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Amazing Balinese dishes you can't miss when you visit
Everything about Bali will invigorate your senses. The sights, sounds, smells and especially the food. There are so many wonderful dishes it’s difficult to narrow down the best eats in Bali. Whatever you choose to do on this famous Indonesian island, one thing’s for sure: A visit to Bali isn’t complete unless you try the cuisine. For those with an adventurous palette, Bali has amazing night markets, warungs (food stands), as well as world-famous fruit vendors.
The island’s residents are primarily Hindu and Bali dishes are somewhat distinct from the rest of Indonesia. Unlike the rest of the country, Bali’s food has unique herbs, spices, and ingredients. Most meals include fresh vegetables, fish, or meat, and rice accompanies most dishes. Like most Hindu cuisines, beef is rarely used.
Here are some Balinese dishes you should sample while you’re there. You can try them everywhere, from the small warungs to high-end restaurants.
Babi guling
This Balinese dish is so popular that many warungs only specialize in babi guling (suckling pig). Before the pig is roasted, it’s rubbed with turmeric and then stuffed with a variety of spices like lemongrass, shallots, chili, more turmeric, garlic, coriander, shrimp paste, and more. After a slow roast over an open fire, the crispy skin is removed, and the juicy meat is cut and served with the flavorful stuffing. Balinese usually eat this dish with rice, fresh vegetables, and sambal (described below).
Lawar
A traditional Balinese dish, lawar is made of finely chopped meat, veggies, and coconut mixed with tasty spices. Blood from the meat is added to the spices for extra flavor. Locals like to pair this dish with Babi Guling. Don’t mind if we do.
Bebek betutu
This beloved traditional meal is made with garlic and spice-stuffed duck, which is then wrapped in coconut tree bark and slow-roasted or steamed. Locals like to eat this dish with plecing kangkong (spinach leaves), crispy peanuts, and sambal. Bon appetit!
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Sate lembat
Sate lembat is seasoned chicken or pork that’s been barbecued on a skewer. This delicious Balinese food is usually found in street food markets and warungs served with rice and soy or peanut sauce.
Ikan bakar
Sambal matah
Sambal matah is a raw ingredient salad including lemongrass, shallots, garlic, kaffir lime leaves and ginger. This Balinese food is flavored with shrimp paste and chili dressing and mixed with chicken, meat or seafood. Yes, please.
Maybe you're the type to play with your food before you eat it—no judgment here! In fact, we're all for it. In our opinion, one of the best ways to experience a culture is through food. So, let the locals lead you through culinary experiences where you can get your hands dirty!
Cooking classes in Bali
Along with its food, Bali is famous for cooking classes. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Balinese culture is to join a class because food is so closely tied to local life. Many of TrovaTrip’s Bali itineraries include cooking classes. The first starts at a local market, where your chef will teach you about Balinese ingredients and how to handpick them for your dish. Back in the kitchen, you’ll learn how to combine these ingredients to create a delicious lunch.
The other cooking class also starts at a traditional market, where you’ll learn about the exotic produce and spices used in everyday Balinese dishes. Next, you’ll be welcomed into a Balinese family compound, where you’ll learn about the family structure and traditions. You’ll finish the class in the kitchen and participate in a hands-on Balinese cooking experience.Coffee brewing workshop
Indonesia’s coffee is world-famous, and Bali is quickly becoming Asia’s coffee capital. Some of TrovaTrip’s Bali itineraries also offer a coffee brewing workshop! In this workshop, you’ll sample a variety of coffee and learn about farm-to-cup production. After teaching you about the origins and roasting techniques of specific coffee beans, knowledgeable baristas will walk you through the brewing process. Cool beans, no?
Bali, here we come!
Between the scenery and cuisine in Bali, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time. We hope you’ll try the dishes we mentioned above while touring Bali. Go ahead and take your palette on an unforgettable culinary adventure and have the time of your life doing it.