Bali, often referred to as the Island of the Gods, has an incredible street food scene. In fact, for many visitors, indulging in the local cuisine is a highlight of their trip.
If you’re wondering where to find the best street food in Bali, this guide is here to help. We’ll take you on a culinary journey across the island, uncovering the best places to experience Balinese street food, while also offering tips to make the most of your gastronomic adventure.
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Why Street Food is Important in Bali
Street food in Bali is a significant part of the island’s culture and daily life. Many Balinese dishes have been passed down through generations, with recipes that carry deep cultural and familial significance. Street food stalls, locally known as warungs, are often family-run businesses that have been serving traditional food of Bali for decades.
These stalls are where locals eat, socialise, and carry on the island’s culinary traditions. For travellers, trying street food is one of the best things to do in Bali, allowing them to experience authentic Balinese culture and get a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage.
Is it Safe to Eat Street Food in Bali?
One of the most common concerns for visitors is whether it’s safe to eat street food in Bali. The good news is that, in general, street food in Bali is safe, as long as you take a few basic precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose Busy Stalls: A long line often means the food is not only popular but also fresh, as the turnover is high.
- Look for Cleanliness: Observe how the food is being handled and prepared. Cleanliness is key to avoiding the dreaded “Bali belly”.
- Drink Bottled Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking and avoid ice in your drinks unless you’re certain it’s made from filtered water.
- Start with Cooked Foods: Cooked foods are generally safer because the heat kills bacteria. Grilled meats, fried snacks, and hot soups are good options to start with.
The Street Food Experience in Ubud
Ubud, often seen as Bali’s cultural heart, is also a hotspot for street food. As you wander through the bustling streets and vibrant markets, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to sample the island’s best traditional dishes.
Popular Dishes to Try in Ubud
- Babi Guling: This is a must-try when in Bali. Babi Guling is a spit-roasted pig stuffed with a blend of spices like turmeric, garlic, and chilli, slow-cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat tender. Ubud is home to some of the best warungs serving this iconic dish.
- Nasi Campur: A plate of Nasi Campur in Ubud is a colourful assortment of rice, served with a variety of side dishes like satay, vegetables, and curries. Each warung has its own take, making it a great way to sample different flavours.
- Tipat Cantok: For something light and refreshing, try Tipat Cantok, a dish of rice cakes served with a peanut sauce and a mix of steamed vegetables. It’s a simple yet flavourful dish that’s often enjoyed by locals.
The Best Places to Find Street Food in Ubud
- Ubud Market: The Ubud Market is a place to shop for souvenirs and a fantastic spot to sample local street food. Early in the morning, you’ll find vendors selling traditional breakfast dishes like Nasi Jinggo, a small portion of rice with side dishes wrapped in a banana leaf, and fresh tropical fruits.
- Tegallalang Night Market: Located just a short drive from Ubud, this night market comes alive after sunset, offering a variety of street food options. You can try everything from grilled corn on the cob to more adventurous choices like grilled frog.
- Jalan Raya Ubud: This main street in Ubud is lined with warungs and street vendors offering a wide array of Balinese dishes. It’s a great place to explore on foot, sampling different foods as you go.
- Sayan Night Market: A bit off the beaten path, the Sayan Night Market is where locals go for their evening meals. Here, you’ll find authentic Balinese dishes at very affordable prices. It’s an excellent place to try Babi Guling or a freshly made bowl of Bakso (Indonesian meatball soup).
The Street Food Experience in Seminyak
Seminyak is known for its upscale dining and chic beach clubs, but don’t overlook its street food scene. Amidst the trendy restaurants, you’ll find plenty of warungs and street vendors offering delicious and affordable eats.
Popular Dishes to Try in Seminyak
- Satay: One of the most beloved street foods in Bali, satay is skewered meat, usually chicken or beef, grilled over an open flame and served with a rich peanut sauce. In Seminyak, you can find vendors grilling satay on nearly every corner.
- Bakso: This Indonesian meatball soup is a popular street food across the island. Made with beef or chicken, the meatballs are served in a broth with noodles, tofu, and sometimes an egg. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Martabak: A popular street snack, Martabak comes in both sweet and savoury varieties. The savoury version is stuffed with ingredients like eggs, meat, and vegetables, while the sweet version is filled with chocolate, cheese, or condensed milk.
The Best Places to Find Street Food in Seminyak
- Jalan Camplung Tanduk: This bustling street is a haven for street food lovers. You’ll find numerous vendors offering a variety of dishes, from satay to Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice). The area is lively in the evenings, making it a great place to start your food exploration.
- Seminyak Night Market: Located near Jalan Raya Seminyak, this night market is a treasure trove of local delicacies. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to sample traditional Balinese food in a vibrant atmosphere. From Bakso to Pisang Goreng (fried banana), there’s something for everyone.
- Oberoi Street (Jalan Kayu Aya): Also known as “Eat Street,” Oberoi Street is famous for its array of sit-down dining options, but it also has a selection of street food vendors where you can grab a quick bite. The Martabak stalls here are particularly popular, offering both sweet and savoury versions of this tasty snack.
- Petitenget Temple Area: Around the Petitenget Temple, you’ll find several street vendors serving a variety of traditional Balinese dishes. It’s a less touristy spot, which means you can enjoy a more authentic street food experience, mingling with locals who frequent the area.
The Street Food Experience in Sanur
Sanur, with its laid-back vibe and beautiful beachfront, offers a more relaxed street food experience. It’s an excellent place to unwind and enjoy some of Bali’s best dishes in a peaceful setting.
Popular Dishes to Try in Sanur
- Nasi Goreng: Bali’s take on fried rice, Nasi Goreng is a simple yet delicious dish that’s a staple in every warung. Typically cooked with a mix of vegetables, chicken, or shrimp, and topped with a fried egg, it’s a dish you can enjoy any time of day.
- Sate Lilit: This variation of satay is made with minced meat mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices, wrapped around a stick of lemongrass, then grilled to perfection. The result is a fragrant, juicy treat that’s full of flavour.
- Lawar: Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish made from a mixture of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat, usually served with rice. It’s a dish that’s often prepared for ceremonies, but you can find it in local warungs in Sanur, offering a taste of the island’s culinary traditions.
The Best Places to Find Street Food in Sanur
Sanur’s street food scene is a bit more low-key compared to other areas of Bali, but it’s still full of delightful options for food lovers. Here are some of the best spots to discover street food in Sanur:
- Sindhu Night Market: This local market is one of Sanur’s top spots for street food. It comes alive in the evening, with vendors offering a variety of Balinese and Indonesian dishes. Here you can try everything from Nasi Goreng to grilled seafood, all at very affordable prices.
- Pantai Matahari Terbit: Near Matahari Terbit Beach, you’ll find a cluster of food stalls serving a range of local delicacies. It’s a great spot to enjoy Sate Lilit or Lawar while watching the sunset over the beach.
- Jalan Danau Tamblingan: This main street in Sanur is lined with warungs and small eateries where you can sample traditional Balinese food. The area is popular with both locals and tourists, and it’s a fantastic place to try a variety of dishes in one evening.
- Mertasari Beach: On the southern end of Sanur, Mertasari Beach is another excellent spot for street food. Here, you’ll find vendors offering a mix of local snacks and meals, perfect for enjoying after a day at the beach.
Weird and Crazy Street Food in Bali
If you’re an adventurous eater, Bali has some unusual street foods that are sure to pique your curiosity. These dishes might not be for everyone, but they’re a fascinating part of the island’s food culture.
- Lawar Babi: A traditional dish made from pig’s blood, Lawar Babi is a mix of minced meat, grated coconut, and spices, combined with the blood for a distinct, earthy flavour. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in Balinese culture and worth trying if you’re feeling brave.
- Grilled Frog: Yes, you read that right. Grilled frog is a delicacy in some parts of Bali, seasoned and cooked over an open flame. The meat is tender and has a flavour similar to chicken.
- Durian: Known as the “king of fruits,” durian is infamous for its strong smell, which can be off-putting for some. However, the flesh inside is creamy and sweet, and it’s a popular street food across Southeast Asia, including Bali.
- Balinese Bat Soup: While not for the faint-hearted, bat soup is considered a delicacy in some parts of Bali. The meat is usually stewed with various herbs and spices, resulting in a strong, gamey flavour.
- Snake Satay: Another adventurous dish, snake satay is made from skewered and grilled snake meat. It’s typically seasoned with local spices and served with a tangy dipping sauce, offering a unique taste experience.
- Sate Kakul: Sate Kakul is a dish made from skewered and grilled snails. The snails are marinated in a blend of spices before being grilled, creating a chewy and savoury snack that’s popular among locals.
- Bebek Betutu: This dish features an entire duck stuffed with spices and herbs, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in a fire pit. The cooking process can take up to 24 hours, resulting in incredibly tender meat infused with smoky flavours.
- Ulat Sagu (Sago Worms): Sago worms are eaten as a snack in some parts of Indonesia, including Bali. They can be consumed raw, fried, or grilled, and have a slightly nutty taste and creamy texture.
- Jukut Undis: Jukut Undis is a traditional Balinese dish made from black beans cooked with grated coconut, chilli, and spices. While it’s not as strange as some other items on this list, the unique combination of ingredients creates a dish with a distinct, acquired taste.
- Kluwak (Black Nut) Soup: This soup is made from the Kluwak nut, which has a rich, earthy flavour and a dark, almost black colour. The nut contains toxins that must be carefully prepared before being eaten, making this dish a rare treat.
The Best Sweet and Dessert Street Food in Bali
Bali’s street food scene isn’t just about savoury dishes. There are plenty of sweet treats to satisfy your sugar cravings.
- Klepon: These bite-sized green rice cakes are filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut. When you bite into one, the sweet syrup bursts in your mouth, making it a delightful snack.
- Pisang Goreng: A popular Indonesian snack, Pisang Goreng is simply deep-fried bananas. They’re crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, often served with a drizzle of honey or chocolate.
- Es Campur: Perfect for a hot day, Es Campur is a refreshing dessert made from a mix of shaved ice, coconut milk, and various toppings like jelly, fruits, and sweet syrups. It’s a cool and colourful treat that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.
- Dadar Gulung: This is a sweet pancake roll made with pandan-flavoured batter, filled with a mixture of grated coconut and palm sugar. The bright green colour and sweet filling make it a popular street food dessert.
- Jaja Laklak: Jaja Laklak is a traditional Balinese cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sometimes infused with pandan leaves. It’s typically topped with grated coconut and palm sugar syrup, offering a sweet and slightly sticky treat.
- Serabi: Serabi are small, fluffy pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk. They are usually topped with a variety of sweet toppings like chocolate, coconut, or banana, making them a versatile dessert option.
- Bubur Injin: Bubur Injin is a traditional black rice pudding cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar, then served with fresh fruit or shredded coconut. It’s a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for a satisfying treat.
- Kolak Pisang: This dessert is made from banana slices cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar, often served warm. Sometimes, sweet potatoes or tapioca pearls are added, making it a comforting and delicious street food dessert.
- Rujak: While typically a savoury dish, Rujak in Bali can also be made into a sweet treat. It’s a fruit salad served with a sweet and spicy sauce made from palm sugar, tamarind, and chilli, creating a unique flavour combination.
How Much is the Average Street Food in Bali?
One of the best things about street food in Bali is how affordable it is. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to eat like a local, street food offers great value for money.
- Snacks and Small Dishes: Expect to pay around IDR 10,000 to 20,000 (£0.50 to £1.00) for snacks like Pisang Goreng, satay, or Martabak.
- Main Dishes: For a more filling meal like Nasi Goreng, Bakso, or Babi Guling, prices typically range from IDR 20,000 to 50,000 (£1.00 to £2.50).
- Desserts: Sweet treats like Klepon or Es Campur are usually priced around IDR 10,000 to 15,000 (£0.50 to £0.75).
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Bali
To make the most of your street food adventure in Bali, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Bring Small Change: Street vendors often deal in cash and may not have much change for large bills. It’s a good idea to carry small denominations to make transactions smoother.
- Learn Basic Bahasa Indonesia: Knowing a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, like how to order food or say thank you, can enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals.
- Pace Yourself: With so many delicious options, it’s easy to overindulge. Try smaller portions from different stalls to sample a wider variety without getting too full.
- Be Open-Minded: Some dishes might seem unusual or intimidating at first, but keeping an open mind can lead to some amazing culinary discoveries.
- Respect Local Customs: Balinese people are generally very welcoming, but it’s important to be respectful of their customs, especially when eating in a family-run warung. Always be polite and gracious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Street Food in Bali
What Foods Are Famous in Bali?
Bali is known for several iconic dishes, many of which are available as street food. Some of the most famous include Babi Guling (spit-roasted pig), Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice), Satay (grilled meat skewers), Lawar (a mix of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat), and Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck in spices). These dishes are integral to the Balinese culinary experience and are a must-try for any visitor.
How Much Does It Cost to Eat in Bali for a Day?
The cost of eating in Bali for a day can vary depending on your dining preferences. If you stick to street food, you can comfortably spend between IDR 100,000 to 200,000 (£5 to £10) per day, which would include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. If you opt for a mix of street food and dining at mid-range restaurants, your daily food expenses might range from IDR 200,000 to 400,000 (£10 to £20).
Is It OK to Eat Salad in Bali?
Eating salad in Bali can be risky due to potential contamination from unwashed vegetables or untreated water. To avoid “Bali belly,” it’s best to eat cooked foods and avoid raw salads unless you are in a reputable restaurant where food safety standards are strictly followed. Always be cautious with salads and raw vegetables from street vendors unless you are confident in the food’s preparation.
What Should I Eat to Avoid Bali Belly?
To avoid “Bali belly” (traveller’s diarrhoea), stick to hot, freshly cooked foods. Avoid raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and ice in drinks unless you are sure the water is purified. Drinking bottled water and opting for cooked foods like grilled meats, fried dishes, and soups can minimise your risk. Additionally, choosing busy food stalls where the turnover is high can help ensure freshness and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
How Much Is a Nice Dinner in Bali?
A nice dinner in Bali can range from IDR 100,000 to 300,000 (£5 to £15) per person at a mid-range restaurant. If you opt for a more upscale dining experience, especially in popular areas like Seminyak or Ubud, you might spend between IDR 500,000 to 1,000,000 (£25 to £50) per person, depending on the restaurant and your choice of dishes.
Is Alcohol Cheap in Bali?
Alcohol in Bali can be relatively expensive, especially imported brands. Local beers like Bintang are more affordable, costing between IDR 25,000 to 50,000 (£1.25 to £2.50) for a bottle. Imported wines and spirits are subject to high taxes, making them more costly. Cocktails in bars or restaurants can range from IDR 70,000 to 150,000 (£3.50 to £7.50).
What Is the Most Eaten Food in Bali?
One of the most commonly eaten foods in Bali is Nasi Goreng, a staple dish that consists of fried rice mixed with vegetables, egg, and a choice of meat or seafood. It is popular for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is a favourite among locals and tourists.
What Food Should You Avoid in Bali?
To avoid potential health issues, it’s best to avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially seafood and meats from street vendors. Be cautious with salads, unpeeled fruits, and foods that have been sitting out for a long time. Additionally, avoid drinking tap water or using it to brush your teeth, and be wary of ice unless you are certain it is made from purified water.
Do You Tip Waiters in Bali?
Tipping is not customary in Bali but is appreciated for good service. In some restaurants, a service charge may be included in your bill, but if it’s not, leaving a small tip (around 5-10% of the bill) is a nice gesture. For street food vendors, tipping is not expected.
What Is the Dining Etiquette in Bali?
Dining in Bali is generally relaxed, but there are a few customs to be aware of. When eating with your hands, use your right hand only, as the left hand is considered unclean. It’s polite to wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you begin. When visiting someone’s home or a local warung, showing appreciation for the food is important, and leaving a small amount of food on your plate is often seen as a sign that you are full and satisfied.
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