What to Eat in Bali: 15 Must-Try Dishes and Island Food Favorites

Wondering what to eat in Bali? From babi guling and nasi campur to smoky satay, slow-cooked betutu, and tropical sweets, the food in Bali is a vibrant taste of the island’s culture in every bite.

On this island, food is a powerful expression of culture, ceremony and community. From the smoky aroma of satay grills in the streets to the rich flavors of coconut-laced stews simmering in village kitchens, Bali food is as vibrant and soulful as the island itself.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Bali, prepare for a culinary adventure that blends age-old Balinese traditions with Indonesian spice and tropical ingredients. These best dishes in Bali offer a deeper look into the island’s heritage, one unforgettable bite at a time.

1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)

A ceremonial favorite turned street food staple, babi guling features whole roasted pig stuffed with turmeric, lemongrass, galangal and garlic. The skin is crispy, the meat is juicy and the plate often comes with rice, blood sausage and vegetables. It’s one of the most famous foods in Bali and a must-try for meat lovers.

2. Nasi Campur

Translating to “mixed rice,” nasi campur is a classic Bali meal where white rice is served with small portions of meat, vegetables, peanuts, eggs and sambal. No two plates are the same — it's a choose-your-own-adventure of flavors and textures.

3. Bebek Betutu (Slow-Cooked Duck)

Indulge in a celebratory dish wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for hours with a rich blend of shallots, garlic, turmeric and chilies. The result is tender, fall-apart duck packed with smoky, earthy flavor. Often served during ceremonies, it’s a local favorite and one of the best dishes in Bali.

4. Lawar

This traditional Balinese salad is made from minced meat (often pork or chicken), grated coconut and spices. In ceremonial versions, it can include animal blood, but many modern versions leave this out. It’s intensely flavored and deeply rooted in Balinese culture.

5. Nasi Goreng

Indonesia’s beloved fried rice dish has become a Bali staple. Often topped with a fried egg and served with pickled vegetables or skewered meats, nasi goreng is savory, satisfying and available at nearly every warung (local eatery).

6. Satay Lilit

This Bali-style satay wraps minced fish or chicken mixed with coconut, lime leaves and spices around lemongrass sticks before grilling. It’s fragrant, slightly smoky and a perfect snack or side dish served with sambal matah (raw shallot-chili relish).

7. Sate Babi (Pork Satay)

Marinated in sweet soy sauce, garlic and spices, these grilled pork skewers are a beloved Balinese street food. Often served with rice cakes and peanut sauce, they offer the perfect combination of sweet, salty and charred.

8. Gado-Gado

Delight in a colorful medley of boiled vegetables, tofu and tempeh dressed in a thick, nutty peanut sauce. Gado-gado is vegetarian-friendly and packed with contrasting textures and cooling flavor. It’s found all over Indonesia, but thrives in Bali’s health-conscious café culture.

9. Ayam Betutu

This Balinese version of spiced chicken is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The spice paste includes shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric and coriander, giving it a golden hue and complex flavor.

10. Tipat Cantok

Compressed rice cakes (tipat) are served with lightly boiled vegetables and peanut sauce, often topped with fried shallots. This humble street food is hearty and satisfying, especially on the go.

11. Jukut Urab

Make sure to sample this traditional Balinese side dish of steamed vegetables tossed in grated coconut, kaffir lime and fried shallots. It’s a refreshing complement to rich main dishes like duck or pork.

12. Tempeh Manis

Tempeh, a fermented soybean cake, is sliced and stir-fried in a sweet soy glaze with garlic and chili. Crunchy, caramelized and plant-based, it’s a staple in Bali’s growing vegan-friendly dining scene.

13. Balinese Sambal Matah

Unlike the more common cooked sambals, sambal matah is a raw chili relish made with shallots, lemongrass, lime leaves, chilies and coconut oil. It’s served as a condiment with grilled fish, satay or rice, delivering a punchy, citrusy kick.

14. Dadar Gulung

This bright-green pandan crêpe is filled with coconut and palm sugar, then rolled up like a spring roll. It’s one of Bali’s most popular traditional sweets found in markets and dessert shops.

15. Es Campur

Taste this vibrant iced dessert featuring mixed jellies, fruits, coconut and sweet syrups, all topped with shaved ice and condensed milk. Es campur is Bali’s answer to the heat — colorful, cooling and delicious.

Discover Food Excursions in Bali

Get a deeper taste of Balinese cuisine and culture through immersive food excursions that blend local flavors with spiritual landscapes and everyday life:

Authentic Balinese Remains
- Visit batik galleries, the majestic Pura Kehen temple and a traditional village to explore Balinese daily life, art and architecture. Enjoy an authentic Indonesian lunch surrounded by local ambiance and cultural heritage.
Soul of Bali by Land Rover
- Travel deep into Bali’s rural heartland in a 4x4 safari vehicle. Create canang (Balinese Hindu offerings), sip freshly brewed coffee at a local farm and hike through the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. Afterward, enjoy a buffet of Indonesian dishes at the Bamboo Forest Restaurant, accompanied by traditional rindik music.