Bali isn’t just a paradise for beach lovers and culture seekers—it’s also a street food haven. From smoky skewers to sweet banana fritters, the island’s bustling markets and roadside warungs are filled with authentic flavors that reflect Bali’s rich traditions. If you want to taste the real Bali, you have to dive into its street food scene.
Here’s a guide to eight must-try Balinese street foods, complete with tips on where to find them.
Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
Nothing screams Balinese celebration like babi guling. A whole pig is marinated in turmeric, coriander, and traditional spices before being slow-roasted over a fire until the skin turns crispy and golden.
Typically served with rice, spicy vegetables, and sambal, you can find the best babi guling at local warungs around Gianyar and Denpasar. Be sure to come early—once they sell out, it’s gone for the day.
Sate Lilit (Minced Fish Skewers)
Sate lilit is Bali’s answer to classic satay, but with a twist. Instead of chunks of meat, it uses spiced minced fish wrapped around lemongrass sticks before being grilled.
The lemongrass gives the dish an extra layer of fragrance. Look for vendors grilling them fresh near Sanur or Seminyak’s night markets.
Nasi Campur Bali (Mixed Rice)
Nasi campur Bali is a plate of white rice topped with a little bit of everything—chicken, pork, lawar (spiced coconut and vegetables), peanuts, sambal, and even a boiled egg.
It’s customizable, cheap, and delicious. Some of the best stalls are hidden in morning markets like Pasar Badung in Denpasar, where locals queue up before sunrise.
Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana)
Pisang goreng is Bali’s favorite snack. Ripe bananas are dipped in batter, fried to a golden crisp, and sometimes drizzled with palm sugar syrup or sprinkled with grated coconut.
Street carts selling pisang goreng are easy to spot around Ubud, especially in the afternoons when people crave a sweet treat with their coffee.
Soto Babi (Pork Soup)
While Indonesia is known for soto ayam (chicken soup), Bali’s version uses pork. Soto babi is a hearty broth filled with tender pork slices, noodles, bean sprouts, and topped with crispy shallots. You’ll often find it at roadside stalls in Gianyar and Ubud, served steaming hot in the early mornings.
Jaje Bali (Traditional Balinese Sweets)
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss jaje Bali. These colorful traditional cakes are made from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar.
Some favorites include klepon (sweet rice balls filled with liquid palm sugar) and lapis legit (layered cake). You can find them beautifully arranged at morning markets like Pasar Ubud or Pasar Badung.
Bakso (Meatball Soup)
Bakso is Indonesia’s beloved street food, and Bali has its own style. The meatballs here can be made from pork, chicken, or even fish, floating in a clear savory broth with noodles and a splash of sambal if you like it spicy. Small bakso carts roam busy streets in Denpasar and around Ubud’s main areas.
Nasi Jinggo (Mini Rice Packs)
Small but mighty, nasi jinggo is Bali’s ultimate grab-and-go meal. Wrapped in a banana leaf, it contains a portion of rice with shredded chicken, spicy sambal, fried noodles, and sometimes peanuts—all for just a few thousand rupiah. Look out for night vendors in Denpasar or Gianyar selling these handy meals by the dozen.
Best Places to Find Balinese Street Food
Pasar Badung, Denpasar: The largest traditional market, bustling from 5 AM with stalls selling nasi campur, babi guling, and jaje Bali.
Ubud Art Market and Main Street: Besides souvenirs, you’ll find vendors selling pisang goreng, bakso, and fresh sate lilit from sunrise.
Gianyar Roadside Warungs: For the most authentic taste of babi guling and soto babi, head to the small roadside eateries favored by locals.
Tips for a Safe and Delicious Street Food Experience
Go Early: Morning markets have the freshest food and smaller crowds.
Pick Busy Stalls: If locals are lining up, you know the food is good and freshly made.
Carry Cash: Most vendors don’t accept cards, so bring small denominations.
Taste Small Portions: Sampling small lets you try more dishes without getting too full.
Watch the Spice: Balinese sambal can be fiery—ask if you’re unsure before adding extra chili.
Bali’s street food isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about tasting the heartbeat of the island. With every bite of babi guling or sip of soto babi, you’re connecting to traditions, stories, and flavors passed down through generations.
Next time you visit Bali, skip the fancy restaurants for a while. Grab a banana leaf-wrapped nasi jinggo, savor a piping hot bowl of bakso, and let the island’s real flavors find you. (BT)
