Bali, the Indonesian island known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural traditions, is also home to a vibrant street food scene. For travelers and food lovers alike, the bustling food markets and street vendors in Bali offer an authentic culinary experience that goes far beyond the usual tourist fare. From savory skewers to sweet desserts, Balinese street food reflects the island’s unique blend of local ingredients, spices, and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to Indonesian cuisine, these Balinese street foods are an absolute must-try, and they’ll give you a real taste of the island’s rich culture and history.
1. Babi Guling: Bali’s Iconic Roast Pork
One of Bali’s most famous dishes, Babi Guling, is a dish that showcases the island’s traditional flavors and communal eating style. This Balinese-style roast pork is typically prepared for special ceremonies and celebrations, but today you can find it at street stalls and food markets across the island. The preparation of Babi Guling involves stuffing a whole pig with a mixture of turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, and other local spices, then roasting it on a spit over an open fire until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
The result is tender, flavorful pork with a crunchy skin, served over steamed rice with sides like sambal (spicy chili paste), lawar (a vegetable and meat mix), and fried intestines. This dish is a true Balinese classic and a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Balinese flavors. Street vendors often offer small portions, making it accessible for those who want to sample a bit of everything while exploring the local food scene.
2. Sate Lilit: Grilled Skewers with a Balinese Twist
Street food in Bali wouldn’t be complete without Sate Lilit, a unique take on Indonesia’s famous satay. Unlike typical satay, which uses chunks of meat threaded on skewers, Sate Lilit is made from minced meat—often chicken, fish, or pork—that is mixed with coconut, lime leaves, and a blend of Balinese spices. The mixture is wrapped around a lemongrass stalk or bamboo stick and then grilled over an open flame.
The use of lemongrass as a skewer not only imparts a subtle citrusy aroma to the meat but also adds to the visual appeal of the dish. The flavor of Sate Lilit is fragrant and rich, with a blend of spices that highlight Bali’s tropical environment. It’s commonly served with sambal or a peanut sauce, making it a snack that packs a punch in terms of both taste and texture. Sate Lilit is often sold by street vendors and in markets, making it an easy, affordable snack to grab on the go.
3. Nasi Jinggo: The Ultimate Balinese Rice Dish
If you’re looking for a complete meal wrapped in simplicity, Nasi Jinggo is the answer. This traditional Balinese rice dish is served in small portions, wrapped in a banana leaf, and is a popular street food for those looking for a quick and filling bite. “Nasi” means rice, and the dish typically includes steamed rice paired with a variety of toppings such as shredded chicken, fried noodles, tempeh, sambal, and a boiled egg.
The beauty of Nasi Jinggo lies in its portability and versatility. You’ll find street vendors selling it at night markets, street corners, and even at gas stations, catering to locals and tourists alike. The portion size is intentionally small, making it a perfect light meal or snack as you explore the island. The combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors makes this dish a staple of Bali’s street food scene, offering a bite-sized representation of the island’s diverse cuisine.
4. Laklak: Traditional Balinese Rice Flour Pancakes
For those with a sweet tooth, Laklak is a Balinese dessert that you simply can’t miss. These small, green rice flour pancakes are made using natural pandan leaves, which give them their distinctive color and subtle fragrance. Laklak is cooked over a clay griddle and served with grated coconut and a drizzle of palm sugar syrup.
This dessert is light and delicate, with a satisfying balance between the earthy flavor of pandan and the sweetness of palm sugar. It’s often eaten as a mid-day snack or after meals, and can be found at local food markets or roadside vendors. The texture of Laklak is soft and slightly chewy, offering a delightful contrast with the crunchy coconut topping. If you’re looking for an authentic Balinese dessert that isn’t too rich but still deeply satisfying, Laklak is a perfect choice.
5. Bakso Bali: Balinese Meatball Soup with a Twist
Bakso is a popular Indonesian meatball soup found all over the country, but Bakso Bali has its own unique variation that sets it apart from the mainland’s version. The meatballs, typically made from beef or chicken, are served in a rich broth flavored with garlic, shallots, and Indonesian spices. What makes Bakso Bali special is the addition of Balinese sambal and extra spices that lend the dish a more vibrant, spicy kick compared to other regional versions.
Street vendors serve Bakso Bali with a variety of accompaniments like noodles, tofu, and boiled eggs, making it a filling and flavorful option for those craving something warm and comforting. The spicy broth combined with the savory meatballs creates a flavorful explosion that’s hard to resist. Whether eaten as a light lunch or a hearty snack, Bakso Bali is a delicious representation of how Bali adds its own twist to Indonesian classics.
6. Tipat Cantok: Bali’s Answer to Gado-Gado
Tipat Cantok is often described as Bali’s version of the popular Indonesian salad, Gado-Gado, but with a unique twist. This street food consists of boiled rice cakes (tipat) mixed with a variety of steamed vegetables such as spinach, bean sprouts, and long beans, and topped with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. The addition of garlic and lime juice to the peanut sauce gives it a fresh and zesty flavor that sets it apart from the typical gado-gado dressing.
Tipat Cantok is a vegetarian-friendly dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The creamy peanut sauce adds a decadent richness, while the vegetables provide a refreshing crunch. It’s a great option for those looking for a lighter, plant-based street food that still packs a ton of flavor. You’ll often find Tipat Cantok being sold by pushcart vendors or at local warungs (small eateries), offering a healthy yet indulgent snack or light meal.
7. Es Campur: Bali’s Refreshing Dessert Drink
When the tropical heat of Bali starts to take its toll, Es Campur is the perfect way to cool down. This refreshing dessert drink is made from a mix of shaved ice, condensed milk, and an assortment of toppings such as fruit (jackfruit, avocado, or coconut), jelly, and sweetened red beans. Es Campur translates to “mixed ice,” and it truly lives up to its name by combining various textures and flavors into a deliciously refreshing treat.
This colorful dessert is both visually appealing and bursting with tropical flavors. It’s widely available from street vendors, particularly in the afternoons when people are looking for something cool and sweet. Es Campur provides the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, making it an ideal dessert to enjoy after sampling Bali’s savory street foods.
