coconut, and Balinese spices.
This dish is often served as a complement to other dishes , such as Babi Guling or Bebek Betutu, but can also be served separately as a main dish. Lawar has a fairly strong and spicy taste, especially when combined with the typical sambal matah.
Lawar also has a variety of textures, with a combination of fresh vegetables , grated coconut, and tender meat. In addition to being a delicious dish, Lawar is often present in Balinese traditional ceremonies as an offering.
6. Chicken Betutu
Ayam Betutu is a Balinese specialty dish that is similar to Bebek Betutu, but uses chicken as the main ingredient.
This chicken is seasoned with a rich blend of Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked for a very long time, so that the chicken meat becomes very tender and the spices are perfectly absorbed.
Like Bebek Betutu, Ayam Betutu is served with white rice, sambal, and fresh vegetables. This dish is very tasty and satisfying, with a rich taste and tender texture.
7. Raw Sambal
Sambal Matah is a unique Balinese chili sauce because it is not cooked, but served raw. Made from fresh ingredients such as shallots, cayenne pepper, lemongrass, and shrimp paste mixed with coconut oil, Sambal Matah has a fresh, spicy, and slightly savory taste.
This chili sauce is usually served as a complement to dishes such as betutu chicken, grilled fish, or sate lilit. The uniqueness of this chili sauce lies in the use of fresh ingredients that provide a distinctive aroma and taste that is appetizing.
8. Balinese snacks
Balinese snacks refer to various types of traditional snacks or snacks that can be found in markets or small stalls in Bali. Some popular Balinese snacks include klepon (sticky rice balls filled with grated coconut and brown sugar), jaja uli ( sweet sticky rice cake ), and onde-onde.
These foods have a sweet , chewy taste and are often used in Balinese traditional ceremonies as offerings to the gods. Balinese snacks offer a delicious sweet taste and are often a favorite snack in the afternoon or as a dessert.
9. Braised Tofu and Tempeh
Tahu Tempe Bacem is a very popular vegetarian dish in Bali. Tofu and tempeh are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, using ingredients such as brown sugar, sweet soy sauce, and spices.
The tofu and tempeh are slowly cooked in the spice mixture until they are absorbed and produce a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy taste. This dish is often served with white rice as a side dish in various Balinese dishes, and is a great choice for vegetarians visiting Bali.
10. Rai Banana
Pisang Rai is a traditional Balinese snack made from bananas coated in sticky rice flour dough, then steamed and served with grated coconut on top. The sweetness of the banana combined with the chewy texture of the sticky rice makes it the perfect dessert after a meal.
Pisang Rai is often served as an afternoon snack, usually accompanied by a cup of Balinese tea or coffee. Its sweet and chewy taste makes Pisang Rai a very popular dessert in Bali.
Balinese cuisine not only offers delicious dishes, but also reflects the rich culture and traditions of the island.
Every Balinese specialty, from Babi Guling, Bebek Betutu, to sweet snacks such as Pisang Rai, has a unique taste and tells a long story about the Balinese people and their way of life.
Not only pampering the tongue, every mouthful of Balinese food brings you closer to the history, customs, and habits of its people.
So, when you visit Bali, make sure to taste the specialty dishes and bring home Typical Bali Souvenirs that will enrich your holiday experience. Bali is not only about its stunning natural scenery, but also about the deliciousness of its stunning food and unique keepsakes.
