The Best Traditional Balinese Dishes to Try in 2025

From spice-laden meats to fresh vegetables, the dishes here tell the story of the island’s history, religion, and connection to the land. If you’re visiting Bali in 2025, be sure to savor these essential Balinese dishes that will offer a true taste of the island’s culinary soul.

1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)

   Babi Guling is arguably the most iconic Balinese dish, and no visit to the island is complete without trying it. Traditionally served at celebrations and ceremonies, this dish is prepared by roasting a whole pig over an open flame, marinated with a mixture of spices like turmeric, garlic, and coriander. The crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful rice are served with a side of sambal (spicy chili paste) and lawar (a vegetable and coconut salad). You can find this delicacy at warungs like Ibu Oka in Ubud, which has become famous for its authentic Babi Guling.

2. Bebek Betutu (Slow-Cooked Duck)

   This dish is a masterpiece of slow cooking. Bebek Betutu features duck marinated with a fragrant blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked until the meat is tender and infused with the rich flavors of turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger. The dish is traditionally served with rice, sambal, and lawar, and it’s often enjoyed during important family events or temple ceremonies. Some of the best places to try Bebek Betutu include Men Weti in Singapadu and Warung D'Sawah in Ubud.

3. Ayam Betutu

   Much like Bebek Betutu, Ayam Betutu is a slow-cooked chicken dish that’s packed with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a spice paste made of turmeric, garlic, and shallots, then wrapped in banana leaves and simmered for hours. The result is a juicy, aromatic chicken that's perfectly tender and infused with a mix of spices. This dish is often served with rice and a spicy sambal on the side. It’s a great dish to try if you prefer chicken over duck, and it’s available at warungs like Warung Tepi Sawah in Ubud.

4. Lawar

   Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad made with a variety of ingredients including vegetables, grated coconut, and sometimes meat, such as pork or chicken. The dish is known for its distinct taste, balancing savory, spicy, and herbal flavors. Lawar is often served as a side dish with other main courses like Babi Guling or Ayam Betutu, and it plays a role in Balinese ceremonies. It’s a dish that reflects the island’s deep connection to local ingredients and culinary traditions.

5. Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)

   While Nasi Goreng may seem like a simple dish, it’s an essential part of Indonesian cuisine, and every region has its own take on it. In Bali, it’s often made with sweet soy sauce, garlic, shallots, and vegetables, and it’s typically topped with a fried egg. Variations can include seafood, chicken, or beef. The fried rice is often served with a side of krupuk (crispy fried crackers) and a dollop of sambal for an extra kick. For a truly authentic experience, try Nasi Goreng at Warung Tepi Sawah or Made's Warung in Kuta.

Conclusion: Traditional Balinese dishes are rich in history, spices, and flavors that reflect the island's agricultural heritage and Hindu traditions. Each dish tells a unique story of Bali’s people and culture, and there’s no better way to experience the island than through its food. Whether you’re indulging in the succulent Babi Guling, savoring the delicate flavors of Bebek Betutu, or enjoying the comforting simplicity of Nasi Goreng, the flavors of Bali will stay with you long after your visit.

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