Bali Food & Culture

Nestled between the East of Java and the West of Lombok in Indonesia, Bali is a province comprising the island of Bali and a few other small offshore islands. It is a land not just known for its delicious food but also for its majestic art, vibrant culture, ancient traditions, and eccentric dance and music. Having prior knowledge about Bali’s food and culture can help you make the most out of your holiday experience in this Indonesian province. Let us guide you through Bali’s wonderful food and culture;

Popular Cuisines in Bali

The famous Balinese cuisine is predominately available in Bali. If you wish to go on a food tour in Bali, it is better to have some context about the history, character and uniqueness of its regional method of cooking. Here’s what you need to know;

1. Balinese cuisine

It is a traditional style of cooking that is special to the region and is part of the bigger Indonesian cuisine. In addition to the use of indigenous methods and practices, it draws major influence from the regional cooking style of other parts of Indonesia as well as the cuisine of China and India. The use of different kinds of spices in harmony with meat, fish and fresh vegetables is what gives the dishes in Bali their unique taste, colour and character. The predominately used ingredient in most of the dishes in Balinese cuisine is rice, making it a staple food. Besides, due to it being an island, there’s no surprise that seafood plays a major role in its cuisine. Other major ingredients used in this style of cooking are pork, chicken, and fruit. Due to Bali being predominantly Hindu, the use of beef in food is nil or very rare.

2. Others

Similar to other massively developed tourist destinations in the world, Bali also features a host of restaurants and eateries that serve a variety of cuisine besides Balinese cuisine. This includes other Indonesian regional cuisines, such as Mediterranean cuisine, Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Italian cuisine, and so on.

Did you know?

In contrast to the Western world, the traditional way of eating in Bali is by hand, without using a fork and spoon. Indians planning a food trip in Bali will feel just at home.

Popular Indian foods in Bali

The majority of the population in Bali is Hindu and it is also a renowned international holiday destination for Indians. Hence, finding Indian restaurants and eateries serving delicious Indian dishes in Bali is very easy. Here are some of the most popular Indian foods you can try in Bali;

1. Tandoori chicken:

Get the flavour of delicious Indian cuisine in Bali by trying Tandoori Chicken. It is a dish where overnight marinated chicken is grilled in a tandoor until it becomes tender and juicy. The burst of flavours is best enjoyed when dipped in mint or cilantro chutney.

Where to find in Bali: Gateway of India, Queen’s Tandoor, La Rouge, etc.

2. Dal Makhani:

Dal Makhani is a famous vegetarian dish, a crown jewel of Punjabi cuisine. It is a mouthwatering traditional lentil recipe made of whole black lentils and kidney beans. It is best served alongside tandoori roti or butter naan.

Where to find in Bali: Gateway of India, Indian Delites, Atithi, etc.

3. Samosa:

In terms of savoury Indian snacks that you can find in Bali, Samosa is a prime contender. It is a triangular-shaped fried pastry made with flour and is stuffed with a delicious filling of mashed potatoes, onions, peas and a variety of spices. It is served with ketchup or green chutney on the side.

Where to find in Bali: Indian Delites, NU Delhi, etc.

4. Masala Dosa:

Craving South Indian food in Bali? Go for a plate of authentic Masala Dosa. It is a thin and crisp crepe made of fermented rice and lentil batter and has a stuffing of spiced mashed potato. It tastes amazing with sambar or coconut chutney on the side.

Where to find in Bali: Queen’s Tandoor, Indian Delites, etc.

5. Chicken curry:

Chicken curry is what represents a massive portion of Indian cuisine, making its way into the plates of local Balinese and tourists visiting Bali. It is a chicken curry dish made using onions, chilli peppers, garlic, and a variety of rich spices, known for its burst of flavours and mostly reddish colour.

Where to find in Bali: Warung Little India, Indian Delites, etc.

6. Chicken Biryani:

Another famous Indian dish that has made the list of popular Indian foods available in Bali is the chicken biryani. It is a mixed rice dish made with rice, meat and spices, and is known for its unique aroma and taste.

Where to find in Bali: Ganesha Ek Sanskriti, Atithi, Spice Mantraa Indian Cuisine, etc.

Cool fact:

As per Balinese culture, it is believed that everyone is born with debt. This debt is of three kinds and has to be paid throughout one’s life. These debts are love and devotion to their elders and ancestral spirits, owing their lives to god and knowledge to the priestly class. Participating in religious ceremonies and religious rites helps pay this debt.

Most Expensive Dishes to try in Bali

Here are some popular and expensive dishes that you can consider trying in Bali on your visit:

1. Caviar:

Caviar is a known delicacy that comes at a high price tag. You can try this dish at select restaurants in Bali, like the Boneka Restaurant, Aperitif Restaurant, and Kayuputi Restaurant.

2. Lobster and seafood platters:

Bali is famous for its delicious seafood, and you may have to spend quite some money to get the best quality lobster and seafood platters at a posh restaurant. The cost of lobster can be anywhere around IDR 500,000-600,000 or more at decent restaurants.

3. Dry-aged meats:

Another expensive food you can find and try in Bali is dry-aged meat. There are a handful of restaurants and eateries serving this type of food, and to just give you a reference on the price, a 280g dry-aged ribeye can cost more than IDR 620,000.

Popular Festivals in Bali

Participating in local festivals and celebrations can give tourists crucial insights into the local culture and traditions. Here are some major festivals celebrated in Bali around the year;

1. Nyepi Eve

Nyepi Eve, otherwise known as the “Day of Silence”, is a major festival celebrated in Bali. It is observed on the third day of the six-day-long Balinese New Year’s celebration. As the name indicates, on this day, emphasis on inner reflection and renewal is given. An essence of silence engulfs the island, with shops, transportation, etc., being closed, turning Bali into a serene paradise.

2. Galungan

Galungan is another major Balinese festival that celebrates the triumph of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma). It is a festival marked by vibrant colours, elaborate rituals (including sacrificial contributions), prayers, dance, and so on, all honouring the ancestral spirits and the Universe.

3. Bali Arts Festival

The Bali Arts Festival is one of the most popular celebrations in Bali. It is a grand showcase of art, music and local culture, all starting with a vibrant parade with numerous participants and even more spectators. It is a perfect event to witness and take part in to get in sync with the culture and traditions of Bali.

4. Saraswati Day

It is one of the major Balinese festivals that Indians can closely relate to. Observed once every six months (210 days), it is regarded as the “Knowledge Day”. It is the day when the Hindu Goddess of art, music and wisdom, Goddess Saraswati, is worshipped. The celebrations are much too similar to those in Saraswati Puja in India.

Did you know?

Food is closely tied to the local culture, religion and traditions in Bali. Food offerings play a major role in Balinese religion. Finding coconut leaf baskets with flowers, fruit and rice at home and in small businesses is common, whereas elaborate offerings consisting of shaved coconut, fruit and rice are presented in temples and other religious places.

People & Ethnicity

The locals of Bali are known as Balinese and unlike most parts of Indonesia where Islam is the predominant religion, they adhere to Hinduism intertwined with animistic and Buddhist beliefs. There are various deviations in their interpretation of Hinduism in contrast to that of India, due to the influence of the Javanese culture. They are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the island of Bali. Other ethnic groups living in Bali consist of Chinese, Batak, Bugis, Sundanese, etc. The island has a population of more than 4 million.

Popular Dishes to Try in Bali

Are you ready to bless your tastebuds with the rich flavours of Balinese food? Here are some popular local dishes you can try;

1. Nasi Ayam

Nasi Ayam is a chicken rice dish that has become quite popular among tourists who want to try authentic Balinese food. It is a simple chicken rice dish, consisting of steamed rice, shredded chicken, roasted peanuts, boiled egg, satay, salad, and a few other items. It makes for a perfect meal on a budget.

2. Sate Lilit

Sate is widely consumed in Bali, both as street food and in restaurants. Among the various types of delicious sate available in this Indonesian province, Sate Lilit is a variant that is made with minced pork, fish, chicken, etc., and marinated with coconut milk, grated coconut, lemon juice, pepper, etc. It is then wound around a lemongrass or bamboo stick and slowly smoked over charcoal. Its mouthwatering taste and tender texture make it quite popular.

3. Lawar

When talking about authentic Balinese dishes to try, one can’t forget to mention Lawar. It is a traditional dish that is a mixture of a variety of items and ingredients, like coconut, minced meat, vegetables, rich spices and herbs, and so on. The final product is garnished with chilli and lemon and fuels a burst of flavour in the mouth. White lawar has no animal products while red lawar contains blood.

4. Ayam Betutu

Ayam Betutu is a special recipe that is loved by both locals and tourists alike. This dish consists of a bowl of steamed rice, with sizable pieces of chicken, coated in spices, salad and peanuts. If you love non-veg food, then you can surely give Ayam Betutu a try on your Bali visit.

5. Babi Guling

A recipe unique to the island, Babi Guling is a whole pig roast, stuffed with spices and other ingredients, which remains sealed inside. The whole pig is grilled over a slow fire with specialised stands, giving it an iconic red colour. Once it has been roasted to perfection, it gets portioned for serving, where your plate will generally include Satay, Lawar, shredded pork meat, crispy pork skin, steamed rice and pork soup.

6. Nasi Campur

This is another well-known traditional Balinese dish that includes steamed yellow or white rice, grilled chicken, tofu, vegetables, beef rendang and a few other items. What makes this dish special is its smokey taste that it acquires while it is being prepared in wooden and clay utensils.

7. Nasi Goreng

A bit different from Nasi Campur, Nasi Goreng is a dish where a variety of spices are mixed to create a dense paste, which is then added to boiled rice and cooked over a slow flame. After the rice is cooked, pre-fried and marinated meat and vegetables are added to it and the dish is presented with a pinch of butter in the mix.

Best Restaurants in Bali

Bali has no shortage of renowned restaurants serving regional and international dishes. If you want to get the best dining experience on your visit, consider checking out one of these restaurants;

1. Who’s Who

Located in Ubud, Who’s Who is a famous restaurant that you can check out on your Bali trip. Serving Balinese, International and European dishes, the restaurant is quaint but neatly furnished, enhancing the dining ambience. It is a great place to eat, especially if you are visiting with your loved one. It is quite affordable and also serves drinks, including soda, wine, beer, cocktails, etc. Some of its most popular dishes are Chicken Caesar, Pork Schnitzel, Tikka Masala, etc.

2. Sardine

Located in Seminayak’s Jalan Petitenget, the interior decor and dining ambience of Sardine remains unmatched. The spacious setting and the surrounding lush greenery elevate the dining experience at this restaurant tenfold. The fresh use of ingredients and the availability of tasty food draws in customers around the year. Mainly serving seafood and fusion food, some of its most famous dishes are Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl, Salmon Burger, Moule a la Creme, etc.

3. El Kabron Bali

As you may already have figured out by its name, El Kabron is a Mediterranean Spanish Restaurant that specialises in seafood. Its fascinating oceanfront views and panoramic sunset dining experience make it incredibly popular among tourists visiting Bali for their holidays. In addition to its exceptional dining ambience, El Kabron is known for its good food, value-for-money menu and prompt service. Some of its most sought-after dishes are Octopus Carpaccio, Rib-eye Steak, King Prawns on the Grill, etc.

4. Ling-Ling’s Bali

Based in the centre of Seminyak, this restaurant has made a great name for itself in the region, especially among tourists. Showing excellence in the aspects of food, service, ambience and value, it offers contemporary Asian fusion food, with core ideals on Korean and Japanese styles of cooking. If you are in search of good food and an exquisite dining experience, Ling-Ling’s Bali is the way to go. It serves food and drinks, with popular items being Crispy Pork, Dragon Roll, Loaded Kimchi Fries, etc.

Dining Etiquette and Tipping Culture in Bali

Now that you know a lot about the types of food and popular restaurants available in Bali, it is important to get familiar with the local dining etiquette and tipping culture. Here’s what you need to know;

1. The left hand is not generally used for eating or passing food in Bali.
2. The traditional way of eating in Bali is with your right hand. However, the use of spoons and forks is becoming quite common with the younger generation. If you are using a spoon and a fork, hold the latter one in your left hand and use it to move food onto the spoon, held in the right hand.
3. While dining with multiple people, one should generally wait before beginning to eat or drink until the oldest man on the table has begun.
4. Tipping in Bali is not mandatory, however, it is greatly appreciated. Though there is no fixed rate/ percentage, a tip of 10% of the total bill amount at cafes and restaurants should be good enough.
5. If the restaurant or cafe is already charging a service fee, you can skip giving a tip.

Cool fact:

As per the local culture, babies are carried everywhere for the first 3 months (equal to 105 days) after their birth. This is because, babies are considered holy, a medium between earth and the spiritual world, acting as a vessel for the ancestral spirits. So, the customs state that their feet should not touch the ground until they are 3 months old.

Local culture & traditions in Bali

Here is a sneak peek into Bali’s local culture, traditions, and etiquette that you should learn about before heading out for the holidays;

1. Greetings with a gentle smile is always appreciated in Bali. The traditional way of greeting on the island is by offering a Sembah Salute, however, a normal handshake is also common.
2. As per the local culture, public display of affection is highly frowned upon, so make sure to avoid PDAs.
3. Avoid pointing at someone as it is considered rude in Bali.
4. The culture of Bali is quite conservative. Tourists visiting this island should respect that and dress modestly. They should also adhere to the dress code when visiting temples or religious festivities.
5. The ecstatic dances of Bali are one of the highlighting features of its culture, with 3 UNESCO-recognised dance genres, Wali, Bebali and Balih-Balihan. Food, art, theatre, puppet shows, and music also play a significant part in its culture.
6. Religion plays a major role in Bali’s culture, with the main religion being Balinese Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc.
7. The traditional dress for women in Bali is a combination of Kamen, Kebaya, Sabuk and Selendang. For men, Kain, Sash, Keris and a plain-coloured, patternless shirt complete their attire.

Food Tips

Following is a list of tips that can help you savour the charming flavours of Balinese cuisine in the best way possible;

1. Stick to reputed eateries and avoid street food vendors with unclean facilities.
2. The climate of Bali is hot and humid, hence avoid eating food that has been sitting out for too long as it can spoil quickly.
3. If a particular dish or food is listed as “extra spicy”, then best believe it. If you can’t handle spice, make sure to avoid such food.
4. To keep yourself healthy throughout the trip, avoid eating undercooked or raw meat.
5. If you are looking for a nice dining experience, consider the beachfront/oceanfront restaurants and eateries.