Bali’s best local food: 30 Warungs and restaurants where you can taste authentic local cuisine!

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/bali/makanan-khas-indonesia/ 

Written by Kim Wilson
Co-written by Beverley Lennon and Junanto Xu
Edited by Beverley Lennon

You seriously have not lived until you have tucked into a freshly made plate of delicious Nasi Goreng or tried some mouth-watering Babi Guling! We thought it would be a great (and delicious) adventure to hunt down all the restaurants and warungs serving the best local food.

What’s the best part? You might find yourself sharing a communal bench with the locals at the warungs, or indulging in a delectably local dinner accompanied with a performance at a restaurant. Regardless, you’re bound to have an enjoyable experience at any of these places! Psst! For those not fluent in Bahasa Indonesian, here are a few keywords when looking at menus:

Also read: 

77 Extraordinary things to do in Bali that you may not heard of 

13 Best pork dishes in Bali for the most authentic, local and satisfying experience

15 Bali Halal restaurants with mouth-watering food

1. Do you smell something fishy? : RM Pak Bagong, Bangli

What’s a trip to an island if you don’t savour authentic seafood dishes? With the sea so close by, all you can expect is fresh and juicy seafood – the real sea-to-table experience!

Drop by this local eatery and make sure your stomach is empty, ready for a fishy feast! At RM Pak Bagong, fish is served the traditional way with a rich sauce mastered by Indonesians only. Tangy, spicy, saucy, crunchy, steamy and flaming hot – their Mujair fish topped with thick NyatNyat sauce is what you are here for!

First you’ve got the crisp of the fried fish, then comes the NyatNyat seasoning, spread all over your fish and dripping goodness! You’ll smell and taste the rich flavours of ginger, coriander and chili – all mashed and mixed with coconut milk, boiled to perfect thickness!

RM Pak Bagong has to be our ultimate local find on this precious parchment of must-try local food in Bali – it is yet a hidden spot, unknown by most visitors but oh-so loved by the locals!

Of course, you can choose to go simply for the fried fish without the sauce if you are feeling less adventurous but why eat less when you can eat more?!

You are here to share seats with locals and simply indulge!

2. Queue up for the divine pork skewers: Sate Babi Bawah Pohon, Legian

What’s Indonesia without its legendary ‘sate’? And what’s Bali without Sate Babi Bawah Pohon, also known as the sate stall under a tree (it used to be, but they recently moved away!)?

Those pork skewers attract crowds of babi-lovers! The stall started small, owned by a lady but is now directed by a whole crew! It is that good and that popular among locals!

Don’t expect these to be adjusted to foreigners’ tastes – just be ready for the spicyness! But according to us, it is just right! Some might want to bite on the extra chillies on the side too.

The pork is perfectly grilled – tender and juicy and all soaked in flavours and spices, while  the sauce drips – sweet, savoury and a little spicy. This is a one-of-a-kind street food experience you shouldn’t miss while in Bali!

Pick between a bowl of rice and some rice cakes or simply choose to level up on your sate pieces! Each portion comes with 8 skewers but it’s never too much sate when it’s from Sate Babi Bawah Pohon!

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3. The quest for the perfect Babi Guling – Selingsing Cepaka, Cepaka

Anyone who has been to Bali will know that Babi Guling is THE local dish that you have to sample. A whole pig is spiced and spit roasted for hours over a coal fire – this is pork at its best!

Babi Guling used to be reserved for ceremonies and special occasions, but nowadays most restaurants and warungs serve it too (although it often sells out by early afternoon).

Our quest for the best babi guling took us all over Bali, some was good, some was great but eventually we found the BEST!

This little warung is actually located in someone’s house, down an alley in Buduk. There are no signs to direct you, but the tempting smell of roasting pork will guide you in the right direction. It’s also only open from 2am to 9am in the morning.

Everything about the Babi Guling here is perfect. The skin is so crispy, the pork so tender, and servings are more than generous.

We recommend that everyone try Babi Guling at least once. If it sounds like just the thing to tickle your taste buds, then you should absolutely get up early for this splendid ‘secret’ meal – you wont regret it!

4. Savour the richness of Balinese spicy chicken – Warung Nyoman Bedugul, Benoa (Now closed)

Take a trip to Benoa and indulge in Bali’s most iconic spicy chicken! Not foodie trip to Bali is complete without trying out this locals’ favourite spot. In here, you get to taste some scrumptious slow-cooked chicken that’s packed full of spices.

Since the local eatery is famous among locals and tourists alike, we’d recommend you to drop by slightly before lunch time so as to secure a seat for the feast.

And if you’re one of those who can’t take in spicy food, there are plenty of other options to choose from their menu. Their satay, fried rice and fried noodles are apparently as delectable too!

What’s more, the local eatery is known to be halal!

5. Start the day the local way – Bubur Mebasa, Ubud

During my early days as a volunteer in Bali, I always wondered why farmers were lining up at this particular stall in the morning.

As the day went on, I could even see mothers with their kids joining in the queue to enjoy their first meal of the day and I could literally read through their emotions once they took a spoonful on the dish they were served so one day, I decided to give it a go and since then, Bubur Mebasa became my favourite Balinese breakfast!

For only Rp. 3,000 per portion, you get to indulge in a warm porridge that’s drenched in flavourful Kuah (sauce made of grated coconut and Balinese authentic spices) and tasty green leaves found only on a rare tree (bulan baon) – the combination is flavourful and fragrant but sadly the dish is hard to find in other areas of the island. It’s a rare gem that you’ll find only if you venture deep into traditional villages.

6. Challenge your spice tolerance – Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku, Ubud

Only 15 minutes away from the central of Ubud lies Bali’s arguably best and spiciest Nasi Ayam (Chicken Rice).

You know when someone names the restaurant after a dish, she means serious business.

Imagine enjoying your (possibly) best Nasi Ayam in a rustic and artistic place – a traditional Balinese house with a spacious green courtyard.

Your Nasi Ayam is served with Balinese lawar (salad), and a generous serving of its trusty friend – the sambal (chili paste).

Certainly not for the weak-hearted, but it’s so good it almost hurts, literally! Don’t miss Ibu Mangku’s other Balinese goodies, such as Sate Lilit and Nasi Campur.

7. Escape to Java with these delicacies! – Warung Kolega, Legian

Come and experience a Javanese-style buffet while in Bali! What’s special about these types of warungs is that you’ll be required to point at your desired dish through the glass window (they refer to it as a “touch screen buffet”) and the waiters will be serving you, turning your plate into a colourful rainbow! It’s a unique experience; almost chaotic but one you’re bound to remember!

From popular dishes like Ayam Balado (Spicy chicken) and Pepes Ikan (Steam minced fish) to exotic delicacies such as Kikil Sapi (Beef tendon) and Hati Ayam (Chicken liver), Warung Kolega promises you with a scrumptious journey across Java.

If you’re new to this whole concept, we’d suggest you to simply ask for their recommendation. Not to panic, the dish names are also illustrated on the glass window so that’ll help you when you’re wondering what to pick!

8. Indulge in locals’ favourite duck dish with a view – Lawar Kuwir Men Koko, Kuta

It’s not just all about Babi Guling (Balinese suckling pig) in Bali; there’s also scrumptious Lawar Kuwir (Spicy slow-cooked duck) to send your tastebuds to seventh heaven.

Right in front of your eyes will be a plate of rice topped with slow-cooked spicy duck, fish satay, veggies, Kuah Ares (banana stem soup), and Balinese sambal. The whole idea here is to mix them all together and eat it while warm, so you get to experience an explosion of flavours in every bite you take!

And at Lawar Kuwir Men Koko, you don’t simply get to indulge in authentic flavours but also get to do it the locals’ way – eat as you overlook the vast emerald paddy fields!

9. Go food hunting for this hidden gem in Bali’s westernmost village – Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh, Gilimanuk

Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh is nothing but a hidden gem. This secret dining spot is known to locals only and is one for the real foodies. If you enjoy hunting for the best local food while traveling, you might want to drive up to Gilimanuk to try out this local eatery! Yes it’ll take you a good 3-hour drive from Kuta but it’s a hidden gem afterall and it could well be a good option for when you’re crossing over to East Java!

Men Tempeh has been perfecting its recipe since 1978 so you can be sure that they’re famous in the area. And believe it or not, even locals are often seen embarking on the long journey that leads to the warung only to indulge in the oh-so-loved Ayam Betutu with friends and relatives.

The dish comprises of spicy chicken, fried beans and spicy veggies. It’s a burst of flavour awaiting – the chicken is slow-cooked in spices for over 24 hours so expect it to be juicy and tender; nothing like what you’ve tasted before!

10. Try out locals’ favourite chicken rice  – Nasi Ayam Bu Oki, Jimbaran

The crowd queuing up at Nasi Ayam Bu Oki speaks for its popularity. The legendary chicken rice stall has been perfecting an authentic Indonesian dish for over decades and now it’s got the title of ‘Jimbaran’s most sought-after chicken rice’. Join the locals and queue up for your plate of deliciousness.

After some minutes of patience, your plate will turn into a colourful affair as a generous spoon of rice gets slathered with glistening chunks of chicken, perfectly grilled satay, mixed vegetables, topped with peanuts to add some crunch, and how can we forget their famed sambal? We recommend you to mix it all for an explosion of local flavours as everything on your plate matches so perfectly. No wonder it is a locals’ favourite!

11. Not your healthiest but most authentic fruit salad! – Warung Rujak Bu Putu, Legian

Traditional fruit salad (Rujak) is almost impossible to find nowadays around Bali and this is exactly why we couldn’t be happier when we found out about Warung Rujak Bu Putu where one can still find the authentic Balinese rujak.

Best yet, it is located along Jalan Blambangan (1.5 kilometres away from Kuta Beach) so it’s one of your best options when you want to cool down from the heat. Staying true to how a warung should look like, you can only find two sets of wooden tables in front of the stall.

Settle in and get yourself a bowl of rujak. What sets Balinese rujak apart is that it uses fish stock, prawn paste, and chilli in its sauce to enhance the freshness of the fruit, as compared to other Indonesian rujak that is usually served with brown sugar and chilli sauce.

Slightly spicy but perfectly complemented by the sweetness and freshness of bengkuang (jicama), young papaya, kedondong (ambarella), cucumber, starfruit and more, this concoction is bound to tickle your palate!

For non-spicy options, you can also try out their Rujak Bulung with seaweed and beans.

12. Discover an authentic Balinese hideaway: Laka Leke, Ubud

Laka Leke is a must “dintertainment” spot while in Ubud. You get to dine and be entertained alongside local performances, surely redefining the way you usually savour in local delicacies.

Everything at this restaurant depicts authentic Balinese lifestyle – from the welcoming entrance, walk through rice paddy fields and reach the temple-shaped gate, you will then be directed to your lesehan seating (dine picnic-style while sitting on a mat) in your private pavillion with a few monkeys eyeing you (or rather, your food).

Don’t worry as they will head back to the forest when you are all settled (they are just here to double-check that you are enjoying!).

Local dishes at Laka Leke are exquisite – the restaurant is known to be dishing out not only hawker favourites, but also modern Indonesian fare, authentic Balinese cuisine and more!

We personally loved their popular crispy duck, which goes amazingly well with some sambal matah. Then again everything at Laka Leke taste fantastic, but nothing does justice to their mouth-watering Nasi Campur – colourful and flavourful are the best two words we can find to describe. For Rp.50,000 (approximately USD 3.60), it’s super affordable for the quality you get and the comfortable restaurant setting.

(Psst – We always return for their Nasi Campur, not to mention asking for extra sambal!) See, even the classics are taken to the next level!

On specific nights, the restaurant gets busy with their traditional performances, with locals dressed in colourful and shiny outfits replicating theatrical dances such as the Barong and Kris Dance, Frog Dance, Jogeg and Children Dance as well as Bali’s popular Kecak Dance. Join in, get to learn a few steps and go back with plenty of good memories!

13. Ribs barbecued to perfection: Warung Chef Bagus, Kuta

If there’s something that rhymes with Warung Chef Bagus, it has to be “RIBS”! Warung Chef Bagus does world-class ribs – glistening, smoky, slow-cooked – it has the potential to be one of the most heavenly good foods in existence, especially when enjoyed with their icy-frozen bottle of beer!

Best eaten with your hands and a pile of napkins on the side, your ribs set comes with an array of accompanying dishes like yellow rice, local pickles and vegetables while you can also choose to go for a mix-and-match of ribs and skewers (sate).

So what makes Chef Bagus’s ribs so very special? The tenderness, sauce-to-meat ratio, smokiness, and good charring!

So moist, so tender… that not even a 5-star eatery would be able to do it better – their meat emerges tender and pulls clean from the bone without falling off while you lick the sauce off your fingers. You’ll definitely want to come back for more!

Try out their cooking school too and bring some taste of Warung Chef Bagus back home; it’s a fun way to get your hands on their secret recipes, and who knows, with a bit of practice you would surely be able to reproduce their to-die-for ribs platter!

14. Drop by for a beach-side local feast: Nasi Campur Men Weti, Sanur (Now closed)

Dearest germaphobes, please ignore the fact that your food is served with bare hands – this is apparently what gives it more flavour!

Some minutes of patience, a generous spoon of rice, a look out to the beachside, and within a few minutes, your empty plate will be turned into a colourful, exotic delicacy. All is there – chicken, boiled egg, mixed vegetables, rich curry sauce, topped with peanuts and delicious sambal.

The Nasi Campur here is known to be legendary, you can judge by yourself once you get to see the queue for it, from as early as 8am! Be here early for breakfast as they get sold out pretty fast!

Everything in your plate matches so perfectly; you’ve got that crispy chicken skin, with tender flesh topped with spicy red sambal, soft boiled egg that has soaked up the red sauce, fresh veggies, crunchy peanuts on the side – how can you not possibly like it?

15. Feast like a king – Gabah Restaurant & Bar, Kuta

We mean it literally. If you can’t be king, well, you can at least eat like one.Now that you’ve tried almost all there is to try about Bali’s local fare, there’s one last experience to be had – the Balinese royal feast.

While Gabah also serves up other yummy Indonesian dishes with in both modern and traditional styles, what you’ll really want to try is their Royal Kingdom menu. It features the best of traditional specialties from around the island of Bali!

You’ll get to feast on 22 signature dishes that the royal family eats on the first day of harvest season, including traditional Balinese soup, grilled chicken and fish satay.

And it’s not just eating – you’ll also be having the full experience of being a king/queen for a day.

Put on your Batik headdress, which will immediately elevate your sense of self-importance, and sit back as your dinner is served to you on an intricate platter – along with some traditional live music and dances to whet your appetite.

16. Dine above water at a secret prawn haven – Bale Udang (Kuta & Ubud)

If you think that eating is all about the food, you’ll be proven wrong at Bale Udang.

Turns out, a good view can do wonders too. This restaurant has two outlets in Kuta and Ubud, and both feature stunning wooden bales surrounded by water.

Sitting in them will almost make you feel as if you’re dining above water! The Kuta branch also provides you with the choice of air-conditioned indoor seating, but haven’t you had enough of that?

Better yet, you’ll get to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and scenic views along with great food. Bale Udang’s signature menu is all about prawns – you’ll be surprised at just how many ways prawn can be cooked if you make a trip here.

From savoury sweet honey grilled prawns to everyone’s favourite salted egg prawns, you’re bound to find The Prawn for you.

And while you’re cultivating a love affair with shrimp, don’t forget to try out other popular dishes – varying from carp to chicken and duck dishes, as well as their fresh and delectable vegetables. And if you’re interested, Bale Udang also offers up some good old local Balinese tastes with their Balinese style menus!

We reckon you could spend half a day stuffing your face at both branches of Bale Udang, but eating isn’t the only name of the game here.

Bale Udang Kuta also features Bali’s largest kiddy playground where your little ones can run free, and at Ubud, various outbound and team-building activities are available for you to have a delicious and fun day!

17. Where locals tuck in comfort food: Dapoer Pemuda, Denpasar

There’s always a place back home where you find yourself going when times are tough or when you are simply in need of some comfort by indulging in familiar tastes, you know like your grandma’s recipes?

And this is what Dapoer Pemuda is for many Indonesians (yes because some fly from other parts of the country to savour their food!).

Dapoer Pemuda does the classics, but made from scratch so expect an explosion of local flavours and plenty of colours in your plate! The local eatery is known for its Nasi Goreng, Nasi Bakar, as well as fried tempeh. But nothing will tickle your palate as much as a scoop of their legendary sambal!

It’s a voyage through the tastes of the old Indonesia and that’s what people come in here for – no cultural twists, no latest trend added to the original recipes. You’ll never say no to an Indonesian meal after trying the ones at Dapoer Pemuda.

Well, don’t expect a lavish interior but impeccable service is at its utmost. It surely is unpretentious, the space is simple and sufficient but nothing fancy to boast about – but the staff and locals there are friendly, always happy to welcome you and share tables with you (if required)!

You’ll surely also love it oh-so-deeply for their pocket-friendly prices!

This local eatery definitely ticks all boxes when it comes to experiencing local food in Bali! Keep it secret (or not) as Dapoer Pemuda is somewhere that only locals and foodies in-the-know head to!

18. A warm hearty soup on a rainy day: Baku Dapa Bali, Kuta (Now closed)

Bali’s year-round summer is surely lovely for icy cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls and fresh salads, but what to dig into when the weather is a little less merry? Although you won’t have to break out the scarves and boots, it’s good to find a heartwarming meal on rainy days.

Visitors head to Baku Dapa for two dishes – their corn fritters surely, but first thing first – their oxtail soup that everyone’s raving about!

A perfect oxtail broth can be difficult to construct, but when it’s done right like the one at Baku Dapa, it’s a hangover-slayer as well as a rainy-day warmer, all in one.

Forget for a moment, the usual hot soups you get for take out – here at Baku Dapa, your oxtail soup is stewed for over 6 hours. Rich in flavour and spice, the oxtail meat literally falls off the bone as it is so tender and infused with the broth.

Whenever they run out of oxtail, people would still buy the broth mixed with kidney beans. Now that’s how legendary the oxtail soup is!

On the side, order a plate of their corn fritters (or Bakwan Jagung in Bahasa Indonesian), which is fried to perfection, crispy and doughy with the sweet kick of the corn – these are great to dip in your oxtail soup too!

Plus point: The local eatery is open for 24 hours, so you are welcome any time (even if it means coming twice a day!).

19. That roasted suckling pig you can’t miss: Warung Babi Guling & Kuah Balung Bu Dayu, Kuta

Things to bring: Water bottles and milk! This is where you test how much spice you can take, dear friends!

Head there for the Babi Guling (suckling pig) – you’ll know it when you reach, as you’ll spot queue first. This local eatery is just simply too amazing to be unknown, and it is popular to the core but totally worth the wait!

The pork is roasted to perfection – not even hamming it up! You’ll get it served on your plate, all tender, juicy and imbued with spices that linger on the palate…

Do not expect cozy seating or any kind of comfort, you are just meant to come, queue up, gulp down your food and leave, but you are welcome to stay longer for another round or simply to see how crazy the crowd gets over their Babi Guling!

It is so good that you’d probably join the queue again – as long as you could take another plate of Babi Guling!

20. Almost like dining at home: Sunda Kelapa Restaurant Bali, Kuta

If you want to find a really local warung hidden near the residential areas in Kuta – this one is a must-try.

The MehTheSheep team has eaten there twice when we were there, actually, because the food is that good and very affordable!

We tasted the Gurame Goreng Kering (fried fish), which was crispy, fresh, and almost melt-in-your-mouth. What’s best is that the entire fish costs only IDR 50,000.

And of course, you can never go wrong with Nasi Goreng – at this restaurant, it’s homely and delicious.

It also serves Nasi Tumpeng, a Javanese cuisine, which is usually made during festive seasons or celebrations. Sunda Kelapa can also accept advance reservations of Nasi Tumpeng.

21. The Ultimate Fish Dish – Warung Mak Beng, Sanur

If you love seafood then this is the one for you.

If not, the sole dish of Sup Kepala Ikan (fish head soup) might send you running.

Warung Mak Beng has been serving its famous Sup Kepala Ikan since it opened in 1941. If practice makes perfect then we can confirm that this fish soup is perfection!

The hearty soup is served with a piece of juicy ikan goreng (fried fish) and rice. Located just meters from the beach, you won’t find fish fresher than this.

Eat your catch of the day outside and watch the world go by, or take a table inside and look at the quirky photos of all the past patrons that adorn the walls.

It’s fresh, fishy and fantastic. And even if you don’t like seafood, this place might just change your mind!

22. Loving the Lalapan – Warung Nikmat, Kuta

It isn’t flashy and it isn’t fine dining, but this warung serves a great Ayam Nasi Lalapan.

Nasi Lalapan is essentially a sambal based sauce surrounded by tofu, vegetables and your choice of meat. Often served with a side dish of rice and a bowl of soup, it’s practically a three-course meal all in one.

Sambal recipes are closely guarded secrets and every warung believes that theirs is the best. When it comes to Warung Nikmat, you’ll have to judge for yourselves. Is their sambal truly outstanding? Let us know what you think!

This vibrant little warung is always busy, mainly packed with locals but tourists are equally welcome.

The food is displayed at the counter, just pick what you want and the cashier gives you a ticket with the total cost of your meal. No need to fuss with paying per item.

It doesn’t get more authentic than a bustling warung packed full with locals. It’s cheap, tasty and it’s halal, what more do you want?

23. Pig out on pig – Hog Wild in Bali, Kuta

If, by any chance, you’ve fallen in love with pork after trying Babi Guling, then you should try the pork at the aptly named Hog Wild in Bali.

This pig pen is perfect for all the gluttons out there. Sink your teeth into their signature pork ribs, and don’t let it end there – Hog Wild has a variety of meat dishes that are just as good as pork. So, dig into the beef skewer, ribs and Bebek Goreng as well!

Although we wouldn’t blame you if you’d rather eat a million pork ribs, after seeing almost everyone rave about it.

Actually… you can also eat a WHOLE pig. We’re not kidding, the Babi Guling here comes as a whole pig with head intact.

If you love pigs so much that you’d rather not eat them, you can always choose to bring an inanimate piggy friend home at Wild Oleh Oleh, the restaurant’s very own souvenir shop.

Pigs of all shapes and sizes can be found here – there’s even a Minion pig and other superhero pigs!

Just don’t spend sow (hur hur) much money that you don’t have enough to get home.

24. Enjoy great local food to a great local view – Warung Classic, Munduk

Hidden away in the village of Munduk is a popular establishment selling great local food.

All types of local delicacies can be found here, including spicy crispy chicken, Nasi Campur, chicken satay and traditional spring rolls.

While visitors have praised the warung for cooking up some really yummy food, many also love the amazing mountain and sea view that the warung offers (we do too, and we’ve only seen pictures).

If you’re interested in how to make authentic Indonesian dishes, Warung Classic is no stingy friend – they also provide cooking classes to spread their skills to curious tourists!

25. A Sweet Eat – Kafe Batan Waru, Kuta

With so many incredible savoury dishes in Bali, it’s easy to forget the amazing desserts that are on offer… Not anymore.

Introducing Burbur Injin (black rice pudding). This sweet treat is popular as dessert, as a snack or even for breakfast in Bali.

Coconut milk and palm sugar are added to thick black rice and the dish is often finished with sliced bananas. (Some even mix little pieces of jackfruit in to give it that extra oomph!)

Kafe Batan Waru is a fresh and modern restaurant serving a mixture of authentic Indonesian and International cuisine. The whole dessert menu comprises traditional dishes, but you just can’t beat a bowl of Burbur Injin.

Locals, tourists and expats all get together at Kafe Batan Waru for its Chilli Crab Tuesdays. Kafe Batan Waru has definitely learned the art of blending traditional and modern cuisine for great results.

26. Finger licking good – Rumah Makan Ayam Bakar Wong Solo, Kuta

The whole world has a weakness for fried chicken and Indonesia is no different with its love for Ayam Penyet.

Ayam Penyet originates from East Java and literally translates to ‘smashed fried chicken’. The chicken is tenderised before being fried until the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Wong Solo is known in Indonesia for its Ayam Penyet. The name ‘Solo’ being the short version of Surakarta, a city in Central Java where this restaurant chain originated.

The Ayam Penyet is served with spicy sambal, sliced cucumbers and fried tofu – it’s a pretty interesting way to eat fried chicken!

This restaurant also boasts a unique concept, with authentic Javanese food in funky, modern surroundings. Like any 21st century little warung, you are guaranteed to leave with a full stomach and a big smile.

27. Really Nice Rice – Warung Wardani, Denpasar

Nasi Campur (mixed rice) is the national dish of Indonesia. Every warung serves it and everyone who has been to Bali has tried it.

What’s not to like about rice with meat, vegetables, eggs, peanuts, and sometimes those lovely little fried shrimp?

For a good Nasi Campur, Warung Wardani is one of the places to try!

The closest we can get to finding out the secret recipe for this Nasi Campur is that the flavour is in the ‘special sauce’.

Warung Wardani has been open for over 20 years and the locals, and tourists, just keep coming back for the Nasi Campur.

Whilst the food remains authentic, the restaurant has been updated and now features air conditioning.

After a busy morning in Denpasar you will be grateful for the cool air as you tuck into your simple, but delightful lunch.

It will probably still be around even after another 20 years, but you definitely shouldn’t wait that long to try the Nasi Campur!

28. Rocking the Rijsttafel – Bumbu Bali Restaurant & Cooking School

You are right – Rijsttafel doesn’t sound like an Indonesian word, in fact it’s Dutch! Literally translated as ‘rice table’, Rijsttafel dates back to the Dutch colonial period in Bali.

The cooked rice is accompanied by a banquet of little dishes including vegetables, meats and pickles. It’s perfect for sharing and for those who want to try a little bit of everything.

Bumbu Bali 2 has a traditional wooden interior and a beautiful exterior, but most importantly they make a solid Rijsttafel.

A clam soup starter is followed by a selection of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes (and rice of course!). You will love the selection of desserts to finish off.

Thanks to their success over the years, Bumbu Bali 2 remains dedicated to serving only authentic Indonesian cuisine and sources all its ingredients from traditional local markets.

The best thing about it? Bumbu Bali has a cookery school so you may learn to make some of these lovely local dishes to cook and enjoy when you get home.

29. Naughty but nice – Poppies (Kuta)

Nasi Goreng is pretty much the naughty fried version of nasi campur – and we love it!

Who can resist a plate of spiced, lightly fried rice with other goodies such as egg, chicken and prawns?

Nasi Goreng can be served in a tin from a roadside warung or at prestigious dinner parties. It’s a dish for every occasion, and you cannot leave Bali without trying it.

Hidden away from the bustle of the busy streets, Poppies has been quietly cooking up great Nasi Goreng for over 30 years.

Eating Nasi Goreng in the quiet oasis of Poppies’ water garden restaurant only makes it taste even better. Something we didn’t think was quite possible.

To top off the experience, order one of their Pina Coladas. Take a sip of the refreshing cocktail from the intricate carved coconut glass and lay back in relaxation!

30. Sign up for a Balinese extravaganza – Kampoeng Bali at RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA, Jimbaran (Temporarily closed)

If just like us you prioritize culture and food when you travel, you’ll love dropping by Kampoeng Bali at RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA. Dinner time here is no casual affair. This one-of-a-kind restaurant lets you enjoy an immersive Balinese dining experience as you’re set in what resembles a traditional local village bordered by a lush rice paddy.

As you settle down at sunset time (6pm), you’ll be greeted with a ritual directed by locals carrying offerings and colourful Balinese parasols. I know this might sound like it is concocted mainly for tourists but trust me, if you’re looking for great local cuisine in a comfortable yet authentic Balinese ambience then Kampoeng Bali is your best bet!

Once night falls, the space becomes even more lively as you roam around the local traditional market. This is where you get to hunt for unique artworks proudly made by the locals.

Food is served as early as 6.30pm. In fact, you get to serve yourself from the expansive Balinese buffet spread that is beautifully set in the open space. From here, you also get to watch the chef dishing up a plethora of delectable Balinese dishes! Eventually, you’ll find the every-so-popular Babi Guling (suckling pig)!

And if you want to bring back home some of the local tastes and flavours, you’ld surely enjoy signing up for their cooking class that lets you explore the diversity of the Balinese culinary world.

As you start to dig in, beautiful melodies of Gamelan (Balinese and Java instruments) are bound to awaken your senses as a group of local dancers come in for a magical yet intriguing Kecak Dance performance. Other accompanying traditional shows include the Balinese Gong Kebyar , Puspa Wresti Dance, Cendrawasih Dance, Kebyar Trompong and Fire Dance that come in harmony as you get ready for the scrumptious desserts on your plate!

Special Mention 1: Settle in here for trendy revisited local dishes: Bali Pork Star

Pretty much like its name says; here, pork is the star of the show! It comes disguised in a variety of flavours and textures, with fusions from all around Asia but you can’t fail to taste savoury Indonesian spices kicking in there!

Dishes are presented in a simple way, don’t expect decorative items on your plate or nicely presented and aligned pieces of pork – they serve you real food and you are expected to get dirty!

Although the choice is yours, we strongly suggest you to order one of their Nasi Campur. Yes we know that you might know a lot about Nasi Campur by now as it is all over Bali but trust us, Bali Pork Star revolutionizes the traditional Nasi Campur! An assortment of succulent pork dishes await, including their famous Babi Sambal Matah. Pure deliciousness, we bet you will thank us for that!

Just when you thought local food was getting too similar and boring all around the island! Here it comes with little hipster twists!

And if like us you crave for something without rice but still heavy, with a bit of crispy decadence, try their pork belly, accompanied with french fries or simply go big with their pork ribs – saucy and tender but also succulent and juicy on the inside, while it’s grilled to a crisp on the outside!

Feeling like something lighter? Pork salad please! Besides being a salad (that means healthy!), it might seriously just hit the spot on a hot day in Bali!

Here you go, you have found the ideal place to satiate your pork cravings!

Special Mention 2: Bali’s most famous and beloved sweet treat: Pie Susu Enaaak

The Pie Susu is the most famous and iconic sweet treat in Bali. You’ll often find many local travellers hunting down these delicious milk pies to take home, but what’s so good about them and where is the best place to get them?

We did a little research and tasted different brands of this much-loved Pie Susu, and we found the best Pie Susu in Bali at Pie Susu Enaaak. This legendary shop has been around since 1989.

What makes this specific shop so good is that the pies are homemade and freshly produced on the daily , without added preservatives. This is also the reason why only a limited amount of pies are available daily as they can’t be kept for very long. In general, you’ll have to join a queue to be able to get your hands on those delectable treats so I bet you now know how special they are!

Pie Susu Enaaak’s milk pies are soft, sweet and creamy on the inside, wrapped in delicious homemade dough and baked to perfection. Besides being a must-try, they’re also the perfect souvenir to bring back home from Bali!

Note: To make sure you get, it is best to make a reservation one day before.

Don’t miss out on local food while you travel! Learning through food is the best way to immerse in the culture! What is something you can’t wait to try when in Bali? Let us know below!

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