Bali isn’t just a paradise for the eyes; it’s a feast for your senses, especially when you sample its delicious street food. Bali’s vibrant street food scene offers a unique and affordable way to experience the island’s rich culinary heritage. From savory skewers to refreshing desserts, there’s something delicious waiting for every adventurer.
This guide will equip you to navigate the world of Balinese street food, introducing you to the most popular dishes and where to find them. But before we delve in, let’s address a common concern – avoiding Bali Belly.
Avoiding Traveler’s Nightmare in Bali : Bali’s Belly
Bali Belly, also known as traveler’s diarrhea, can put a damper on your vacation. To minimize the risk, stick to freshly cooked foods, opt for vendors with good hygiene practices (look for clean carts and sizzling hot grills), and be cautious with raw vegetables. Make sure you take all of the necessary precaution to avoid Bali belly.
After reading the necessary precautions, now let’s get your taste buds tingling!
The 10 Best Street Food You Should Try in Bali
1. Babi Guling
Dubbed the king of Balinese street food. This slow-roasted suckling pig, marinated in a mix of herbs and spices, is a true explosion of flavor. Crispy skin, melt-in-your-mouth meat, sticky rice, and a fiery sambal (chili sauce) create a blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Your Bali adventure won’t be complete if you didn’t have this one!
2. Nasi Campur
Meaning “mixed rice,” Nasi Campur perfectly embodies the spirit of Balinese street food. Each vendor offers their own unique twist on this dish, even allowing you to create a personalized dish. Imagine a plate piled high with shredded chicken, crispy tempeh (soybean cake), vegetables bathed in creamy coconut milk, and a perfectly fried egg.
3. Sate Lilit
A flavorful twist on traditional satay, Sate Lilit features minced meat (chicken, fish, or even beef) marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, lemongrass, and coconut. Skewered on lemongrass stalks and grilled to perfection, these skewers boast a smoky aroma and a juicy texture that are irresistible.
4. Mie Goreng & Nasi Goreng
These Indonesian staples are readily available as street food. Mie Goreng (fried noodles) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice) are customizable to your liking, often including ingredients like egg, vegetables, chicken, or even seafood.
Bali also caters to all dietary preferences, and vegetarians and vegans won’t be disappointed. Look out for these delightful options:
5. Gado-Gado
Gado-Gado is a colorful and healthy salad featuring steamed or boiled vegetables like green beans, cabbage, and corn, served with a rich peanut sauce dressing.
6. Lawar (Vegetarian Option Available)
For the adventurous eater, Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad with chopped vegetables, coconut, and sometimes minced meat. Vegetarian versions are available, so you can still experience this unique dish.
7. Nasi Jinggo
This convenient and portable meal is perfect for a quick bite. Wrapped in a fragrant banana leaf, it typically includes rice, tempeh or tofu, and a spicy sambal for a satisfying and flavorful punch.
No culinary adventure is complete without dessert. Get one of these sweet treats to end your Balinese street food adventure on a high note:
8. Pisang Goreng
These crispy fried bananas coated in a light batter are a classic Indonesian dessert. Often served with melted chocolate or cheese for a sweet combination, Pisang Goreng is guaranteed to please your taste bud.
9. Martabak Manis
Imagine a fluffy pancake filled with sweet goodness– that’s Martabak Manis. This delightful treat comes with fillings like chocolate, Nutella, or condensed milk. Perfect for sharing with your friends, it’s a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
10. Es Campur
Beat the Bali heat with a refreshing Es Campur. This shaved ice dessert is layered with a rainbow of fruits, jellies, and topped with sweet coconut milk. It’s a cool and delightful way to end your Balinese street food adventure.
Bali’s street food scene offers unforgettable flavors, as a way to experience the island’s rich culinary heritage and culture. From savory skewers to refreshing desserts, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud. Go wild and explore the vibrant street food culture of Bali.
Now if you want a more upscale food experience while you’re in Bali, Head to Pererenan to our restaurant, WOODS Bali. Here you will be treated to dishes made with love from the highest-quality, locally sourced ingredients. If you come at the right time, you may also be accompanied by a live jazz band as you unwind and indulge. Check out our upcoming events or contact us for an exquisite culinary experience at WOODS Bali.
