Are you a foodie? Indonesia is a paradise for food lovers. It never fails offering a diverse range of flavors and textures.
If you’re visiting Bali, Indonesia, here are some must-try local dishes and the best places to enjoy them!
1. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s signature fried rice dish. It’s known for its rich, smoky flavor. It is typically cooked with sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, egg, and a choice of proteins such as chicken, prawns, or beef. Often served with crispy shallots, pickled vegetables, and prawn crackers, this dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Ingredients: Rice, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, egg, chicken/shrimp/beef, vegetables, chili (optional)
Spicy Level: Usually not spicy, but you can ask the restaurant to adjust the spice to your liking.
Best Place to Eat: Atlas Beach Club
Special Dish: Nasi Goreng Jutawan – A luxurious version of nasi goreng topped with a 1.2KG Wagyu MB5 Tomahawk steak and 200g of smoked beef brisket mixed in the rice.
Entry: Free entry
Location: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.88, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali 80361
Website: atlasbeachfest.com
Instagram: @atlasbeachclub
2. Sate Lilit (Balinese Minced Satay)
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Sate Lilit is a unique type of satay from Bali, made with minced meat (often fish or chicken) mixed with coconut, lime leaves, and spices. The mixture is wrapped around a lemongrass stick and grilled to perfection, giving it a distinct aroma and taste.
Ingredients: Minced fish/chicken, coconut, garlic, shallots, lime leaves, spices
Spicy Level: Usually not spicy, but can be customized upon request.
Best Place to Eat: Wedja
Wedja’s sate lilit was the best! Its ambiance is natural, and the food portions are big.
Address: Jl. Ambarawati, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Hours: Open until 10 PM
Phone: +62 853-3701-9910
3. Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)
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Mie Goreng is a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish, often enjoyed as a street food staple. It features egg noodles stir-fried with garlic, shallots, soy sauce, vegetables, and protein choices like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Topped with crispy shallots and a fried egg, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients: Egg noodles, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, vegetables, chicken/shrimp/tofu, egg
Spicy Level: Usually mild but can be adjusted.
Best Place to Eat: Warung Nia Seminyak
Specialty: Famous for its flavorful Mie Goreng and pork ribs cuisine.
Address: Kayu Aya Square, Jl. Kayu Aya No.19-21, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Bali 80361
Hours: Open until 10 PM
Phone: +62 877-6155-6688
4. Sate Ayam (Chicken Satay)
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Sate Ayam is one of Indonesia’s most famous street foods, consisting of skewered and grilled marinated chicken served with a rich peanut sauce. The combination of charred chicken and sweet-savory peanut sauce makes it a comforting and delicious choice.
Ingredients: Chicken, soy sauce, garlic, shallots, peanuts, spices
Spicy Level: Usually not spicy, but can be adjusted to your preference.
Best Place to Eat: Warung Sate Madura Pak Awi
Price Range: Rp 25,000–50,000 per person
Address: Jl. Raya Semer No.15, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Hours: Open until 10 PM
5. Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)
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Nasi Campur is a quintessential Indonesian meal, consisting of a plate of rice served with a variety of side dishes like spicy chicken, vegetables, egg, tempeh, and sambal. It offers a bit of everything, making it the perfect meal to experience the rich flavors of Indonesia.
Ingredients: Rice, vegetables, egg, tempeh, chicken/beef/fish, sambal
Spicy Level: Usually mild, but sambal (spicy chili sauce) is often served on the side.
Best Place to Eat: Warung Wardani Denpasar
Price Range: Rp 50,000–75,000 per person
Address: Jl. Yudistira No.2, Dangin Puri Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232
Hours: Open until 4 PM
Phone: +62 361 224398