Feb 23, 2023
Indonesian food is renowned throughout the world, but this time we want to share the Top 10 must try Balinese food whether it is at a high end restaurant or local establishment by the road in Bali.
Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
Without a doubt this is a celebratory dish for Balinese, Babi Guling is prepared with turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, lime leaves and salam leaves with some chili, black pepper, garlic, red shallots, ginger and lesser galangal. It is then roasted over coconut husks or wood to tender perfection, it is usually served with rice and satay.
Bebek Betutu (Slow Cooked Duck)
Another Balinese must try food, it is usually stuffed with eggs, cassava leaves and mixed Balinese spices. The outcome is a tender and delicious duck meat, with strong flavors of the spices and served with rice.
Ikan Bakar Jimbaran (Jimbaran Style Grilled Fish)
It is the simplest food to prepare, but leaves an ever lasting taste. The fish is usually grilled over coconut shells that leave that sweet oily aroma, then brushed with Balinese chili and spices to enhance the flavors.
Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)
This Balinese comfort food can often be found either in restaurants or street stalls, they are usually served in banana leaves. The dish is mainly rice, mixed with vegetables, satay and chicken or babi guling and do ask for the traditional sambal matah.
BBQ Pork Ribs
This is probably a traditional Balinese food, but it is inspired by it. Naughty Nuri's pork is well known and coming early to the restaurant is a must, as they get busy.
The pork ribs are cooked to tender perfection and brushed with their secret sauce recipe that makes you crave for more, best to go hand in hand with a cold beer. You can go to their restaurant in Seminyak or Ubud.
Bebek Goreng (Fried Duck)
Balinese deep fried duck is out of this world or island in this case, it is perfectly seasoned then boiled before entering the deep fryer. Can be eaten simple, with rice and definitely with a lot of chili on the side. Dirty Duck in Ubud serves a great duck, but do come early as they can sometimes run out of ducks.
Satay Lilit
There must be dozens of satay versions throughout Asia, but Bali is the only one with a preparation that is unlike others - called Sate Lilit. The satay is usually chicken or pork mashed with coconut grates and grind until soft and mixed with Balinese spices before taking shape on a thicker stick and then grilled, usually it is served with sambal.
Bubur Mengguh
A dish hailing from Buleleng regency, it is a chicken porridge inspired by coconut milk and served with fried peanuts, green beans and chicken cooked in bay leaves.
Sambal Matah
It is not a dish, but no Balinese dish will be complete without this spicy sambal. It has simple preparations of shallots, lemongrass, shrimp paste, garlic, lime zest and a lot of bird's eye chili that presents that chili salsa in your mouth.
Jajan Bali
A dessert version from Bali, it is usually prepared with rice-flour and coconut, then drizzled with palm sugar caramel and steamed banana as well as black rice pudding.