What to Eat in Bali? Discover 7 Dishes and Places You Will Crave for More

Trying to decide what to eat in Bali can be overwhelming with so many options. You want to taste the real Bali, but you also want meals that are easy to find and enjoyable for everyone. The good news is, you don't have to choose between adventure and comfort. This guide focuses on the local dishes that are both incredibly delicious and widely accessible, giving you a true taste of the island. Let's dive into the flavors you need to try.

1. Bebek Betutu (Slow-Cooked Spiced Duck)

Image Source: detik

When people think of Balinese feasts, this is often the dish. Bebek Betutu is duck (or chicken) marinated in a rich paste of turmeric, ginger, galangal, and chili, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for hours until it's fall-off-the-bone tender.

• What it's like: Imagine the most tender, aromatic meat you've ever had. The spices soak deep into every bite. It's not usually fiery hot, but deeply flavorful and earthy.
• Where to find it: Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant is famous for its version, especially the location in Canggu with rice field views. For a more traditional, roadside style, look for local warungs serving Ayam Betutu (chicken version).

2. Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)

Image Source: Kompas

This is your perfect introduction to Balinese cooking. Nasi Campur literally means "mixed rice." You get a plate of rice surrounded by small samples of whatever dishes the kitchen made that day—a bit of curried vegetable, some spicy chicken, fried tempeh, and always a serving of fresh sambal.

• What it's like: A tasty and affordable tasting plate. Every warung's version is different, so it's a fun way to eat. It often includes sate lilit (minced satay) and lawar (a seasoned vegetable mix).
• Where to find it: Any local warung (small family eatery). For some of the most popular versions, locals love spots like Warung Nasi Bali Made Weti.

3. Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Satay)

Image Source: Kompas

Forget the peanut sauce! Sate Lilit is Bali's unique take on satay. Minced fish or chicken is mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and lemongrass, then pressed around a flat lemongrass stick and grilled. The lemongrass adds a fantastic fragrance.

• What it's like: Moist, fragrant, and packed with herbal flavor. It's less about a heavy sauce and more about the tasty, seasoned meat itself.
• Where to find it: It's a staple on many Nasi Campur plates. You can also find it at dedicated satay stalls in traditional markets like the ones in Ubud.

4. Ikan Bakar Jimbaran (Jimbaran Bay Grilled Fish)

Image Source: Gofood

This is as much about the experience as the food. In Jimbaran Bay, you pick your fresh seafood—snapper, prawns, calamari—which is then marinated in a sweet, spicy sauce and grilled over coconut husks. You eat at a table right on the sand as the sun sets.

• What it's like: Fresh, smoky, and slightly sweet. The flavor comes from the marinade and the coconut-husk charcoal. It's simple, satisfying, and unforgettable.
• Where to find it: The long stretch of beach in Jimbaran Bay is lined with seafood cafes. Smaller, local-style spots like Ikan Bakar Bu Kadek are great for an authentic feel.

5. Soto Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Soup)

Image Source: Gofood

Sometimes you just want a comforting, flavorful bowl of soup. Soto Ayam is a clear, turmeric-yellow broth filled with shredded chicken, rice noodles, and a hard-boiled egg. It's garnished with fried shallots and celery for extra crunch and aroma.

• What it's like: Light, aromatic, and deeply comforting. It's the perfect lunch or a light dinner that still packs a lot of flavor.
• Where to find it: Many soup specialists across the island. A highly recommended spot is Soto SSB, known for its rich and clear broth.

6. Bebek Goreng (Crispy Fried Duck)

Image Source: trava

If you love crispy food, this is a must-try. For Bebek Goreng, duck is first steamed with Balinese spices to make it tender, then deep-fried until the skin is perfectly crispy. It's served with rice, fresh vegetables, and a sharp sambal matah (shallot and lemongrass relish).

• What it's like: Incredible texture—super crispy skin with juicy, flavorful meat underneath. The fresh sambal matah cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Where to find it: Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant is a top choice. You'll also find excellent versions at many warungs that specialize in poultry.

7. Local & International Favorites

Bali's food scene is wonderfully diverse. When you're in the mood for something different, you can find fantastic options that feel right at home on the island. In Ubud, grab a great burger like BOSSMAN Burgers Seminyak, or enjoy the famous roti canai and curry at the legendary Warung Bunana in Denpasar.

Your Bali Food Questions, Answered (FAQ)

What is Bali's famous food?
The most famous ceremonial dish is Babi Guling (suckling pig). For widely enjoyed local flavors, Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck) and Nasi Campur (mixed rice) are iconic must-tries.

What to eat to avoid Bali belly?
Stick to busy spots where food turnover is high. Eat food that is cooked fresh and served hot. Be cautious with raw vegetables from street stalls. Drink bottled water, use hand sanitizer, and consider probiotics before your trip.

What is Bali's signature dish?
While Babi Guling is famous, Bebek Betutu truly represents the heart of Balinese home cooking with its complex spices and slow-cooking tradition, making it a signature dish for many.

Is it okay to wear red in Bali?
Yes, it's perfectly fine. There is no cultural rule against tourists wearing red in everyday situations. You'll see plenty of red clothing in markets and shops.

Find the Best Food with Your Own Wheels

The most authentic warungs and best local spots are often spread out. Relying on taxis for every meal gets expensive and limits your spontaneity. The easiest way to hunt down these incredible dishes is with the freedom of your own car.

Make your food adventure easy with a rental from WAHDAH:

• Unlimited Mileage: Drive from a warung in Ubud to a seafood dinner in Jimbaran without worrying about extra costs.
• Flexible Pickup & Drop-off: We can meet you at the airport, your hotel in Canggu, or anywhere that's convenient for you.
• Local Support: Have a question on the road? Our customer support team is here to help.

Ready to taste Bali on your own terms?
Book your reliable rental car with WAHDAH in Bali today and start your food journey!

Deciding what to eat in Bali is part of the fun. With this guide, you can skip the guesswork and head straight for the dishes that define the island. Enjoy the vibrant markets, the cozy warungs, and the incredible beachside grills. Your taste buds are in for a treat