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Bali offers incredible street food that reflects its rich culinary heritage, from flavorful rice dishes to crispy fried snacks. In this article, we’ll recommend the must-try Bali street foods for an authentic taste of the island.
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and beaches, Bali offers incredible street food that reflects its rich culinary heritage, from flavorful rice dishes to crispy fried snacks. In this article, we’ll recommend the must-try Bali street foods for an authentic taste of the island.
Unlike regular satay, Sate Lilit is made from minced meat (usually fish, chicken, or pork) mixed with grated coconut, lime leaves, and Balinese spices. The mixture is then wrapped around a bamboo skewer or lemongrass stick and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a smoky, aromatic, and juicy satay. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice but is just as delicious on its own. Sate Lilit is one of Bali’s most iconic and beloved dishes.
Nasi Jinggo is Bali’s affordable street food. Served in a banana leaf, it consists of a small portion of rice, shredded chicken, tempeh, seasoned vegetables with grated coconut, fried noodles, spicy sambal, and sometimes a boiled egg. Despite its small size, Nasi Jinggo is packed with flavor and is popular for easy on-the-go meals. There are special restaurants that serve Nasi Jinggo as their main menu, and you can also find this dish at traditional markets around or local "warungs."
Lawar is a traditional Balinese vegetable salad made by mixing minced meat (usually pork or chicken), grated coconut, finely chopped vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices. This vibrant and flavorful dish is often served as a side dish on everyday meals or during ceremonial events.
When it comes to Bali street food, Pisang Rai is a must-try! This simple yet delicious dessert features ripe bananas coated in rice flour batter colored green—though you can get creative with other colors—then steamed until tender and rolled in grated coconut. The result is soft, chewy, and slightly sticky. Pisang Rai is typically served with a drizzle of palm sugar syrup, adding a touch of sweetness to the naturally sweet bananas.
This traditional Balinese dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, Pisang rai pairs perfectly with Balinese coffee.
A few cafes sometimes have Pisang Rain on their menus, or you can also find this dessert at traditional markets and roadside stalls.
Nasi Campur Bali, or Balinese mixed rice, is a versatile Bali street food. Nasi Campur Bali is a plate of steamed rice and various small side dishes, including fresh or cooked seasoned vegetables, boiled egg, Lawar, shredded chicken, Sate Lilit, and spicy sambal. The steamed rice is usually fragrant white rice, but it can also be yellow turmeric rice.
Although it is often served during ceremonial events and family gatherings, you can find this dish at local eateries or "warungs." Nasi Campur Bali offers everything on one plate, allowing you to taste a wide range of flavors, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. With customizable side dishes, it caters to meat lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between.
Although not originally a traditional Balinese dish, Martabak is a must-try when visiting Bali. This popular Indonesian street snack comes in two varieties: Martabak Manis (sweet) and Martabak Telur (savory). Martabak Manis is a thick pancake filled with chocolate, cheese, condensed milk, or other toppings such as chopped nuts. Meanwhile, Martabak Telur is a stuffed pancake filled with minced meat, eggs, and onions, served with pickled vegetables. You can find Martabak in both versions at Bali’s roadside stalls.
Tipat Cantok is Bali’s take on gado-gado, Indonesia’s beloved salad-style dish. It features ketupat or lontong (compressed rice cakes) mixed with blanched vegetables, then drizzled with a rich peanut sauce and petis—a dark, sticky paste made from fermented shrimp or fish. This dish is a must-try for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying Balinese street food experience.
Nasi Jinggo, another local favorite, is widely available at traditional markets and small “warungs”, with some specialty eateries even making it their main menu highlight.
These are just some of the incredible Balinese street foods you must try! From savory delights to sweet treats, Bali’s street food scene offers something for everyone—whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or someone with a sweet tooth. But beyond just tasting delicious dishes, exploring local street food is a way to immerse yourself in the rich, authentic flavors of Balinese cuisine. So, next time you visit Bali, don’t miss out on these vibrant and flavorful culinary experiences!
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