Our Top Picks of Balinese Cuisine!

The most important thing to do in order to familiarize yourself in a foreign setting is to dive deep into local delicacies. For non-first timers, you may already be familiar with nasi goreng (fried rice) or satay, but those aren’t the only food you could try in Bali.

Indonesia is a country world-famous for its cuisine, rich in flavor and strong spices. Although slightly intimidating, its complexity in taste will awaken your appetite, preparing you for even more delectable dishes to try throughout your time of adventure.

If you ever had the chance to visit Bali, here are our top picks on food that you should test out during your stay in Dewata Island (Island of the Gods).

BETUTU DUCK
Betutu duck is Bali’s most famous dish. The technique used to prepare this dish is actually called betutu, hence the name Betutu Duck. This dish features a well-seasoned duck wrapped in layers of a banana leaf and a betel nut tree bark, before thoroughly smoked for 6-7 hours ‘till fully cooked. Betutu duck is usually served with warm rice alongside flavorful sambal (traditional chili sauce) and some vegetables. Once you try this dish, you won’t be able to stop!

LILIT SATAY
Lilit satay, or as locals call it, Sate Lilit is very different to the satay you may usually encounter. Its name corresponds to its making method, in which seasoned mashed meat (chicken, fish, or pork) is wrapped around a lemongrass or a flat wooden stick, before then barbecued to perfection. Unlike the regular skewered satay, Sate Lilit is not served with the special peanut sauce. With its soft texture and unique taste, this dish is definitely worth a try!

BABI GULING
Babi Guling is a dish comprising a stuffed pig, roasted on top of a fire while spinned. Once cooked, the pig skin turns crispy and its color a mouthwatering shade of brown. This dish is initially used as an offering in rituals, both custom and religious rituals. However, Babi Guling is now sold as an everyday food at local street vendors or restaurants which you could find quite easily in Bali.

RUJAK WITH PINDANG SAUCE
Rujak Kuah Pindang is a fruit salad with pindang sauce as dressing. This dish is quite similar to the regular Rujak (Indonesian fruit salad), which consists of sliced fruits (usually a mix of mexican yam, papaya, june plum, cucumber, star fruits, etc), but the difference lies in its dressing. The dressing itself is made of spicy fish broth (pindang sauce). Fresh and spicy, Rujak Kuah Pindang is the ideal healthy dish!

MILK PIE
We know what you’re thinking, but hold on that thought for a second! A Balinese milk is different from the others. The classic Balinese milk pie (pie susu) is just enough sweetness to consume as an everyday snack. These pies are compact in size and usually sold in boxes (which includes multiple milk pies inside!). The Balinese milk pies are great to enjoy at home with friends and family.

Those are all of our food recommendations for all foodies out there planning to experience a fun vacation in Batubulan, Bali. Let us know what caught your eye so far!