Whether you eat to live, or live to eat, Bali certainly provides enough culinary reasons to return again and again to this tropical oasis. Whether consumed from a street cart or a high-end restaurant, makan (meaning “food” or “to eat” in Indonesian) is central to Bali’s culture and carries with it strong spices, flavors and textures in every bite.
For adventurous and picky eaters alike, below are 5 of Bali’s most famous and exotic dishes that you must try at least once while on the Island of the Gods.
1. Black Rice Pudding
“What IS that?” you might ask upon first sight of this unique dessert. Not necessarily the “prettiest” of sweets, this sticky treat is guaranteed to be worth the risk. Just the right balance of sweet and savory, the most classic black rice pudding dishes are prepared with coconut milk, vanilla and palm sugar. Served either hot or cold, some people like to enjoy this dessert with banana or jackfruit. Try: Tandjung Sari in Sanur.
2. Babi Guling
One of Bali’s most traditional ceremony dishes, Babi Guling is suckling pig roasted on a spit, stuffed with various local Balinese spices. Once basted with coconut water, the spit roasting process lasts for an entire night. It has a unique mixture of flavors, including turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir, coriander seeds and more. The meat is extremely tender and succulent after hours of slow-cooked perfection, a delicious contrast to the crispy, crackling skin. Try: Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud and Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen when you stay in Seminyak.
3. Bebek Betutu
A typical cuisine of the Gianyar region in Bali, this aromatic stuffed duck is wrapped in banana leaves and spice paste before being roasted slowly for several hours. The best versions of Bebek Betutu are extremely moist to the point of falling off of the bone, and bursting with lots of flavor: lemongrass, turmeric, shallots, shrimp paste, lime leaves, candlenut and ginger to name a few. This dish is usually served with steamed white rice on banana leaves, fried peanuts, spicy tomato sambal and ideally, a glass of fresh coconut water. Try: Bebek Bengil in Ubud, Nusa Dua, or Jimbaran.
4. Ayam Betutu Gilimanuk
A special variation of the Ayam Betutu (roasted or steamed chicken), this Gilimanuk rendition is full of hot and spicy flavors. First, the chicken is immersed in a broth of fragrant Balinese spices including garlic, onion, red chili peppers, turmeric, ginger and coconut oil, and then is boiled for a duration of 3 hours. Next, it is entirely wood-smoked until all the seasoning has been absorbed, giving the chicken its moist and tender consistency. Spicy lovers this dish is for you; because red chili peppers make up most of the broth’s substance, the resulting taste is a flaming hot zing that will leave your mouth on fire craving for more. Try: Warung Liku in Seminyak (come before 3pm or it will be all gone!)
5. Mie Goreng
Don’t miss out on this staple Indonesian delight! Made with thin yellow noodles, Mie Goreng is a fried noodle dish usually accompanied with chicken, shrimp, or beef, as well as vegetables and a sunny side up egg placed on top. A savory dish rich in soy sauce and garlic, these noodles are most definitely Southeast Asia’s comfort food, best served with a meat satay or fried chicken. Try: Pasar Sindhu in Sanur.
There are no doubt a countless number more traditional Balinese dishes that didn’t make our top 5 this time. Share with us YOUR favorite island makan below!
Original contribution by former Villa-Bali.com intern, Hannah 🙂