Bali is a foodie’s paradise, with a rich culinary history and a variety of delicious balinese dish to try. From the famed Ayam Betutu to the lesser-known Lawar, there’s no shortage of amazing Balinese dishes to feast on. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern interpretations of classic dishes, the options for Balinese cuisine are nearly endless.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 local Balinese dishes you must try on your next trip to the paradise island. Get ready to experience the flavours of Bali and indulge in some of the region’s tastiest dishes updated on 2026. Bon appétit!
Ayam Betutu: The Famous Balinese Roasted Chicken or Duck
According to legend, betutu was a favorite dish of royalty. It’s not hard to understand why, as the preparation of the dish is quite sophisticated. Whole chickens or ducks are typically used as the main ingredient and are stuffed with a complex blend of spices such as shallots, garlic, ginger, chili, peanuts, and more. The meal requires at least eight hours of preparation. However, the rich flavour in every bite makes it well worth the wait. You can find Ayam Betutu at most restaurants in Bali.
The Best Ingredients for Ayam Betutu Traditional Dish
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 bay leaves
- Banana leaves (enough to wrap the chicken) or tin foil as an alternative
Spice Paste:
- 4 shallots
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 thumb-sized piece of kencur (lesser galangal)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- 4 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 red chilies
- 2 candlenuts
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (belacan)
- Salt, to taste
Sate Lilit: The Delicious Minced Seafood Satay
Sate Lilit is a unique version of the popular South-East Asian dish, satay or sate. Traditional satay features skewered chunks of meat. Sate lilit, however, involves wrapping minced meat around a bamboo or lemongrass stick. This Balinese dish typically uses tuna, but some restaurants also provide the option of chicken. Unlike other types of sate, sate lilit has its flavour mixed into the meat during the mincing process. Typically, this Balinese dish doesn’t come with a sauce since the flavor is already infused into the meat. We have recommended for you if you want to eat sate lilit, the name is Warung Be Pasih. This is the best place to eat Sate lilit in Bali. Enjoy your sate lilit!
Address: Jl. Pemuda III No.24, Renon, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali
Lawar: A Traditional Balinese Meat Dish
Lawar is a Balinese dish that consists of chopped meat mixed with a variety of green vegetables and grated coconut. The meat options include beef, chicken, duck, pork, turtle, or a combination of these. In Bali, there are two types of lawar: red and white. The red lawar gets its colour from adding animal blood, which imparts a distinct savoury flavour. White lawar, in contrast, does not contain blood and frequently substitutes meat with jackfruit. Lawar is often served at celebrations and special occasions, as it’s a dish that’s reserved for special guests. Best place you can eat Lawar is on Warung Pengkol. Why did we recommend this place? They have a nice service and the price is cheap for you to eat Lawar in Bali.
Address: Jl. Batur Sari No. 72, Sanur, Bali
Pepes Ikan: An All-Time Favorite Balinese Fish Dish
Pepes Ikan, a beloved Balinese fish dish, frequently accompanies steamed rice and Balinese Sambal. This tasty dish includes a variety of Balinese spices like coriander and turmeric, and it’s usually accompanied by a serving of fried chili peppers on the side. You can find Pepes Ikan at most restaurants in Bali.
You can find this Balinese dish at most restaurants in Bali. However, for the most authentic experience, it’s best to try it at a local warung (small restaurant). These places often use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create a truly authentic taste of Balinese dish. Some warungs also offer a variety of fish options like snapper, grouper, and mackerel to make the dish. Pepes Ikan is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for fish lovers.
Pepes Ikan Balinese Traditional Ingredients
- ½ kilogram of tuna
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 cup of lemon basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons of base gede (Balinese basic yellow sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 pieces of banana leaf (page-sized) or aluminum foil
- 1 thick slice of lemon
- 6 toothpicks
Bubur Mangguh: Balinese Porridge with Urab
Bubur mangguh is a traditional Balinese rice porridge dish hailing from Tedjakula village. Made with rice porridge, peanuts, chili peppers, shredded chicken, and urab, it boasts a unique flavor. Simmer coconut oil, salt, and bay leaves with the porridge. To enhance the flavor, people often savor it on its own, but many also frequently add spices such as shallot, garlic, candlenut, chili pepper, burnt turmeric, pepper, and salt. Traditionally, a breakfast dish, you can spot it at street vendors during the early morning and at some restaurants throughout the day.
Nasi Jinggo: The Traditional Balinese Rice Dish
Despite its small serving size, this Balinese dish plays a significant role in the daily diet of locals. Nasi Jinggo comprises rice, vegetables, a side dish, and condiments. What makes it unique is all wrapped together in a banana leaf. The meal is typically affordable at only Rp 5.000, and the side dish options can include shredded chicken, egg, or noodles. Vendors on motorcycles parked on the side of main streets commonly sell nasi jinggo. You can find Nasi Jinggo everywhere in Bali and the vendors are usually open at night. We recommended place for you want to eat nasi jinggo in bali, the name is Nasi Jinggo Om Gundul. The price on there are cheap, just 5,000 rupiah.
address: Jalan Imam Bonjol Nomor 20, Kecamatan Denpasar Barat, Denpasar, Bali
Nasi Campur Ayam
Balinese Nasi Campur, which literally translates to “mixed rice,” is a popular Balinese dish among locals and visitors alike. People commonly consume it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.The dish is similar to a pick-and-mix selection, featuring an assortment of Indonesia’s best bites. Authentically good Nasi Campur typically includes Ayam Panggang (grilled chicken) or Ayam Betutu, White Lawar, Sate Lilit, and a variety of hot sambals. To experience the best Nasi Campur, look for buffet-style warungs that allow customers to select from dishes displayed in glass cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Balinese dish should I try first?
Most travelers start with Babi Guling (suckling pig) or Ayam Betutu (spiced chicken), as both are deeply rooted in Balinese culture and full of flavor.
2. Where can I eat authentic Balinese food in Bali?
Authentic dishes are best enjoyed at local warungs like Ibu Oka in Ubud or Pak Malen in Seminyak, where food is traditionally cooked.
3. How much should I expect to spend on Balinese food?
A typical meal at a local eatery costs IDR 20,000 – 80,000 (USD 1.5 – 5). Street food can be cheaper, while restaurants and resorts may charge more.
4. Is Balinese food suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Dishes like Urab Sayur (a vegetable mix with coconut) or Nasi Campur (vegetarian style) are widely available, especially in Ubud.
Let’s Taste the Unique Flavour of Traditional Balinese Dish
From vibrant street stalls to cozy restaurants, Bali is full of incredible Balinese dishes waiting to be discovered. Each region has its own twist on these beloved recipes, giving you a taste of the island’s rich culture and culinary traditions.
Now that you know the must-try Balinese dishes, get ready to dive into Bali’s unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re savoring spicy sambal, tender roasted meats, or sweet local treats, every bite tells a story of heritage and heart.
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