TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bali Foods
Sate lilit is the favorite street food on Bali. This traditional delicacy is usually made with minced meat which is wrapped around a flat skewer. All meat varieties (including fish and other seafood) are used to prepare sate lilit. However, the most common variety is prepared with pork.
The skewers are usually spiced with traditional Indonesian spices such as lemongrass, galangal, chili, and lime leaves. It is believed that Indonesia is the birthplace of sate, and its numerous varieties can be found everywhere in Indonesia. Since sate lilit originated on Bali, it is often referred to as sate lilit Bali, and next to babi guling, it is one of the most popular dishes on the island.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Satay
MOST ICONIC Sate lilit
View moreBabi guling is the Indonesian version of a roast suckling pig. Although not common to other Indonesian regions, on Bali, where the predominant religion is Hinduism, it is one of the most popular dishes. Before roasting, pig's skin is usually rubbed with turmeric, and the animal is stuffed with a bumbu Bali spice mixture, which usually includes turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, shallots, galangal, chili, shrimp paste, and garlic.
Pork is then placed on a spit and roasted over an open fire. This Balinese delicacy is usually served during special occasions and formal gatherings, but can often be found in warungs, traditional Indonesian casual eateries. The dish is so popular in Bali that most warungs specialize and serve only babi guling as their signature dish.
MOST ICONIC Babi guling
View moreLawar is a versatile Balinese dish usually consisting of chopped meat and vegetables that are typically mixed with coconut, chili powder, shrimp paste, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and turmeric. Traditional lawar is made with pork or turtle, but chicken, duck, or beef can also be used.
Pig blood is added for color and flavor in most variations of this dish. Lawar is usually prepared for ceremonies and other special occasions, so it is often made in large quantities. However, it can also be found at any restaurant or warung in Bali.
MOST ICONIC Lawar
View moreBebek betutu is a traditional Balinese dish consisting of duck that is thoroughly marinated in spice mixture that includes ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, galangal, garlic, shallots, chili peppers, and sometimes shrimp paste, all ground together to form a paste.
The duck is then wrapped in banana leaves (and sometimes additionally in aluminum foil or a bamboo sheath) and slowly roasted or sometimes steamed for several hours. This slow-cooking process allows the meat to become exceptionally tender and the flavors of the spices to deeply infuse the duck.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Betutu
Tum ayam is a traditional Balinese dish consisting of seasoned chicken wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. The preparation of tum ayam involves marinating minced or finely chopped chicken with a blend of aromatic Balinese spices and herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, garlic, shallots, and chili peppers, along with grated coconut, lime leaves, and sometimes shrimp paste for added depth of flavor.
This mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves, which are folded into small packets and secured with bamboo sticks or toothpicks. The packets are then steamed or grilled, allowing the banana leaves to impart a subtle, earthy aroma to the chicken while keeping it moist and flavorful.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Sambal bongkot is a type of Indonesian sambal that features bongkot, the Indonesian term for torch ginger (lat. Etlingera elatior) flower buds, as one of its key ingredients.
Torch ginger is known for its distinct aroma and slightly spicy, floral flavor, which adds a unique taste to the sambal. Sambal bongkot is particularly popular in Bali and other parts of Indonesia, where torch ginger is commonly found and used in traditional cooking.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Sambal
Ayam pelalah is a traditional dish originating from Bali. It’s made with a combination of chicken meat, aromatic herbs, and a spice paste consisting of hot chili peppers, garlic, shallots, turmeric, shrimp paste, and oil. The herbs used for the dish include Indonesian bay leaves, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
The chicken meat is grilled, shredded, then mixed with the spice paste and stir-fried. Once done, it is often served with lime wedges, cucumber slices, tomato slices, and rice on the side. Ayam pelalah is a staple in many Balinese households, but it’s also prepared for festivities and ceremonies.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Jukut ares is a traditional Balinese soup made with "ares", the tender core of the banana stem. It is a part of the banana plant that is often discarded in many cuisines but is highly valued in Balinese and other Southeast Asian cooking for its texture and ability to absorb flavors.
The banana stem core is thinly sliced and cooked in a rich and aromatic broth made from various spices and herbs common in Indonesian cuisine, such as garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, and bay leaves. These ingredients are ground into a paste and sautéed to release their flavors before being combined with water or coconut milk to create the soup base.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Laklak is a traditional Balinese pancake, made from rice flour and recognizable by a distinctive green color, which usually comes from pandan leaves.
The batter for laklak is poured into special half-sphere molds and cooked over a fire, resulting in a fluffy texture on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior. Laklak is typically served with a drizzle of coconut syrup or palm sugar syrup and sprinkled with grated coconut on top, enhancing its sweet and savory taste.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bali Food Producers
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2018, 2017
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2018, 2017
BEST Krakakoa Chocolates
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2022
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2024
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
BEST Junglegold Bali Chocolates
Primo Chocolab Bali is a chocolate producer located in Bali, Indonesia, known for creating handcrafted chocolates using locally sourced cacao beans. They focus on sustainable production practices and offer a variety of chocolate products, including bars and truffles, that highlight the unique flavors of Indonesian cacao.
The company also provides educational tours and chocolate-making workshops to visitors.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2023
BEST Primo Chocolab Bali Chocolates
Sacred Cacao is a chocolate producer based in Bali, Indonesia. They focus on creating artisanal chocolates using locally sourced cacao beans. The company emphasizes sustainable and ethical farming practices. Sacred Cacao often incorporates traditional Balinese methods in their chocolate production process.
Their products include a variety of chocolate bars, truffles, and cacao nibs.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2023
World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
BEST Spice Islands Distilling Spirits
Mandailing Estate Coffee from Indonesia embodies everything coffee lovers seek when craving authenticity, depth, and a truly distinctive flavor profile. Grown in the Mandailing region in the north of Sumatra, this coffee thrives in rich volcanic soil and a tropical climate - conditions that create an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality Arabica beans with a complex character.
From the very first aroma, one can sense the luxurious notes of dark chocolate, ripe plums, and dried figs, intertwined with subtle earthy and spicy undertones that are emblematic of Sumatran coffees. In the cup, Mandailing Estate Coffee reveals a full body and silky texture, delivering an experience marked by depth and flavor complexity.
BEST Mandailing Estate Coffee Coffees
Akasa Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery and brand from Kintamani, a mountainous region in Bali, Indonesia, renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans. Their philosophy, “From Farm to Cup” reflects a deep commitment to every step of the coffee production process – from seed selection, planting, fermentation, drying, roasting, to serving.
The goal is to deliver the authentic taste of Kintamani coffee in every cup. Akasa Coffee focuses on preserving quality and flavor consistency by paying close attention to every detail of production. Their coffee is processed according to international standards, making them a recognized brand both locally and internationally.
BEST Akasa Coffee Coffees
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Bali Food Products
75% Single Origin Saludengen by Krakakoa is a premium chocolate bar made from cacao beans sourced from the region of Saludengen in Indonesia. The chocolate is crafted to highlight the unique flavor profile of the beans, which are influenced by the specific terroir of the area.
Krakakoa is known for its commitment to fair trade practices and its efforts to support local farmers.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2017
The Limited Edition Single Origin Gift Set made by Krakakoa showcases an exquisite range of chocolates sourced from specific regions. Each chocolate bar is crafted from carefully selected beans to highlight the unique flavors and characteristics of its origin.
This gift set is ideal for those who appreciate high-quality, artisanal chocolate, offering a luxurious and educational tasting experience. The packaging is designed to reflect the premium nature of the product, making it a perfect gift for special occasions.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2017
AWARDS
World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
Junglegold Bali offers a luxurious treat with their 60% Dark & 33% Milk Belgian Crunchy Hazelnut Chocolate Pralines. These pralines masterfully blend rich Belgian chocolate with the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
The dark chocolate contains 60% cocoa, providing a deep and intense chocolate experience, while the milk chocolate with 33% cocoa adds a creamy and smooth contrast. Each praline is crafted to offer a sophisticated taste sensation, making them a perfect indulgence or a refined gift option.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022
Primo Chocolab is a brand based in Bali that specializes in premium chocolate products. Their Dark, Milk & Cashew variant combines rich chocolate flavors with the crunchy texture of cashew nuts. The product is crafted to offer a luxurious taste experience, featuring high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms.
Each bar is designed to balance the intense notes of dark chocolate, the creamy smoothness of milk chocolate, and the nutty undertones of cashews.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2023
Junglegold Bali produces a product named Bali 100% Cacao. This chocolate is notable for its pure cacao content, ensuring that there are no added sugars or additives. The cacao used is sourced from local farmers in Bali, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable and ethical production practices.
The product is crafted to highlight the rich, complex flavors inherent in Bali-grown cacao beans, making it a favored choice among those who appreciate pure, high-quality chocolate. Suitable for use in baking or as a healthy snack option, Bali 100% Cacao offers versatility and nutritional benefits to its consumers.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Silver
2022
70% Single Origin Sedayu is a chocolate product crafted by Krakakoa. It is made from cocoa beans that are sourced from Sedayu, a region known for its distinct cocoa flavor profile. This dark chocolate contains 70% cocoa content, offering a rich and intense chocolate experience.
Krakakoa is recognized for its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, ensuring that the cocoa farmers receive fair compensation.
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2017
AWARDS
Academy of Chocolate - Bronze
2017
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.