Best Food in Bali: What I Actually Recommend Trying

If you are looking for the best food in Bali, you definitely won’t run out of choices. From my experience living in Bali for many years, finding good food here is actually one of the easiest parts of the island experience. You can eat at a small local warung, try traditional Balinese dishes, visit a modern café, or enjoy food from almost every part of Indonesia. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and Muslim travelers, so you really don’t need to worry too much about finding something that suits you.

Food is also part of experiencing Bali itself. Beaches and temples may be the main attractions, but trying local dishes can tell you a lot about the island and its culture.

Best Food in Bali: Start with Ayam Betutu

When talking about traditional Bali food, Ayam Betutu deserves a place near the top of the list. It is chicken prepared with a rich mixture of Balinese herbs and spices, creating a strong and distinctive flavor.

Gilimanuk, in West Bali, is particularly famous for Ayam Betutu. Personally, I enjoy it, although the broth and seasoning can be quite spicy. If you are not used to spicy food, it might be a little challenging. Ask for a milder version if the restaurant offers one.

Then there is Babi Guling, another iconic Balinese dish. It is roasted pork prepared with traditional seasonings, usually served with rice and several side dishes.

The good thing about Babi Guling is that it is easy to find. You will see Babi Guling warungs in many parts of Bali, from local neighborhoods to busy tourist areas.

Food in Bali for Vegetarians

If you are looking for Food in Bali for vegetarians, there are plenty of choices too. Areas such as Ubud, Denpasar and Badung have restaurants and warungs offering dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus.

Ubud in particular has become well known for healthy food, plant-based restaurants and vegan cafés.

For something more traditional and refreshing, you can also try Balinese rujak. Some popular varieties include rujak kuah pindang and rujak gula. They combine fresh tropical fruit with flavors that can be sweet, sour, salty and spicy at the same time.

However, I wouldn’t consider rujak a proper main meal. It is more of a snack or something to enjoy between meals.

Halal Food in Bali Is Easy to Find

Muslim travelers looking for Halal food in Bali shouldn’t have too much trouble either. Bali has people from many different parts of Indonesia living and working on the island, so halal Indonesian food is widely available.

You can find many options around Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Singaraja. People who have moved to Bali from Lombok and Java have also brought their regional dishes with them.

You might find Ayam Taliwang, a spicy grilled chicken dish from Lombok, or Nasi Tempong, which comes from Banyuwangi in East Java.

And if you want something familiar and easy to find, there is always Nasi Padang. This West Sumatran cuisine offers rice with a wide selection of dishes. One of the most famous is rendang, beef slowly cooked with coconut milk and spices until it develops an incredibly rich flavor.

See Also: What to do in Bali A Simple Guide for Every Type of Traveler

Where to Eat in Bali and How Much Does Food Cost?

If you are wondering Where to eat in Bali, the answer depends on what kind of experience you want.

Local warungs are great for discovering everyday Indonesian food, while areas such as Sanur, Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak have everything from simple cafés to premium restaurants.

The Food in Bali price also varies enormously. A meal at a local warung can be surprisingly affordable, while dining at a high-end restaurant in a tourist area can cost considerably more.

Don’t assume that expensive always means better, though. Some of my favorite meals in Bali have come from very simple local places.

If you are making your own What to do in Bali list, I would definitely add exploring local food to it.

A Quick Word About Bali Belly

You may have heard international travelers use the term Bali Belly. It isn’t an official medical diagnosis. It is an informal term commonly used to describe gastrointestinal illness, particularly travelers’ diarrhea.

It can be associated with infectious organisms from contaminated food or water. Spicy or unfamiliar food can also upset the digestive system of some people, but digestive discomfort from spicy food is not necessarily the same as an infection.

See Also: Bali Belly

And Bali Belly certainly doesn’t mean that only foreigners can experience stomach problems. Indonesians can also develop diarrhea, stomach cramps and other digestive problems after eating contaminated food or food that simply doesn’t agree with them.

So while you explore the best food in Bali, use some common sense. Choose places that appear hygienic, drink safe water, wash your hands before eating, and pay attention to how your body reacts to unfamiliar or very spicy dishes.(*)

Frequently Asked Questions

What traditional food should I try in Bali?
Ayam Betutu and Babi Guling are two of the most famous Balinese dishes and are good starting points for exploring local cuisine.

Is vegetarian food easy to find in Bali?
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants are widely available, particularly around Ubud and other major tourist areas.

Is halal food available in Bali?
Yes. You can find plenty of halal Indonesian food, including Nasi Padang, Ayam Taliwang and many Javanese dishes.

Is Bali food always spicy?
No. Some Balinese dishes can be quite spicy, but not everything is. If you are sensitive to chili, ask whether a dish can be prepared less spicy.

Can spicy food cause Bali Belly?
Spicy food can cause digestive discomfort in some people, but travelers’ diarrhea is commonly associated with infections from contaminated food or water. They are not necessarily the same thing.