Bali is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, lush green landscapes, and vibrant culture. Another aspect that makes Bali stand out is its diverse and delicious cuisine. From fresh seafood to mouth-watering street food, Bali has something for every foodie. When it comes to street food, Bali has a wide variety of options to choose from. Here are some must-try street foods in Bali that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Babi Guling
Babi Guling is a famous Balinese dish that consists of roasted suckling pig stuffed with a blend of spices such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger. This dish is considered a delicacy and is a must-try for meat lovers. The pig is slow-roasted over an open fire until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is usually served with steamed rice, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. You can find Babi Guling at local warungs (small restaurants), night markets, and street vendors.
Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit is a Balinese version of satay that is made from minced meat (usually chicken or fish) mixed with a variety of spices and grated coconut, then skewered and grilled over charcoal. This dish is unique in its preparation, as it is made without the traditional bamboo skewers that are used for satay. Sate Lilit is often served with a spicy peanut sauce and is a popular street food in Bali.
Klepon
If you are into sweets, you might give klepon a try. A common ingredient in the traditional Indonesian dessert known as klepon is sticky rice flour, which is then filled with palm sugar and dusted with grated coconut. The word “klepon” is derived from the Javanese verb “kelepon,” which means “to pop” or “to burst’’, because of the palm sugar that pops or bursts out when you take a bite. You can find Klepon at local markets, or just down the street.
Laklak
Another tip for sweets lovers is Laklak. Rice flour and coconut milk are used to make the traditional Balinese cake known as laklak. Suji and pandan leaves, two types of greenery that are nearly only found in Asia, are what give laklak its green colour. The snack has a characteristic fresh, sweet, and savoury flavour because it is sometimes served with grated coconut or jackfruit and a brown sugar sauce. Laklak can be eaten as a sweet dessert or with afternoon tea or morning coffee and is found at your local market.
Terang Bulan
This one is available practically everywhere in Bali. This cuisine has a sweet flavour and is manufactured from flour. Terang bulan comes in a variety of vibrant tastes, including cheese, chocolate, almonds, vanilla, and strawberries. The tastes can be chosen according to your preference. Terang Bulan is often sold from carts and is available on practically all of Bali’s street corners. This cuisine is only available after dark.
Fish Head Soup
Although this may sound a bit odd for some people, a typical Balinese soup is fish head soup. This includes, as it says, the head of a fish. Other ingredients are tomatoes, lemongrass and freshly squeezed lime. The lime gives the soup a refreshing smell and taste, that will make you forget the smell of the fish head. If the thought of having fish head soup makes you a little uncomfortable, you can also replace it with prawns or fish fillets. Fish head soup is to be found at a local warung.
As you can see, Bali’s street food scene offers a wide variety of options for foodies to explore. From meat lovers to vegetarians, there is something for everyone. However, it is important to choose reputable vendors and food stalls to ensure the quality and safety of the food. Be sure to ask the vendors about the ingredients used in the dishes, and if possible, try to avoid street food stalls that have been sitting out in the heat for too long. Overall, experiencing Bali’s street food is a must-do activity for any visitor!
