Visiting Bali Soon? Here Are 6 Must-Visit Food Spots Only the Locals Know About

So, you booked yourself an accommodation with a gorgeous view, made a list of the souvenirs you’d like to get, and planned out the places to visit in Bali. Good. However, these aren’t the only things which need planning to ensure an amazing vacation. That’s because sometimes the best way to experience a new country is by tasting the local cuisine. So, if you’re tired of falling prey to the usual tourist traps when you’re on vacation, here are 6 hidden gems in Bali’s street food scene only the locals know about.

 

1. Delicious crispy duck at Bebek Sinjay

Originating from the island of Madura, Bebek Sinjay is well-known for its delicious fried duck amongst travellers and locals alike. In fact, the restaurant is so popular that there are several branches across Indonesia today! If you happen to be in Bali, don’t miss out by visiting the one in Kuta.

What to expect:

• Flavourful fried duck with crispy skin prepared fresh daily.
• Be sure you pair it with their signature mango sambal for an added kick.
• And it’s pretty affordable too! A meal which includes rice, a piece of duck, and a drink will only set you back about RM10.

Address: Sunset Rd No.06, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

2. Enjoy a traditional bowl of Bakso or go crazy with unique variants at Bakso Boedjangan Bali

Let’s face it, no trip to Indonesia would be complete without enjoying a bowl of Bakso, a popular street food which can be found relatively anywhere in the country. Although you’re bound to find many food spots in Bali offering the dish, none is arguably as popular as Bakso Boedjangan Bali.

What to expect:

• A trendy and popular hangout spot for youngsters.
• It’s well known for its creative meatball variants such as their signature Bakso Super Mozarella, a must-have for cheese lovers.
• If you like your food spicy, opt for their super spicy version by adding Taichan sambal to your Bakso. There are 9 levels for you to choose from so go nuts!
• They have an extensive dessert menu too! Many have chimed in about the unique avocado, coconut, and durian dessert, namely Es Alpukat Durian Kelapa.

Address: By Pass Ngurah Rai St No.11H, Simpang Dewa, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

3. Spicy roasted chicken at Warung Nyoman Bedugul

Another popular Balinese dish is none other than Ayam Betutu, a highly seasoned spicy dish served with rice, vegetables, peanuts, and sambal. If you’re visiting the area of Bedugul, be sure to check out Warung Nyoman along Jalan Raya Bedugul to try it out for yourself.

What to expect:

• Betutu is a Balinese word meaning a mixture of spices that are used to marinate the chicken.
• Aside from chicken, duck is also commonly used to make the dish.
• There are regional differences in preparing the dish. For instance, in Klungkung the chicken is stuffed with betutu spices; while in Gianyar, the dish is usually prepared in a plantain leaf wrap. So, try them all while you’re there! 

 

4. Dine like a local at Warung Bandrek & Nasi Jinggo Pak De

If you’re missing your late night mamak sessions back in Malaysia, then a trip to Warung Bandrek & Nasi Jinggo Pak De in Kuta is the perfect spot to visit and sample popular Indonesian treats such as Nasi Jinggo and Bandrek.

What to expect:

• Bearing a passing resemblance to our very own Nasi Lemak, Nasi Jinggo is a popular Balinese rice snack which consists of fluffy white rice, a hard-boiled egg, fried noodles and topped with sambal.
• Bandrek is a spiced drink typically made from ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves and sweetened with either palm sugar or condensed milk. The beverage, which was created by the Sundanese people of Java, is also known for soothing sore throats.
• Prices are affordable and it’s a great place to mingle with the locals who patronise the stall.

Address: Jl. Raya Kuta No.27, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

 

5. Savour a comforting bowl of Soto Ayam at Soto Ayam Cak Di

Another traditional Indonesian street food which requires little introduction is none other than soto, a soup dish consisting mainly of broth, meat, and vegetables. If you’re looking to try it out for yourself, a visit to Soto Ayam Cak Di will surely not disappoint.

What to expect:

• A warm and nourishing bowl of soto ayam (chicken soup) consisting of a hard-boiled egg, shredded chicken and topped with fried garlic.
• Aside from the soto, the stall is also popular for their nasi goreng jawa, Javanese fried rice.
• It’s also a great spot for night owls as it’s open 24/7. Not to mention, prices are affordable too!

Address: Jl. Thamrin No.67, Pemecutan, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80119, Indonesia.

6. Succulent roasted pork at Babi Guling Selingsing Bu Suci

Albeit being located about 50 minutes away from Kuta, this modest roadside warung is quickly becoming the top pick amongst babi guling lovers in Bali. If you’re a pork lover, don’t skip this one out!

What to expect:

• Crunchy pork skin, tender pork meat, juicy pork blood sausages, and more!
• They also serve two types of lawar (mixed vegetables), namely white and red lawar. White lawar is the more common version found in most Indonesian babi guling spots while red lawar is their house signature featuring a mix of pork blood as a sauce.
• It’s also a suitable spot if you’re on a budget as a plate only costs about RM7 – RM10 depending on the size of the order.

Address: Jl. Desa Cepaka No.33, Cepaka, Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 80351, Indonesia.

Tummy rumbling already? The best part is, these are just a FEW of many other mouthwatering treats you can find in Bali.

Well, if you’re already planning your next vacay in Bali, be sure you check out other attractions Bali has to offer!

More information on Bali and other beautiful Indonesian destinations can be found here.