What Indonesian Food to Try in Bali

Arriving in Bali soon and not sure what to eat first? We’ve got you covered! The good news — there’s so much to love here. Indonesian food in Bali is amazing!

Bali is one of those places where food tells the story of the island. From smoky sate stalls on quiet village streets to fine-dining kitchens overlooking rice fields or cliffs, flavour is everywhere. And while it’s easy to fill your days with smoothie bowls and iced lattes (we see you, Canggu cafés!), there’s something special about diving into the local dishes that make Indonesia so rich and diverse.

Sure, everyone’s heard of Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles), but there’s a whole world beyond those two. If you’re wondering what to eat in Bali, start here.

Easy Favourites for Picky Eaters

If you’re not sure where to begin, start simple. Sate Ayam — juicy chicken skewers grilled over charcoal and drenched in peanut sauce — is a guaranteed win. It’s smoky, sweet, and perfect with a cold Bintang or coconut.

Another easy choice is Nasi Campur — a little bit of everything on one plate: rice, vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and your choice of meat or egg. It’s like a crash course in Indonesian flavours, all in one meal, and is a perennial favourite at BI Design House.

And if you’re after something light, Gado-Gado is always a favourite — steamed veggies, tofu, and eggs with a warm peanut dressing. Comforting, fresh, and full of texture.

Local Dishes Everyone Loves

Once you’re ready to branch out, there are some dishes you’ll see over and over again — and for good reason. Rendang might just be Indonesia’s most famous dish: tender beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices until it practically melts. At BI Design House, we make an incredibly flavoursome rendang!

Another popular dish is Soto Ayam, a fragrant turmeric chicken soup that locals eat for breakfast, but we usually choose it for colder evenings.

In Bali, Babi Guling (roast suckling pig) is a must-try — usually reserved for ceremonies but now found in many specialised local warungs. Each version has its own spice mix, so if you find a great one, don’t forget to ask what’s in it.

For the Adventurous

Ready for something a bit bolder? Order Lawar, a Balinese dish made with minced meat, grated coconut, and spices — earthy, spicy, and completely unique. Or Bebek Betutu, a whole duck slow-cooked in banana leaves until smoky and tender. It’s Bali on a plate — rich, soulful, and deeply traditional.

Love Sate Sticks? Try Sate Lilit, skewers often made from minced fish, pork or even tofu, mixed with coconut and herbs, then wrapped around lemongrass sticks before being grilled. It’s aromatic, juicy, and perfectly balanced — smoky on the outside, fragrant and tender inside.

Another great option is Pepes Ikan, fish marinated in turmeric and lime, steamed in banana leaves for that delicate, almost floral flavour that defines so much of Balinese cooking. So good!

Street Food Tips

Bali’s street food is part of its rhythm — smoky grills, clinking woks, the smell of sambal in the air. The rule is simple: eat where it’s busy. Locals know best, and high turnover means everything’s fresh.

Follow the crowds, and you’ll find treasures like Bakso (meatball soup), Martabak Manis (a thick, gooey pancake filled with chocolate and peanuts), and Tempe Mendoan, lightly battered tempeh that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside.

Carry small denominations of cash, and just point to what looks good. Don’t overthink it — that’s how the best food memories happen.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

If you’re plant-based, Bali is your dream. The island has long been known for its vibrant vegetarian and vegan scene — not just at trendy cafés, but in everyday Balinese cooking too. Many traditional dishes are naturally meat-free, full of vegetables, coconut, and spice, reflecting the island’s deep respect for nature and balance.

Start with Sayur Urab, a simple yet flavourful mix of steamed greens tossed with grated coconut, garlic, and kaffir lime. It’s light, fragrant, and perfectly Bali — a dish that feels nourishing and grounding.

Another favourite is Tempe Manis, slices of fermented soybean glazed with sweet soy sauce, chili, and shallots until golden and slightly sticky. Add a scoop of rice and you have a satisfying, protein-packed meal.

At BI Design House, we have a new favourite: oyster mushroom sate sticks. Absolutely delicious!

BI Design House x Indonesian Food – Your Culinary Adventure Begins!

Creating a design-focussed boutique hotel had an unexpected pleasure for our team… as we tried and fine-tuned our menu! It was so much fun to create and taste-test our Indonesian menu.

At BI Design House in Canggu, we love creating yummy meat and non-meat options. Chicken and vegie Nasi Campur options, which feature flavours from different islands of Indonesia, were a favourite among our team!

We also added classics like sate sticks (either chicken or oyster mushroom with peanut sauce) and jackfruit rendang. Feeling like something special? Our talented chefs can whip up some incredible Indonesian food to cater to every culinary desire!

Finding Your Flavour

Whether you’re wandering a night market, eating barefoot at a beach warung, or sitting under the palms at BI Design House, Indonesian food is all about connection. It’s comfort, creativity, and culture — all on one plate.

Of course, there’s plenty of incredible international food in Canggu too (and at BI Design House, we serve both local and global flavours), but we’ll save that list for another day. For now, grab a fork, a spoon — and maybe a little sambal — and dive in.