Bali, an island renowned for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, also offers a culinary adventure that is as diverse as its landscape. Balinese street food is a feast for the senses, combining bold flavors, fragrant spices, and fresh ingredients that showcase the island’s unique blend of cultures and traditions. For both tourists and locals, Bali’s street food is more than just a quick meal—it’s an essential part of the island’s vibrant food culture. If you’re planning a trip to Bali or are simply curious about its local cuisine, here are some of the must-try Balinese street foods that you need to experience right now.
1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
No trip to Bali is complete without tasting Babi Guling, arguably one of the island’s most famous dishes. Babi Guling is a traditional Balinese dish that features a whole pig, seasoned with a rich blend of spices including turmeric, garlic, and coriander, and then slow-roasted over an open flame. The result is succulent, flavorful meat with crispy skin, often served with rice, sambal (a spicy chili paste), and a side of vegetables.
While Babi Guling can be found in restaurants, some of the best versions are available at street stalls, where the aroma of roasting pig draws crowds from all over. Many local vendors specialize in Babi Guling, serving up generous portions at affordable prices. The dish is especially popular during festivals and ceremonies, but you can find it in many parts of Bali year-round.
2. Sate Lilit (Balinese Satay)
Another staple of Balinese street food is Sate Lilit, a variation of satay that is unique to Bali. Unlike traditional satay, where pieces of meat are skewered and grilled, Sate Lilit involves minced meat—usually chicken, pork, or fish—mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and a blend of spices. The mixture is then wrapped around bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks and grilled over hot coals.
The result is a smoky, aromatic, and juicy satay that bursts with flavor in every bite. Sate Lilit is a popular street food snack in Bali, often sold at small stalls or carts. It’s typically served with a side of sambal or peanut sauce, making it a perfect option for a quick, tasty bite on the go. The combination of tender meat, aromatic spices, and the slight sweetness from the coconut makes Sate Lilit a must-try dish for anyone exploring Bali’s street food scene.
3. Nasi Jinggo (Mini Rice Meal)
If you’re in the mood for a quick yet filling meal, Nasi Jinggo is the go-to street food option in Bali. This dish consists of a small portion of rice served with various side dishes such as shredded chicken, fried noodles, fried tempeh (fermented soybean cake), and sambal, all wrapped in a banana leaf. What makes Nasi Jinggo stand out is its simplicity, affordability, and the burst of flavors it delivers in each bite.
Nasi Jinggo is often found at roadside stalls, particularly in the evenings when locals gather to grab a quick dinner. It’s an ideal meal for those who want to try a variety of flavors without committing to a large portion. The spicy sambal, combined with the tender meat and savory sides, creates a satisfying meal that captures the essence of Balinese street food in a single, convenient package.
4. Lawar (Mixed Minced Meat Salad)
For a more adventurous street food experience, Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish that you should not miss. Lawar is a savory and slightly spicy dish made from minced meat (usually pork or chicken), grated coconut, green beans, and a mixture of herbs and spices. The key ingredient that sets Lawar apart from other dishes is the use of animal blood, which is mixed into the dish to enhance its flavor and color.
While the idea of eating a dish made with blood might be intimidating to some, Lawar is a beloved street food in Bali, known for its complex flavor profile and satisfying texture. There are different variations of Lawar, some of which do not include blood, making it accessible to a broader range of palates. Lawar is often served as an accompaniment to rice and other dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful and filling snack.
5. Bakso (Indonesian Meatball Soup)
Though Bakso is more commonly associated with Indonesian street food in general, it has a special place in Balinese cuisine as well. Bakso is a savory meatball soup made with beef or chicken meatballs, served in a flavorful broth alongside noodles, tofu, and vegetables. Street vendors selling Bakso can be found all over Bali, particularly near beaches, markets, and tourist areas.
What makes Bakso unique is the variety of textures and flavors it offers in a single bowl. The meatballs are tender and juicy, while the broth is often rich and slightly spicy. Some vendors also offer a selection of condiments, such as sambal, soy sauce, and vinegar, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste. Bakso is a perfect comfort food, especially after a day of exploring Bali’s vibrant streets and markets.
6. Martabak (Stuffed Pancake)
For those with a sweet tooth, Martabak is a must-try Balinese street food that comes in both savory and sweet varieties. Martabak Manis, the sweet version, is a thick pancake filled with ingredients like chocolate, peanuts, condensed milk, and cheese. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a delightful dessert or late-night snack.
The savory version, Martabak Telur, is a stuffed pancake filled with minced meat, eggs, and vegetables, and then fried until golden and crispy. This version is typically served with pickles and a spicy dipping sauce. Both varieties of Martabak are incredibly popular in Bali, especially in the evening when street vendors set up shop in busy areas. The rich, indulgent flavors of Martabak make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
7. Tipat Cantok (Balinese Salad with Peanut Sauce)
For a lighter yet flavorful street food option, Tipat Cantok is a traditional Balinese dish that combines steamed rice cakes (tipat) with blanched vegetables, tofu, and a rich peanut sauce. Similar to the more widely known Indonesian dish Gado-Gado, Tipat Cantok is a vegetarian-friendly option that packs a punch of flavor, thanks to its spicy and slightly sweet peanut dressing.
The combination of crunchy vegetables, soft rice cakes, and the creamy sauce makes Tipat Cantok a refreshing yet satisfying meal. It’s a popular dish for lunch or a light dinner, and you can find it at street vendors throughout Bali. Tipat Cantok is a great introduction to Balinese vegetarian cuisine and showcases the island’s ability to create delicious dishes with simple, wholesome ingredients.
8. Jaje Bali (Balinese Sweets)
To round off your Balinese street food experience, don’t forget to try Jaje Bali, a collective term for the variety of traditional Balinese sweets and snacks. These bite-sized desserts are typically made from ingredients like rice flour, palm sugar, coconut, and pandan leaves, offering a taste of Bali’s unique flavors in every piece.
One popular Jaje Bali snack is Dadar Gulung, a green pancake roll filled with grated coconut and palm sugar. The bright green color comes from pandan leaves, which add a subtle fragrance to the sweet treat. Another favorite is Klepon, small rice flour balls filled with liquid palm sugar and coated in grated coconut. These sweets are usually sold at markets and roadside stalls, providing the perfect way to end your Balinese street food adventure on a sweet note.
