What are traditional Balinese foods?

Some of the dishes in the best Balinese cuisines include Satay, Babi Guling, Tahu and Tempe, and Betutu.

What is the national dish of Bali?

Nasi campur is considered the national dish of Bali.

What is Bali’s signature dish?

Nasi Ayam, Ayam Betutu, and Babi Guling are some of the must-try Bali’s specialities.

Is vegetarian food available in Bali?

Yes, vegetarian food in Bali is available. You can try various dishes like Sambal Udang, and Tahu(Tofu) among others.

Traditional Balinese Dishes: 10 Must-Try Foods In Bali 2025

Have you ever imagined tasting traditional Bali Indonesia food? Food is not just a way to a man’s heart but also works amazingly well for all genders, races, and species as well! If you are planning a Bali Trip, you have to be ready to taste the traditional Balinese dishes. Embark on a food adventure consisting of all sorts of meats and veggies. Bali being famous for its all-rounded tourism industry has some of the best dishes for you to try. Betutu, Nasi Tepeng, Babi Guling, and Bubur Sumsum might sound alien-like to your ears but they sure will tickle your taste buds. The authentic traditional Bali Indonesia food awaits you to get your mind blown and tongue-tied. Are you ready to try the best Balinese cuisines? Here are traditional Balinese dishes to try for every food enthusiast visiting the island.

Top 10 Traditional Balinese Dishes To Try

1. Satay

Satay or Sate Lilit is a cultural wonder of Bali and one of the most famous traditional Balinese dishes. This classic dish is basically marinated skewered and grilled meat. The variation in the meat is beef, chicken, pork, fish and turtles as well. The meat is wrapped around bamboo or lemongrass sticks and grilled fully with spicy sauces. A little touch of coconut milk is also added for the flavor.

2. Betutu

2nd on the list of traditional Balinese cuisine is Betutu, known as the king’s meal. Betutu is a stuffed duck with a mixture of spices which include shallots, garlic, ginger, chilli, peanuts, and many more. Along with the duck, cassava leaves, lemongrass, banana leaves, and kaffir lime leaves also add up to the ingredient list. This traditional Bali Indonesia food is cooked over an hour or two and served with steamed rice and sauces. It is one of the best dishes in Bali.

3. Urap

Urap is the most popular food in Bali also known as Urab. It is a local food of Bali; a simple but tasty vegetable salad that locals love. It’s made by mixing cooked or fresh vegetables like green beans, cabbage, bean sprouts, and spinach with a special coconut topping. This topping is what makes it special —– they mix freshly grated coconut with spices like chilli, garlic, shallots, and a splash of lime juice to make it tangy and a bit spicy.

As a local food of Bali, Urab can be eaten on its own or alongside other dishes. It’s healthy and full of good nutrients from all the vegetables. Many people enjoy it with rice or grilled meat dishes. It is one of the best Balinese cuisines.

4. Sambal Udang

Sambal Udang is again something a seafood lover shouldn’t miss. It is also one of the best dishes in Balinese cuisine. Large prawns are cooked in spicy sambal and tamarind paste. Sambal sauce is another popular food in Bali and is made out of sauteed onions, green pepper, and red chilli peppers. The final dish is garnished with coriander leaves and topped with some coconut milk. For those seeking traditional Balinese dishes vegetarian options, there are plenty of choices.

Suggested Read: Explore Popular Foods In Bali Indonesia

5. Tahu And Tempe

Another vegetarian food in Bali is Tahu and Tempe which is basically tofu and fermented soy cake. It is both a snack and a side dish for your main course dishes. As part of the traditional Bali Indonesia food culture, the dish is made by cooking sliced tofu with fermented soy cake in a pot of coconut water and some spices. People can opt for a fried or non-fried version accordingly making it one of the best traditional Balinese dishes vegetarian.

6. Babi Guling

Babi Gulling is usually served during performances as a treat or snack but it definitely qualifies as a main course. This Balinese roasted pork is rolled over the fire and enjoyed as a communal dish. The juicy pork meat is stuffed and greased with some authentic traditional spices. The delicate texture of the meat adds to the savoury taste of this delicacy. It is a popular traditional Bali Indonesia food.

7. Nasi Tepeng

This is a famous dish in the Balinese cuisine. It is a mushy delicacy filled with a mixture of spices and herbs. The flavours along with fried chicken, egg, jackfruit, beans, and eggplant will definitely nourish your tastebuds. Nasi Tepeng’s rice and porridge-like texture make it a good breakfast dish.

8. Tuna Sambal Matah

Served hot with steamed rice, Tuna sambal matah is one of the traditional Balinese dishes which is a sour and spicy wonder. The dish is made by adding lime juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the fresh tuna steaks and grilling them to the taste. The ingredients are pretty much just tuna, lime juice, and steamed white rice.

9. Bubur Sumsum

This sweet black rice dish allows you to experience one of the best Balinese cuisines. Served as either a dessert or breakfast/snack, Bubur Sumsum is a must-try during your visit to Bali. The batter of rice flour is cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves then boiled until thick and battery. Adding banana slices and coconut cream as a dressing gives it the perfect taste.

10. Kopi Luwak

If you are up for an adventurous food marathon, you should definitely try the Kopi Luwak. Also known as civet coffee or poop coffee, it is the most expensive coffee in the world. It is made by collecting and washing the extracted coffee beans of civets. These beans are roasted over a fire and served as freshly brewed coffee with surprisingly low acidity.

Pro Tip: When planning your culinary journey through Bali, take time to explore both popular restaurants and local warungs. Each place offers a different perspective on these traditional dishes, and you might find that the same dish tastes slightly different depending on where you try it. This variety is what makes exploring Balinese cuisine such an exciting adventure.

Conclusion

These traditional Bali Indonesia food options showcase the best Balinese food that the island has to offer. Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer traditional Balinese cuisine that’s vegetarian-friendly, there’s something for everyone in this culinary paradise.

What makes these dishes special is that modern chefs are finding innovative ways to present traditional dishes, making them appealing to international visitors while maintaining their authentic flavours. This balance ensures that Balinese cuisine remains relevant and exciting for future generations.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a casual traveller, the culinary experiences in Bali will leave you with lasting memories. The combination of unique flavours, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality makes every meal special. So when you visit Bali, make sure to give yourself time to truly explore and appreciate the incredible world of traditional Bali Indonesia food and keep tasting the best of flavours! Meanwhile, we’ll see you on the other side of the dining table.

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Traditional Balinese Dishes: Must-Try Authentic Foods From Bali’s Kitchen

Top 10 Traditional Balinese Dishes To Try

1. Satay

2. Betutu

3. Urap

4. Sambal Udang

5. Tahu And Tempe

6. Babi Guling

7. Nasi Tepeng

8. Tuna Sambal Matah

9. Bubur Sumsum

10. Kopi Luwak

Conclusion

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