Pasar Senggol (Gianyar): Bali’s Best local street food night market with authentic legendary food!

Written by Beverley Lennon

We’ve scoured Bali to find the best local food before, but it seems like we missed on one of the local’s best-kept secrets. So here it is; look out for Pasar Senggol in Gianyar, located only 20 minutes drive from Ubud, this night market is entirely dedicated to Bali’s local food culture.

Step in and get drooling; the night market is bound to awaken your every sense with the aroma of spicy local delicacies and the buzzing sight of vendors cooking up legendary dishes.

It is no wonder that Pasar Senggol is known as Bali’s amusement park for real foodies! But what’s best is that the local food market is wallet-friendly! You can literally feast on an array of authentic food for under USD $10 (under USD $5 per dish)! And while there’s a bunch of stalls at the night market, we’ve consulted a local friend to reveal the best ones to settle down at!

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1. Even locals from Jakarta travel all the way for this Babi Guling! – Warung Babi Guling Desak Nyoman Ratni

When a local Indonesian claims that he’s craving for one specific Babi Guling from a food market in Gianyar, you know it’s one that’s super special! I mean, the dish is almost synonymous to Bali and you could find it around most local eateries (warungs) so it’s kind of a big deal that locals would specifically point at this one hidden 20 minutes from Ubud.

Coming from my dear colleague who’s not only the best foodie expert I know but also 100% local Indonesian, the Babi Guling served at Warung Babi Guling Nyoman Ratni is like no other.

Prepare for an explosion of flavours as the suckling pig served here isn’t commodified to suit every tourist out there; their pig is roasted for over 4 hours until brown and crisp. And the atmosphere stays true to its roots, it’s super authentic as you’re surrounded by multiple food sellers cooking up other local delicacies – it’s the smell, the sight, the sounds and the hospitality from the locals that make it so special!

2. A place to go when your stomach is empty (huge portions!) – Warung Sak Ade & Warung Nym Sarjana

When was the last time you had a plate of Nasi Ayam Campur? Now, if you’re not familiar with the dish, it’s a legendary Indonesian delicacy and you can find one of the best plates being served at Pasar Senggol. Visitors can’t agree on which of these two stalls work out the best of it but it seems like Warung Sak Ade and Warung Nym Sarjana master the art of authentic Nasi Campur. Try it for yourself and let us know which team you’re on!

What makes it so special is the melt-in-your-mouth chicken that seems to just fall off the bone (best enjoyed when eating with your hands)!

Your plate of Nasi Ayam Campur comes generously garnished with white rice, boiled egg, chicken drumstick, peanuts and vegetables!

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3. A delicious blend of Balinese and Chinese – Siobak Warung Makan Laba Sari

Any cultural buff out there would know how diverse Indonesia is. In fact, Indonesians are a mix of Chinese, European, Indian, Malay and Indian – a real potpourri of cultures blended all together!

And very often, you’ll be able to trace these exotic cultural influences in their local food. A plate of Siobak Singaraja is just that,  the dish combines a delicious blend of Balinese and Chinese ingredients – it consists of boiled pork drenched in a thick brown gravy (although it is not quite so, I have to say that it reminds me of the traditional Hainanese chicken/pork chop).

For an authentic taste, settle down at Syobak Warung Makan Laba Sari where the chunks of boiled meat are served so soft that you’ll barely have to chew on.

For a little bit of storytime; the dish originates from Singaraja, which is located at the most northern part of Bali and used to be a hub for Chinese merchants who came for trading activities and this is why you can find such influences in the dish. Luckily, you won’t have to travel all the way up to North Bali to sample it!

4. This is a not-to-be-missed dish when in Bali! – Warung Makan Lawar Bebek “Pitik Bali”

I have too many friends who think that Bali’s traditional food has to be Babi Guiling, so here I come showing you that it’s much more than that!

Thanks to my local friends who are always keen to share hidden gems and secrets, I’ve found out more about Lawar Bebek, a traditional Balinese dish which consists of a mixture of minced duck and a variety of vegetables, usually served with a plate of white rice and side of soup.

Now, I have to agree that you’re less likely to find it at every street corner as compared to Babi Guling but if you’re keen on trying one that the true locals rave about, I’d highly recommend you to make your way to Gianyar and grab a seat at Warung Makan Lawar Bebek “Pitik Bali”.

5. Bali’s version of Gado Gado – Warung Ketut Sukerti

A little bit of crushed peanuts, salt, sugar, chilli, water, mixed perfectly in the hands of a local Balinese woman and tadaaa you have a paste to drenched your vegetables and rice cakes in.

If you’re familiar with Gado Gado, you’ll find similarities of it in the traditional Balinese Tipat Cantok. It’s also very similar to the Javanese Tahu Bambu; just that you’ll find it to be simpler as it has fewer ingredients in it.

At Warung Ketut Sukerti, your Balinese rice cake salad is made the traditional way using an ancient stone plate to crush the peanuts and turn it into a paste – no fancy food blender here! It’s not only delicious, but it’s also 100% vegetarian!

Now that you know where to sample the best legendary local food in Bali, tag all your foodie travel buddies below and let them know where to go!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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