Exploring the beauty of Bali will be incomplete without tasting the dishes there. Here, we have 10 recommended Balinese dishes you must eat while visiting this magnificent island. Best of all, Balinese dishes are perfect for seafood, meat, and vegetable lovers.
1. Ayam Betutu
As its name suggests, Ayam Betutu is made from steamed or roasted chicken infused with a rich blend of spices known as Betutu. This flavorful spice mix includes shallots, garlic, turmeric, and ginger, along with additional ingredients like chili peppers, shrimp paste, and peanuts, creating a bold and aromatic dish. Traditionally, Ayam Betutu is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it tender and deeply flavorful.
2. Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit is a unique Balinese take on satay, offering a delicious alternative for chicken lovers. While chicken is commonly used, Balinese also prepare this dish with pork, beef, or even turtle meat. The minced meat is mixed with grated coconut, thick coconut milk, lemon juice, shallots, and pepper, creating a fragrant and flavorful paste.
What sets Sate Lilit apart is its preparation—rather than skewering the meat on bamboo sticks like traditional satay, the mixture is wrapped around a lemongrass stick before being grilled over charcoal. The result is a smoky, aromatic, and juicy dish bursting with flavor.
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3. Lawar
Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish made from a mix of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat, often served with rice. While it may appear to be a vegetarian dish, many variations include pork or chicken.
Aromatic herbs and spices such as garlic, turmeric, kaffir lime leaves, and shrimp paste are added to enhance the taste. Some versions of Lawar also contain fresh animal blood, which gives the dish a deep red color and a richer umami flavor. If you prefer to avoid this ingredient, it’s best to ask before ordering.
4. Rujak Bulung
In the Balinese language, “Bulung” means seaweed, which is the key ingredient in this refreshing dish. Rujak Bulung is a unique seaweed salad that combines roasted coconut, chopped galangal, and a spicy, tangy sauce.
This dish is not only enjoyed as a flavorful snack but is also believed to have medicinal benefits. Locals consume Rujak Bulung to help with nausea, digestive issues, and even to cool down the body on a hot day. It’s a must-try for those looking to experience the fresh, natural flavors of Bali.
5. Tum Ayam
Tum Ayam is a delicious Balinese dish made with minced chicken, coconut milk, and a rich blend of spices. What makes this dish stand out is its unique cooking method—the seasoned meat mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed or grilled.
The banana leaves not only keep the dish moist but also infuse it with a subtle, earthy aroma, enhancing its overall flavor. Tum Ayam is often enjoyed as part of a larger meal, served alongside rice and vegetable dishes.
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6. Nasi Tepeng
You can’t miss Nasi Tepeng if you love spicy dishes. Nasi Tepeng is rice that is cooked with a variety of rich spices and peppers. It makes the taste of the rice a little bit spicy. Indeed, the aroma of Nasi Tempeng is also great due to the ingredients. Local people often eat Nasi Tepeng with long beans, red beans, jackfruit, eggplant, and grated coconut.
7. Tipat Cantok
While exploring Bali’s street food, you’re likely to come across Tipat Cantok, a simple yet delicious traditional dish. It consists of boiled rice cakes (Tipat) mixed with blanched vegetables, including water lilies, long beans, and bean sprouts.
The dish is then drizzled with a savory peanut sauce, similar to the dressing used in Indonesian gado-gado. The combination of soft rice cakes, crunchy vegetables, and creamy peanut sauce makes Tipat Cantok a delightful and satisfying snack.
8. Bubur Injin
If you’re curious about Balinese desserts, try Bubur Injin—a rich, sweet black rice pudding. It is made by slow-cooking black glutinous rice with palm sugar until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.
This warm dessert is typically served with a drizzle of coconut milk, giving it a delicious contrast of sweet and slightly salty flavors. Whether eaten as a breakfast dish or a comforting treat, Bubur Injin is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.
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9. Jaje Laklak
Balinese people eat Jaje Laklak as a dessert while drinking a cup of coffee or tea. Jaje Laklak is made from rice flour which is mixed with water and sugar.
The original Jaje Laklak looks green which is coming from natural coloring, such as Pandan or Suji leaves. The brown sugar sauce makes this cake perfect to eat while enjoying the calm Balinese atmosphere.
10. Babi Guling
No list of Balinese cuisine is complete without mentioning Babi Guling, one of Bali’s most famous dishes. This suckling pig dish is prepared by stuffing the whole pig with a rich blend of spices, including turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, black pepper, and garlic.
The pig is then slow-roasted on an open fire, creating a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Traditionally, Babi Guling was reserved for special ceremonies, but today, it’s widely available at local warungs (small restaurants) across Bali.
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So, don’t get confused about looking for the best dishes to eat while in Bali. Just try eating one of the most popular Balinese dishes above. You will get an unforgettable culinary experience.
