Must-try Dishes
Bubur Ayam - Chicken Porridge - A comforting rice porridge topped with shredded chicken, garnished with fried shallots and cilantro. It’s commonly enjoyed for breakfast, often served at bustling food stalls where locals meet before starting their day.
Satay Lilit - Minced Fish Satay - Spiced minced fish wrapped around lemongrass sticks and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky flavor. A popular street food option, it’s typically sold by vendors near beaches and is perfect for a quick snack on the go.
Nasi Campur - Mixed Rice - A vibrant platter of rice served with small portions of various dishes like beef rendang, fried chicken, and sambal. You’ll often see this served in warungs during lunch, where it’s customary for locals to choose their favorite components.
Lawar - Spicy Vegetable Salad - A traditional dish made with finely chopped vegetables, coconut, and minced meat seasoned with rich spices. Locals love to pair it with rice during family gatherings, celebrating its cultural significance and freshness.
Rujak - Spicy Fruit Salad - A surprising mix of fresh, diced fruits seasoned with a spicy tamarind sauce. Often sold by street vendors, it’s a favorite among locals during hot afternoons as a refreshing snack—don’t be surprised by the kick!
Jajan Pasar - Market Snacks - A collection of colorful, bite-sized traditional snacks made with rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar, perfect for sharing. Available during local festivals and markets, indulging in these treats is a beloved custom to celebrate community spirit.
Gado-Gado - Mixed Vegetables with Peanut Sauce - Steamed vegetables, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs drizzled with a rich peanut sauce. Typically enjoyed for lunch, locals often eat it with rice, especially during family gatherings or picnics.
Tempeh Mendoan - Fried Tempeh - Crispy and slightly chewy fried tempeh served with a side of sambal for dipping. This popular snack is best enjoyed hot in the late afternoon and is often a favorite at local food stalls.
Desserts & Drinks
Kopi Bali - Kopi Bali (local coffee) - A robust brew made from locally grown Arabica beans, often prepared using a traditional drip method. This aromatic coffee is typically enjoyed in the morning, paired with sweet fried snacks for a delightful local breakfast experience.
Es Campur - Es Campur (shaved ice dessert) - A refreshing medley of shaved ice topped with colorful fruits, coconut, and sweet syrups. Perfect for the hot afternoons, locals often grab this at street stalls to cool off and enjoy a break from the tropical heat.
Bali Booze - Arak (local spirit) - A traditional Balinese spirit distilled from fermented rice or palm sap, usually enjoyed neat or in cocktails. Perfect for social gatherings, you'll often find locals sipping it during temple ceremonies or after a long day of work.
Klepon - Klepon (sticky rice balls) - Bite-sized green rice balls filled with palm sugar, rolled in grated coconut for a chewy texture. Commonly served during celebrations, these sweet treats are best enjoyed fresh and warm, and a little trick: pop them into your mouth for a surprise burst of sweetness!
Teh Botol - Teh Botol (bottle tea) - Sweetened jasmine tea served cold in glass bottles, it’s a popular drink for picnics or beach days. Locals love it for its refreshing taste, especially after a day in the sun; just a heads up, it's often sweeter than you might expect!
Rambootan and snake fruit! Rambootan reminds me of lychee, and if Vera loves them, she simply devours them! The snake fruit, named so because of its scaly skin, tastes like a mix of pear and apple. It's a real treat! 🍏🍐
As for prices, if you want to buy them at the local market, they usually go for around 5-10 USD per kilogram. That's about 10-15 USD if you're in the central market. Snake fruit ranges from 15-20 USD per kilogram.
In stores, they can be 20-50% more expensive. »