Bali Street Food Guide: Top 10 Local Eats to Try in 2024

Bali is known for more than just beaches and resorts—it’s a paradise for food lovers. The island's vibrant street food culture offers flavors that reflect Bali's traditions and creativity. Wandering the bustling streets, you'll encounter delicious aromas and tempting dishes that make Bali a unique culinary destination.

In 2024, the street food scene is buzzing with fresh twists on local favorites. Bali's food vendors serve up classics infused with flavors that keep locals and visitors coming back. These dishes provide not only a meal but an authentic taste of Balinese life.

Here’s a local’s guide to Bali’s best street foods, from iconic dishes like Nasi Goreng to sweets like Jajan Pasar. Each stop introduces you to flavors that showcase the heart of Bali’s culinary scene.

1. Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)

Image Credit: Flickr/sanctu

Nasi Goreng is Indonesia's iconic fried rice, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and chili for a smoky, sweet flavor unique to the region. Often topped with a fried egg, it’s a satisfying meal enjoyed at any time of day. The dish’s origins are tied to Indonesian home cooking, where rice is stir-fried to reduce waste and enhance flavor.

Street vendors add their own twists, incorporating proteins like chicken, shrimp, or beef to create richer variations. Toppings, such as crispy shallots and prawn crackers, bring texture to each bite, making Nasi Goreng an absolute must-try for those wanting a true taste of Bali.

Where to try:

• Warung Makan Bu Rus in Ubud

• Street vendors near Kuta Beach

2. Babi Guling (Balinese Roast Pork)

Image Credit: Flickr/Suanie

Babi Guling is a Balinese delicacy featuring whole roasted pork marinated in turmeric, lemongrass, and other spices. Traditionally served at ceremonial events, this dish represents the island’s culinary heritage. The pork is roasted until tender, with a golden, crispy skin that contrasts with its succulent interior.

Locals and tourists alike enjoy Babi Guling for its bold flavors and textures. Served with rice, sambal, and Balinese vegetables, it’s a complete meal reflecting Bali’s unique use of spices and traditional preparation methods. It’s widely available, making it easy for food lovers to experience

Where to try:

• Babi Guling RBG in Denpasar

• Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen in Seminyak

3. Sate Lilit (Balinese Satay)

Image Credit: Flickr/Derek Wong

Sate Lilit is a Balinese satay variation using minced meat mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and spices. The blend is wrapped around lemongrass sticks or bamboo skewers and then grilled, infusing the meat with a light citrusy flavor. This twist on traditional satay offers a taste that’s uniquely Balinese.

Popular for its aromatic and tender qualities, Sate Lilit is enjoyed at local markets and family gatherings. This dish showcases Bali’s love for fresh ingredients and meticulous seasoning, with each bite offering a delightful balance of flavors.

Where to try:

• Warung Be Pasih in Denpasar

• Warung Sate Lilit Bali

4. Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)

Image Credit: Google Review/Warung Umah Bali/David Boh

Mie Goreng is the noodle counterpart to Nasi Goreng, combining stir-fried noodles with vegetables, protein, and a rich sauce. This beloved street food is packed with a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile, often topped with a fried egg or prawn crackers for added texture.

Widely available across Bali, Mie Goreng is versatile and satisfying, ideal for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Each vendor brings their own twist, making it an exciting dish to sample from different street stalls for a variety of tastes.

Where to try:

• Warung Umah Bali in Ubud

• Warung Mie Goreng Indo

5. Jajan Pasar (Traditional Balinese Snacks)

Image Credit: Instagram/Warung Umah Bali

Jajan Pasar is a colorful array of traditional Balinese snacks made primarily from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar. These treats, often steamed or boiled, are beloved for their variety and rich, coconut-based flavors. Popular selections include Klepon, small rice cakes filled with palm sugar that burst with sweetness, and Dadar Gulung, green pandan pancakes filled with sweet coconut.

Each bite of Jajan Pasar offers a glimpse into Bali’s culinary heritage, with recipes passed down for generations. These snacks are often sold at markets, especially in the morning, as they’re traditionally enjoyed with coffee or tea as a light breakfast or snack.

Where to try:

• Markets in Ubud

• Street vendors in Denpasar

6. Ayam Betutu (Slow-Cooked Spiced Chicken)

Image Credit: Google Review/Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk Bali

Ayam Betutu is a classic Balinese dish featuring chicken marinated with turmeric, garlic, ginger, and other spices, then wrapped in banana leaves. This process locks in flavors as the chicken is slow-cooked until tender, resulting in a richly spiced, fall-off-the-bone dish. The chicken is usually spicy, with sambal and rice on the side, making it a complete meal.

Traditionally, Ayam Betutu was reserved for ceremonial events, but it’s now widely enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The cooking process can take hours, ensuring every piece is infused with intense, aromatic flavors that are characteristic of Balinese cuisine.

Where to try:

• Ayam Betutu Kulawarna in Kuta

• Street vendors in Ubud

7. Laklak (Balinese Pancakes)

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Laklak are small, green Balinese pancakes made from rice flour and infused with pandan for a unique aroma. They’re topped with grated coconut and drizzled with palm sugar syrup, creating a delightful blend of chewy and sweet textures. Bite-sized and satisfying, they’re ideal for a quick street snack while exploring.

Laklak is a traditional favorite that’s often prepared in the mornings for freshness. You’ll find this snack at local markets, especially in Ubud, where street vendors craft these pancakes with care, adding a sweet finish to your culinary adventure in Bali.
Where to try:

• Ubud market stalls

• Sanur night market

8. Es Campur (Indonesian Shaved Ice)

Image Credit: Flickr/Yun Huang Yong

Es Campur is Bali’s version of shaved ice, mixing tropical fruits, coconut milk, jelly, and syrups for a refreshing treat. It’s a colorful, icy dessert perfect for cooling down in the island’s warm climate. The flavor is a balance of sweet and fruity, with each ingredient bringing a unique texture and taste.

This dessert is available from vendors at night markets and around popular areas like Seminyak, making it easy to grab while you explore. Es Campur is also a favorite among locals, providing a cooling, sweet break from Bali’s sun.

Where to try:

• Street food vendors in Seminyak

• Night markets in Denpasar

9. Gado-Gado (Indonesian Salad)

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Gado-Gado is a vibrant Indonesian salad with a mix of boiled vegetables, tofu, and potatoes, all topped with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. It’s both satisfying and nutritious, with a delicious combination of textures and flavors. This salad is often garnished with fried shallots and crackers for added crunch.

Gado-Gado is perfect for vegetarians, offering a filling street food option with the option to add protein like chicken or boiled eggs. This dish represents Indonesia’s love for peanut sauces and fresh produce, making it a must-try for those wanting a lighter street food experience.

Where to try:

• Warung Gado-Gado Bumbu Bali

• Food stalls at Badung Market

10. Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)

Image Credit: Flickr/Herman Saksono

Nasi Campur is a complete meal featuring rice served with an assortment of side dishes, like meats, vegetables, and sambals. This dish is perfect for sampling multiple flavors in one sitting, with each component reflecting different aspects of Indonesian cuisine. It’s a hearty, flavorful choice for a street food adventure.

Vendors often customize Nasi Campur based on what’s available, so no two servings are exactly alike. The variety of dishes makes Nasi Campur a favorite among locals and tourists who want a little bit of everything on one plate.

Where to try:

• Street food vendors in Ubud

• Warung Nasi Campur in Seminyak

Bali’s street food is an essential part of its culture, capturing the essence of local flavors. Each dish offers a taste of Bali's traditions, from Nasi Goreng's simple flavors to the ceremonial significance of Sate Lilit. Sampling street food in Bali immerses you in the island's culinary heritage.

Exploring these food spots allows you to engage with Bali’s community and its culinary artistry. Vendors, often families, bring their own unique touches to each dish, inviting you into the local lifestyle. The street food scene adds depth to any Bali trip, creating lasting memories.

So, as you explore Bali in 2024, take time to savor these incredible flavors. Which dish are you most eager to try on your culinary journey?