FOOD ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES IN BALI

From street snacks to hands-on cooking classes, here is how to explore Bali through its flavours.

Bali’s food scene is as diverse and colourful as the island itself. Rich in spices, shaped by tradition, and influenced by Indonesia’s many regions, Balinese cuisine is deeply tied to ritual, community, and seasonality. Whether you are sampling local dishes at a warung, learning how to cook with a local family, or exploring vibrant markets, food is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with Balinese culture.

This is the guide to the best food-related activities in Bali, covering must-try dishes, local dining spots, and hands-on culinary experiences.

TRADITIONAL BALINESE COOKING CLASS

Cooking classes are one of the most popular and accessible food activities in Bali. They offer a window into local ingredients, techniques, and flavours, with the bonus that you get to eat everything you make!

Most classes begin with a visit to a traditional market, where you learn about local spices, fresh herbs, and seasonal produce. From there, you will move to an open-air kitchen, often in a family compound or rice field setting.

Common dishes taught in Balinese cooking classes include:

·       Nasi goreng (fried rice with vegetables and egg)

·       Mie goreng (fried noodles)

·       Satay lilit (minced meat skewers wrapped around lemongrass)

·       Lawar (a mix of grated coconut, spices, and vegetables or meat)

·       Balinese sambal (chilli paste with garlic, lime, and shrimp paste)

·       Dadar gulung (pandan coconut pancakes)

Classes are widely available in Ubud, Canggu, Sidemen, and Amed, with half-day and full-day options.

EXPLORE A TRADITIONAL FOOD MARKET

Bali’s markets are vibrant, sensory experiences filled with colour, noise, and delicious smells. The best time to visit is early morning, when produce is freshest and locals are shopping for the day.

Popular markets to visit:

·       Ubud Market (morning) – Before it turns into a souvenir hub, it is a bustling local produce market.

·       Gianyar Night Market – A great spot for local street food in a casual, friendly setting.

·       Singaraja Morning Market – North Bali’s main market, filled with spices, tropical fruit, and everyday essentials.

·       Sanur Traditional Market – Popular with both locals and expats, good for fresh fruit, spices, and snacks.

You will see everything from jackfruit and snake fruit to fresh turmeric, rice varieties, and live chickens. Many cooking classes include a market visit as part of the experience.

ICONIC BALINESE FOOD

To get a true taste of the island, seek out these local favourites:

·       Babi guling – Spit-roasted suckling pig, stuffed with herbs and spices. Often served with rice, crackling, and vegetables. Best tried at Ibu Oka in Ubud or Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen in Seminyak.

·       Bebek betutu – Slow-cooked duck wrapped in banana leaves and packed with spices. Rich, smoky, and ceremonial in origin.

·       Lawar – A ceremonial dish combining chopped meat, vegetables, grated coconut, and rich seasoning. It is often spicy and served at temple festivals.

·       Ayam pelalah – Shredded spicy chicken, usually served with sambal and rice.

·       Nasi campur – A plate of mixed small dishes with rice, no two are exactly alike. Great for trying a variety of flavours at once.

·       Jajan pasar – Colourful Balinese cakes and sweets sold at traditional markets.

TRY A WARUNG MEAL

A warung is a small, family-run shop or eatery serving homemade food. This is where you will find some of Bali’s best and most affordable meals.

Warungs are casual, often with plastic chairs, handwritten menus, and a buffet-style food display. Do not expect fancy presentation, but do expect flavour, variety, and value.

Popular warungs include:

·       Warung Biah Biah (Ubud) – Great for small portions of classic dishes.

·       Warung Nia (Seminyak) – Known for satay and local specialities.

·       Warung Local (Canggu) – Affordable nasi campur in a modern setting.

·       Warung Nasi Ayam Men Weti (Sanur) – Legendary for nasi campur with shredded chicken and sambal.

BALI STREET FOOD

Street food in Bali is flavourful, cheap, and fun to try, especially at night markets or roadside carts.  Although not strictly Balinese cuisine, it is popular with all Indonesians and definitely worth trying as a tourist. Some favourites:

·       Martabak – Thick, crispy pancake stuffed with chocolate, cheese, or peanuts (sweet) or minced meat and egg (savoury).

·       Sate – Grilled skewers of chicken, pork, or beef, usually served with spicy peanut sauce.

·       Bakso – Indonesian meatball soup served from pushcarts, often near schools or temples.

·       Nasi jingo – A small portion of rice with chicken, sambal, and tempeh, wrapped in banana leaf, it is perfect for snacking.

·       Es campur – A refreshing dessert drink of shaved ice, fruit, syrup, and condensed milk.

Many locals eat dinner from warungs or roadside stalls, especially in more residential areas or town centres.

TRY A FOOD TOUR

If you are short on time but want to explore a variety of local flavours, a guided food tour is a great option. These tours are led by locals who know where to find the best eats, from hidden warungs to trusted street food vendors. Types of tours include:

·       Night market tours (e.g. Gianyar, Sanur)

·       Street food walks in Denpasar or Ubud

·       Private culinary tours with transport, guides, and tailored stops

·       Themed tours like vegetarian, vegan, or coffee-focused trails

Food tours are also especially helpful if you are unsure about what to try or need guidance navigating unfamiliar dishes.

VISIT A COFFEE PLANTATION

Bali produces its own coffee, mostly grown in the highlands of Kintamani. Visiting a plantation gives you insight into how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, often with a chance to taste multiple varieties.

On a typical visit you can also sample:

·       Kopi Bali – Bali-grown arabica coffee

·       Luwak coffee – Made using beans that have passed through a civet (a controversial delicacy; research ethically sourced options if you are curious)

There are also excellent local roasteries and cafés around Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak offering hand-poured brews and espresso blends.

SAMPLE EXOTIC TROPICAL FRUITS

Bali’s tropical climate supports a wide variety of fruits, many you will not find outside Southeast Asia. Some to look out for include:

·       Salak (snake fruit) – Crunchy, sweet-tart, with a reddish scaly skin.

·       Mangosteen – Soft white segments inside a thick purple rind; juicy and fragrant.

·       Rambutan – Hairy red fruit, similar to lychee.

·       Durian – The “king of fruits”, famously pungent and polarising. A smell you will not forget! Just check with your hotel if they will allow you to bring inside first.

·       Jackfruit – Used both ripe (sweet) and unripe (in savoury dishes).

Fruit is best enjoyed fresh from markets, roadside stalls, or in juices and desserts.

MODERN INDONESIAN DINING

While warungs are perfect for traditional fare, Bali also offers many modern restaurants putting creative twists on Indonesian food.  Some of the recommended restaurants to try include:

·       Locavore (Ubud) – A multi-course fine dining experience using local ingredients.

·       Hujan Locale (Ubud) – Stylish dishes rooted in Indonesian flavours.

·       Merah Putih (Seminyak) – Upscale ambiance with regional classics.

·       Mamasan (Seminyak) – Innovative Southeast Asian fusion.

·       Home by Chef Wayan (Canggu) – Elevated Balinese family-style cooking.

These venues are great for special occasions or foodies looking to experience Indonesia’s evolving food scene.

PRO TIPS:

·       Drink bottled water – Especially important when eating street food.

·       Ask about spice levels – Balinese food can be hot, however you can request mild.

·       Use your right hand – In local settings, eating or passing items with your left is considered impolite.

·       Try something new – Even if you are unsure, a single bite can lead to a delicious surprise.

Bali is a destination for food lovers at every level. Whether you are learning to fold banana leaves, tasting your way through a night market, or sharing a home-cooked meal in a village, Bali invites you to slow down, savour, and connect through flavour. With every plate, every spice, and every story, you will come away with a deeper taste of the island itself. Wander Beyond Ordinary!