Bali Restaurants

Bali has a vast selection of cafés and restaurants that serve both Indonesian and international food. You’ll find that the fare is usually better and cheaper in the smaller local places rather than at the tourist establishments.

Local cuisine

Balinese food places an emphasis on pork, and hence is rarely seen in the rest of Muslim Indonesia. Especially popular is babi guling, or roast suckling pig, served in a large ceremonial dish. Another popular dish based on pork is the traditional Balinese spicy sausage, urutan. Duck is also used in many dishes including bebek betutu, which features duck roasted in banana leaves.

Balinese salads, or lawar, are topped with chopped vegetables, coconut, minced meat and various spices, and are often combined with green beans and chicken. Satay is also a commonly encountered dish, and sate lilit (minced seafood satay) is worth trying.

As Bali is a Hindu island, meaning there are no restrictions on drinking alcohol here, and alcohol is widely available. Indonesia’s most popular beer is Bintang, and is available almost everywhere on the island. Another popular brew is the locally produced Bali Hai, though Storm, produced by a local microbrewery, is far superior. Bali also produces a number of wines, among which Hatten is the most popular, and wine is available in white, red and rosé as well as sparkling varieties. Traditional spirits are also produced locally, with Arad and Brem being the most popular.

Where to eat

Kuta has countless places to eat, ranging from top-class international restaurants to fast-food outlets. Bukit Peninsula is also popular and has many beachfront restaurants, while the walkway in Sanur offers several cafés and bars. However, many of the best restaurants are located in Ubud, with dozens of restaurants clustered along Jalan Raya and Jalan Sugriwa.