Prioritizing healthy food that offers consistent energy throughout the day is crucial for preserving stamina while on vacation in Bali. Thankfully, Balinese food is full of natural, fresh ingredients that can promote your health and well-being. We’ll look at several Balinese foods in this article to see how they can keep you energized while you’re on vacation.
Let’s start by thinking about the kinds of nutritious cuisine Bali has to offer. Bali is fortunate to have an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs because it is a tropical island. You may expect to discover a variety of fruits, including coconut, papaya, pineapple, mango, and dragon fruit, as well as vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Balinese cuisine typically features a lot of spices and herbs, including turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and coriander, which not only add flavour but also have numerous health benefits.
Healthy eating may give your body the nutrition it needs to function at its peak, which is one of the key advantages. Fruits and vegetables, for instance, are full of vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy skin and eyes, and keep the body functioning as it should. Complex carbohydrates and fibre found in whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, can help control blood sugar levels and increase satiety.
So what are some typical Balinese dishes that you can eat, that will leave you feeling energetic and keep your stamina?
Nasi campur, or “mixed rice,” is one dish that is a mainstay of Balinese cuisine. Usually, a bed of rice is covered with a variety of side dishes to your liking, including vegetables, tofu, tempeh, meat, and fish. Given that it contains a well-balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, nasi campur is a fantastic choice for preserving stamina.
Gado-gado, a mixed vegetable salad with peanut sauce, is another Balinese cuisine that might improve endurance. As well as tofu and boiled eggs for protein, this meal is generally prepared with a variety of greens, including spinach, bean sprouts, and cabbage. The dish is enhanced in flavour and texture by the peanut sauce, which is high in beneficial fats.
Sate ayam, or chicken satay, is a well-liked option for people who prefer meat-based dishes. Spices like turmeric and coriander are used to marinate chicken skewers, which are then grilled to perfection. Lean protein, which is crucial for sustaining energy and muscle repair, is abundant in sate ayam.
In addition to these traditional Balinese dishes, cafes and restaurants all across Bali provide a wide variety of invigorating and healthful selections. In Seminyak, Sunset on Seminyak Restaurant recently announced the launch of its brand-new menu, specifically designed to cater to health-conscious guests seeking delicious and nutritious dining options while on holiday. The menu features a variety of salads that showcase the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. Notable options include the Watermelon & Feta Salad, combining fresh watermelon, tomato, orange, chives, chilli, red onion, sherry vinegar, balsamic reduction, and feta cheese, as well as the Greek Salad, boasting organic mixed lettuce, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion rings, black olives, and feta cheese served with lemon thyme dressing. More info: bali.anantara.com
Still around the neighbourhood, an award-winning and vibrant oceanfront restaurant, Starfish Bloo, sticks to its commitment to the sustainability approach by presenting locally sourced seafood and garden-grown ingredients – straight to the table. All the seafood is fresh from the Indian Ocean, freshly hand-picked vegetables are grown in their garden, and rice varieties are harvested from nearby paddy fields. Crowd favourites such as beetroot tortellini and softshell crab are followed by main courses such as seared local tuna steak with sesame chilli oil or the mouthwatering grilled barramundi. The beverage programme has a strong focus on the locally sourced, grown, and zero-waste selection of cocktails as a pledge to save our planet by reducing waste. When talking about zero-waste cocktails, they use leftover fruit skin, vegetables, and more – to create indulgent drinks. More info: wbaliseminyak.com
In Kuta, Superfood Salad by Kuta Social Club at Mamaka by Ovolo will bring the simple dish to a whole new level. It’s vibrant, fresh and tasty! The bowl of goodness consists of the bold taste of Grilled Haloumi, refreshing Avocado Vinaigrette, humble Cauliflower, Radish and Broccoli, and sweet and tangy Pomegranate with crunchy Toasted Pistachio and Seeds. Nutritious, delicious and satisfying – it is an amazing burst of flavour. It is an indulgence, tasty yet healthy. It suits every taste and is still a glorious meal to enjoy on your holiday. More info: ovolohotels.com/mamaka
On the cliff of Ungasan, di Mare highlights their Superfoods Salad. Combining popped quinoa, goji berries, coconut, almonds, wild rocket, and pomelo ginger torch flower dressing, this dish was concocted as part of a recent vegan Spa & Dine menu request and was an ‘on the fly’ recipe, as they like to call it in the kitchen. Taking staple ingredients to mix and create what restaurant chefs often do when coming up with their daily specials, they selected a few superfoods rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins and combined them with peppery wild rocket and the citrus-forward flavour of their pomelo ginger torch flower dressing resulting in an incredibly flavourful and healthy vegan salad. This tasty recipe was so successful that they’ve also added it to the diMare lunch and in-villa dining menus as well as the Spa & Dine menu. More info: karmagroup.com
Even when it comes to snacks, Bali offers a wide variety of nutritious choices. Fresh fruit is widely available at neighbourhood markets and from street vendors, and it can give you an instant, energizing boost. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, are also a great option, as they are rich in healthy fats and protein.
It’s important to remember that staying hydrated is equally crucial for preserving your stamina when on vacation. It’s crucial to drink lots of water and other hydrating liquids, such as herbal tea or coconut water, due to Bali’s tropical environment, which can be draining. Luckily, you can find a fresh young coconut at almost every corner of the street, so no need to be dehydrated!
The key to keeping energized while on vacation in Bali is to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and stay hydrated. Balinese food has a wide variety of delectable and healthful options, including grilled meats, fresh salads, and mixed rice dishes. You can take part in all the excursions and activities Bali has to offer while feeling full and invigorated by including these items in your diet and drinking enough water.
