Traditional Foods – Indonesia is one of a few countries that have many cultures and customs. The cultures and customs are reflected through its foods. Even though it is one area like Bali, Indonesia surely has a lot of different and authentic foods.

So if you are traveling to Bali, it is the very best chance for you to taste another level of cuisine. Unlike other places in the world, Bali is very rich in culture. Each culture has many different forms of cuisine that you might have never known about.

There are so many cuisines you must eat in Bali, but this article might be too long if we list all of it. This guide includes some traditional and authentic dishes you taste in Bali. As you read this guide, you might learn a bit of Indonesian vocabulary as well.

As the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday approaches, here are 5 authentic traditional foods you must taste in Bali.

5 Traditional Foods You’ll Never Want to Skip in Bali

Sate or Satay

Sate, also written as satay, is popular street food in Bali. You can often find vendors selling it from smoky carts almost everywhere. Types of Balinese sate include chicken, beef, goat, and rabbit. You can find this popular food almost everywhere but there are certain types of sate that can only be found in ceremonies.

Although it is common street food, you can also find this in many restaurants. If you are in the Kuta area, a good restaurant that you should visit is Gourmet Sate House. They have a good variety of sate that is very affordable!

Pepes Ikan or Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf

Pepes ikan is a whole marinated fish that is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. This is an authentic dish you must try in Bali. Although Balinese cuisine is more known for their meat dishes, people in Bali are also great at cooking fish!

The way this dish is prepared really allows the fish to absorb all the flavors from the spices. Pepes ikan can be made with any fish but the most common fish that is used for this dish is mackerel, sardines, and snapper.

Babi Guling or Suckling Pig

Babi guling, or suckling pig, is one of Bali’s most famous dishes. It is very unlikely to find this dish outside of Bali since a majority of the population in Indonesia are Muslim. Babi guling literally translates to “turning pig” since it is hand turned on an open fire. 

In the past, babi guling was only served in religious ceremonies or huge celebrations but due to the increase in tourism, you can find it in many restaurants now. The most popular place to eat babi guling is at Ibu Oka in Ubud. 

This restaurant was made popular by the celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain. This restaurant is so popular that they decided to open 2 other locations. Many people love Ibu Oka, however, it is usually packed with tourists price and is a bit more expensive.

Mie Goreng or Stir Fried Noodles

Mie goreng, or stir fried noodles, is a very common dish in Indonesia. It is a very flavorful dish with a hint of spice. This dish is influenced by the Chinese dish, Chow Mein, which is why it may look familiar. Mie goreng is traditionally made out of egg noodles, soy sauce, vegetables, and a variety of meat.

Since mie goreng is loved by everyone, it even inspired creators to make an instant ramen called Indomie. This dish is often cooked in every household and is very easy to make. You might crave for this delicious dish after you leave Bali so why not learn how to make it? It is very simple to cook.

Gado – Gado or Indonesian Salad

Gado-gado is a must try food if you are vegetarian. You can substitute almost any Balinese dish for a vegetarian option, however, this is a dish everyone will love. This Indonesian salad has tempeh, tofu, cucumbers, bean sprout, kidney beans, and sometimes eggs. 

This is topped with a special peanut sauce dressing that makes the salad a little sweet, salty, and spicy. The rice cake is also very yummy and tasty when it is wrapped in peanut sauce. This dish is often seen as the staple food of Indonesian cuisine.

If you are a fan of traditional food, Air Sanih Beach Villa, a magnificent secret hidden paradise Bali maybe your perfect resort since this resort offers variety of Balinese and traditional foods as its menu. So, if you are going to travel to Bali and craves for the traditional tastes, book Air Sanih Beach Villa now. (ADR)