Bali is not only well-known for its mesmerising landscapes. This island also boasts a captivating culinary scene. Therefore, when you travel to this paradise, you should take top Balinese cuisine seriously. If you have no idea how to start your gastronomic adventure, keep scrolling to discover the best Balinese cuisine, from main menus to sweet treats.
Aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques characterize traditional Balinese cuisine. This combination creates tasty flavours that you cannot find in other places. This island offers many culinary options, so deciding which cuisine to try may take time and effort. Here is a list of several must-try Balinese cuisines.
1. Ayam Betutu
This top Balinese cuisine consists of whole chicken coated with a rich blend of spices. Then, it is grilled for hours. This slow-cooking technique makes the chicken smooth and aromatic.
In the past, Ayam Betutu was served at traditional ceremonies. Nowadays, it can be easily found in various restaurants.
2. Babi Guling
If you are a pork enthusiast, Babi Guling is an absolute must-try dish when exploring Bali. It is a whole pig stuffed with various spices, then roasted on a spit over the fire.
The final result is crispy pork skin and tender meat. Babi Guling is a festive dish usually prepared for large gatherings and celebrations. However, many restaurants serve it for guests. They offer Babi Guling with rice, lavar (chopped veggies), and Sambal.
3. Sate Lilit
This variation of satay is the best Balinese food. It is made of minced meat (chicken, beef, or pork) mixed with various spices and grated coconut.
The mixture is wrapped around a lemongrass stalk and grilled over an open flame. The lemongrass stalk imparts a subtle citrus aroma. Besides, the grilling process adds a smoky flavour.
4. Nasi Campur
This dish is available across Indonesia, but every region offers its unique version. In Bali, Nasi Campur is rice served with roasted chicken, Sate Lilit, vegetables, fried peanuts, eggs, and Sambal Matah.
The components may vary. But it is perfect for tasting various Balinese dishes on one plate.
5. Nasi Jinggo
It is a famous Balinese street food that looks like Nasi Campur. It consists of a small portion of rice served with various side dishes wrapped in banana leaves.
The side dishes include shredded chicken, fried noodles, coconut, boiled egg, and Sambal (chilli paste).
It is typically a quick and affordable meal. The portion is small, so it is easy to enjoy on the go. Additionally, you can taste several different dishes at once.
6. Tipat Cantok
It is a traditional vegetable salad served with rice cake. The local vegetables used in this dish are water spinach, long beans, and bean sprouts. These vegetables are boiled and topped with peanut sauce.
You may not be able to find this top Balinese vegetarian dishin restaurants because it is only available in small eateries. Tipat Cantok is affordable, at IDR 10,000.
7. Lawar
This side dish is often served with Babi Guling. Lawar is made of chopped vegetables and meat (chicken or pork) mixed with spices and grated coconut.
There are many variations of Lawar depending on the region. You can also find Lawar Merah (Red Lawar), which uses extreme ingredients. This kind of Lawar uses chicken or pig blood to add distinctive colour and flavour.
8. Rujak Bulung
In many regions of Indonesia, rujak is known as a fruit salad topped with peanut sauce. But Rujak Bulung is unique because it is made of seaweed and served with fish sauce, shredded coconut, and spices.
But it does not have a fishy smell at all. Rujak Bulung offers a spicy, savoury, and tangy dressing flavour. This refreshing seaweed salad is perfect for tropical climates as it has a balanced taste. You can find this dish easily at the local eateries in Denpasar.
9. Be Pasih
This traditional dish features fish marinated with local spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled. The spices such as turmeric and galangal can eliminate the fishy smell.
Besides, using banana leaves can enhance the flavour of this cuisine. Be Pasih is known for its aromatic and slightly spicy taste. It is a popular choice among locals and tourists seeking authentic Balinese cuisine.
10. Jimbaran Seafood
Exploring stunning beaches in Bali is only complete with savouring its fresh seafood. One of the best spots to enjoy this grilled seafood is along the coastal area of Jimbaran.
This region is famous for freshly caught fish, prawns, squids, and others. The seafood is marinated with a mix of Balinese spices and perfectly grilled. Dining on the beach during sunset will be a memorable experience.
11. Bubur Injin
This porridge is a traditional dessert made from black glutinous rice. The black rice is cooked with palm sugar to create a smooth and creamy porridge.
This porridge is usually served in warm or at room temperature. Coconut milk is often added to give a creamy flavour. This comforting food is ideal for a breakfast menu or dessert.
12. Jaje Laklak
The main ingredients of this local delicacy are rice flour and pandan leaves. These leaves not only give the batter a green colour but also provide a distinct aroma. Pandan leaves have a unique fragrance, often described as a mix of vanilla and grassy notes.
The batter is then cooked in small moulds over a fire. Jaje Laklak has a chewy texture and sweet flavour. This cake has grated coconut and palm sugar syrup as the toppings.
This delicacy is available in the traditional market in Bali. It is a perfect treat for a sweet tooth.
Balinese food is well-known for its bold flavour and fresh ingredients. Every dish tells a story of the island’s rich cultural heritage. So, which dish that attracts you the most? Top Balinese cuisine offers a unique culinary adventure, whether you want to savour aromatic Ayam Betutu or sweet delight.
So, are you ready to explore these traditional dishes? You can book a Sydney to Bali flight via Traveloka. This user-friendly platform lets you arrange your trip efficiently, making your travel experience smooth and hassle-free.
