Balinese food is so unique and flavourful - atleast, thats what most travellers who have visited the island of the Gods will tell you. Not only is the food delicious, it is also quite affordable - but it is important to watch out for the dreaded ‘Bali Belly’ - where foreigners get sick because of a not-so-hygienic way in which some of the local vendors and ‘warungs’ (small restaurants) cook their food.
This What to Eat in Bali, Indonesia thread is specifically to talk about Balinese and Indonesian food - the best dishes to try, the must-eat recipies and bizarre foods that others may tell you to avoid (or not even tell you about!). Hopefully, it helps a hungry traveller with some inspiration (and information) to taste some incredible Balinese specialties.
Some of the best places to try these dishes are the street food markets in Ubud, Canguu, Kuta (by the beach and the inner alleys). You can also find many local warungs all over the island. While street food is mostly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian versions that you can find without difficulty (we’re vegetarians ourselves 
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Here’s a list of the most popular Balinese foods that I can quickly recollect spotting in the street food shops and the night markets:
Vegetarian food:
- Crispy Tempeh and Tofu cakes: A fermented soybean cake, often fried or cooked in various dishes. You can also find some food joints selling vegetarian burgers with a tempeh pattie (sooo good)
- Nasi Campur: A mix of rice with various side dishes like optional meats and vegetables. Pure Vegetarian and eggetarian options are available too.
- Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried rice often served with a fried egg on top.
- Mie Goreng: Indonesian fried noodles with vegetables and optional choice of meat or fried egg on top.
- Gado-Gado: A salad of boiled vegetables, eggs (optional), and peanut sauce. Its actually pretty delicious
- Pisang Goreng: Fried bananas served as a snack or dessert.
- Papadoms: Basically rice crackers fried to absolute perfection!
Non-vegetarian food:
- Babi Guling: Traditional Balinese roasted pig.
- Bebek Betutu: Slow-cooked duck marinated in spices.
- Sate Lilit: Minced fish satay grilled on lemongrass sticks.
- Lawar: A traditional mix of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat.
- Ayam Betutu: Slow-cooked chicken with Balinese spices.
- Sambal Matah: A raw shallot and lemongrass salsa, often served with grilled meats.
Popular Drinks
- Bintang Beer: The most popular local beer in Bali.
- Arak: A traditional Balinese rice wine often used in cocktails.
- Kopi Luwak: The famous and expensive coffee made from beans digested by civets.
- Fresh fruit juices: Its sooo good, there is nothing more to say!
Have you had any of these dishes? Which one did you like best? Want to suggest more Balinese foods? Share them here as responses/comments on this thread. This will be very helpful to fellow travellers and members of this travel community who are planning a trip to Bali / Indonesia.
