The Ultimate Guide to Food in Bali: What & Where to Eat + Tips

If there’s one thing you cannot skip on your Bali trip, it’s the food. “Food in Bali” isn’t just about eating—it’s part of the whole travel experience. From smoky warung favorites to refreshing tropical juices, Bali’s flavors will surprise you in the best way.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know: tips for eating safely, how to avoid Bali belly, and of course – the best food in Bali you absolutely must try (with exact spots where to eat them and pictures).

If you’re currently planning your trip, check out our Active 10 Day Bali Itinerary for a full guide on how to explore the island, and don’t miss our Bali Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew Before Your Trip to stay safe, smart, and stress-free.

*Heads up, fellow travelers! Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase or book an activity through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We only recommend things we absolutely love and believe will enhance your adventure. Your support helps us keep this site going, so thank you for being part of our journey!

What is Bali Belly & How to Avoid It 

First things first: you’ve probably heard of “Bali Belly.” It’s basically traveler’s diarrhea, often caused by bacteria in food, water, or just hygiene slip-ups. It can hit suddenly and ruin a couple of days of your holiday – not ideal when you’re on a tight itinerary.

The good news? You don’t need to miss out on amazing food in Bali to avoid it. Just follow these tips:

• Never drink tap water – not even for brushing your teeth. Always keep bottles of mineral water at your accommodation.
• Be careful in the shower. Don’t accidentally swallow the water.
• Straws matter. If they look old or not wrapped/packed, better not to use them.
• Wash fruit with bottled water before eating it.
• Take probiotics. Start a few days before your trip and continue daily. We used Lucovitaal Pre Pro Post Biotica and it worked great.
• Sanitize your hands often, especially after touching cash and always before eating.
• Choose warungs (local eateries) wisely. Look for busy ones with clean kitchens and good reviews.
• Let your stomach adjust. Don’t go crazy on your first day with super spicy food.

Trust us, it’s worth being careful – so you can enjoy all the food in Bali worry-free.

👉 Not sure which part of Bali is right for you? We’ve put together a complete guide on where to stay in Bali, breaking down the best areas. Whether you’re after rice terraces, surf breaks, or hidden waterfalls, this guide will help you choose the perfect base for your trip.

Tips for Eating Out in Bali

• Try warungs (local family-run spots), no matter what. Even if you’re nervous about Bali belly, warungs are where the soul of Balinese food lives. Just pick ones that look clean and busy.
• Reservations are rare. In most places, you just walk in, though in touristy areas like Canggu or Seminyak, it’s worth checking.
• Cash is king. Many warungs don’t take card. Always have rupiah with you.
• Service & tax. Restaurants often add 16–21% of service charge + tax on top of your bill. Tipping after that is up to you.
• Be adventurous! From dragon fruit smoothies to spicy sambals, Bali is about trying new things.

If you love cooking, one of the most memorable experiences in Bali is joining a cooking class – some even take you to local markets to pick fresh ingredients before cooking traditional dishes in a typical Balinese home. Here are a few highly rated options we found:

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The Best Food in Bali – Dishes You Must Try

We’re foodies at heart, so we went deep into local flavors. Here’s a guide to the most iconic dishes, desserts, and drinks – with recommendations on where to try them.

Nasi Goreng – Indonesia’s Fried Rice Classic

Probably the most famous food in Bali, nasi goreng is fried rice with vegetables, egg, and often chicken or shrimp. It’s simple, filling, and served everywhere – from street stalls to beachside restaurants. The magic is in the sambal (spicy chili paste) that gives it a kick but be careful – it is VERY spicy!

Mie Goreng – Fried Noodles with a Balinese Twist

If you prefer noodles over rice like Rumi, mie goreng will be your best friend. These fried noodles are usually mixed with veggies, chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and topped with a fried egg. Locals eat it any time of the day, and it never disappoints.

Bebek Betutu – Balinese Slow-Cooked Duck

This is a real specialty. Bebek betutu is duck stuffed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked until tender. It’s rich, fragrant, and often reserved for ceremonies, but you can also try it in restaurants.

Bakso – Indonesian Meatball Soup

A comforting street food, bakso is a meatball soup usually served with noodles, vegetables, and broth. The meatballs are springy and flavorful, often made from beef. It’s cheap, filling, and beloved by locals.

Sate Lilit – Balinese Satay with a Twist

Unlike the regular skewered sate, sate lilit is made from minced meat (often fish or chicken) mixed with coconut, lime leaves, and spices, then wrapped around lemongrass sticks and grilled. Smoky, aromatic, and delicious.

Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)

One of the most iconic foods in Bali. It’s a ceremonial dish but also a must-try for visitors. The pig is stuffed with spices, then roasted until the skin is perfectly crispy.

Gado-Gado – Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce

A vegetarian favorite: steamed veggies, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs covered in a creamy peanut sauce. Comforting, filling, and slightly sweet.

Balinese Desserts – Sweet, Coconutty, and Colorful

Balinese sweets are often made with coconut milk, palm sugar, and rice flour. They’re sticky, colorful, and surprisingly light.

• Dadar Gulung – green coconut pancakes filled with palm sugar and coconut.
• Klepon – green rice balls filled with melted palm sugar, rolled in grated coconut.
• Es Campur – shaved ice dessert with jelly, fruit, and sweet syrup.
• Pisang Goreng – Fried bananas, crispy outside and soft inside, often served with honey or ice cream. Simple but so good.

Smoothie Bowls

An entire category of its own when it comes to food in Bali. These bowls are filled with blended fruit (like dragon fruit or mango), topped with granola, coconut flakes, chia seeds, and more. They’re as pretty as they are delicious.

Drinks in Bali – From Bintang to Fresh Juices

• Bintang Beer – Bali’s most iconic drink. Light, refreshing, and best enjoyed on the beach.
• Arak – a local spirit made from rice or palm. Strong, so try it in cocktails rather than straight!
• Juices & Smoothies – Bali is heaven for fresh drinks: dragon fruit smoothies, avocado juice with chocolate, mango shakes, and coconut water served straight from the shell.
• Fresh Coconuts – Nothing says tropical holiday like sipping straight from a coconut with a straw. Hydrating, sweet, and refreshing.

Final Thoughts

Food in Bali is so much more than eating – it’s an experience. Every dish tells a story, every warung has its own flavor, and every coconut cracked open on the beach makes you feel like you’re truly in paradise.

Our best advice? Try it all. Don’t stick only to what feels “safe” – Bali’s food scene is a highlight of the trip. And remember, even if you’re walking 20,000 steps a day like we usually do, you’ll never run out of energy with so many delicious things fueling you.

If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to check out our Active 10 Day Bali Itinerary for the ultimate adventure and our Bali Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew Before Your Trip to prepare before you go.