Travelling to Bali is not complete without exploring its culinary scene as well. The island is rich with beautiful culture resulting in many wonderful things including the foods. When it comes to Balinese culinary scene, you won’t be running out of options. There are so many wide selections of dishes you can enjoy while spending time in Bali. The latest update, Bali is already opened for tourists from 19 countries. So if you plan on travelling to Bali one of these days, here are most recommended foods that should be in your hunting list:
Betutu
This is such an authentic Balinese cuisine that has been very popular among tourists in Bali. It requires slow cooking process to create authentic taste of Bali. Betutu can be made with chicken or duck stuffed with traditional spices. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and enveloped tight in a the bark of banana trunk for around 7 hours in a coal fire. The chicken or duck meat will turn out juicy, full of flavor, and easy to remove from the bones.
Jimbaran seafood
Jimbaran is one of the coolest places in Bali. And it is the perfect place to enjoy Balinese seafood. You can order grilled seafood in one of the beachfront restaurants or cafes in Jimbaran. The seafood ranges from calamari, crabs, shrimps, clams, lobsters, and various fish. It is served with special barbecue sauce and condiment to enrich the flavor more. What a perfect way to enjoy delicious treat with the view of beautiful beach.
Babi Guling
Babi guling is roasted pig. It is one of the most favorite dish by the locals. Before being roasted, the pig is cleaned and then stuffed with traditional spices as well as vegetables. Special stick is used to skew across the pig. Then the pig will be rolled over a coal fire. Roll over means guling in Indonesian. The result is crisp skin and tender, juicy meat. Originally, this dish can only be found during festivals or ceremonies but you can find it almost everywhere in Bali now.
Lawar
This is authentic Balinese food not everyone brave enough to try. It is made from chopped meats, vegetables, spices, and grated coconut. However, this traditional dish is usually prepared by mixing fresh animal blood with meat then added spices to enrich the flavor. This dish is served immediately because it can taste bad if being kept for too long. There are two kinds of Lawar, white and red. White Lawar is targeted for vegetarian and vegan because it doesn’t contain blood or meat.
Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit or Satay Lilit is marinated, skewered, and grilled meats. Indonesia itself has many versions of satay depending on the region. In Bali, the authentic satay is Sate Lilit usually made with minced chicken, mutton, chicken, fish, goat, pork, or beef. The minced meat is mixed with coconut milk, coconut, vegetables, and spices. It is wrapped in bamboo stick and grilled over charcoal. It is usually served with dipping sauce but it is already tasty on its own.