Why Ubud is a paradise for food lovers seeking authentic Balinese Cuisine?

A gem in the heart of Bali, Ubud captivates visitors due to its mild climate, picturesque landscapes and warm-hearted people. Complementing these features are its beautiful rice fields and the unparalleled gastronomic delights that entice foodies to Ubud. Discover why Ubud has become a fascinating hub for those seeking authentic Balinese Cuisine.

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An array of delightful gastronomy

Whether rated as the best restaurant in Bali or otherwise, each food outlet in Ubud takes pride in turning out an array of Balinese cuisine from authentic delicacies to fusion cuisine that will tantalize the taste buds of discerning food lovers. Rice is a staple in Ubud and is enjoyed with these wonderful local delicacies. Lush fields of rice are a common sight here for visitors. 

Local favourites like Babi Guling, a dish of roasted suckling pig marinated with a mix of local spices like lemongrass, turmeric and coriander that is served with steamed rice and crackling skin is a delicacy that foodies yearn for.

Another favourite is Bebek Betutu, a dish of slow-roasted duck infused with ginger, turmeric, pepper, chilli, coriander and lime. The well-marinated duck is wrapped in banana leaf and roasted to an aromatic perfection. Served with steamed rice, sambal and a vegetable salad this is a complete meal.

Satay Lilit features minced meat (mostly using pork or chicken) well coated in spices and grated coconut and wrapped around sticks of lemongrass and grilled to perfection. This is served with fragrant rice and peanut sauce.

Tempeh – This vegetarian dish is a fermented soybean crumble served with peanut sauce.
Gado-gado – This vegetarian salad is made with blanched crunchies like green beans, cabbage and beansprouts mixed with tofu and boiled egg and served with peanut sauce. A sought-after menu item at the Balinese Restaurant of Anantara Ubud Bali Resort. 

The Ubiquitous Warungs

Warungs in Bali are traditional family-run restaurants that are small and medium-scale operations and can be spotted all around Ubud. These warungs are hives of activity as they keep dishing out a variety of orders throughout the day in different portions and for different tastes including even fusion dishes and western ones. The dishes are rich in flavour and are reasonably priced.

Warungs offer a unique diversion for visitors as they enjoy new dishes and experience the local culture in a homely setting. Whether one is a vegetarian, vegan or a carnivore, the local warungs will provide a meal to your liking and palette. Warung Biah Biah and Warung Sopa are 02 notable places in Ubud among many others that let you savour authentic Balinese food.

For the budget-conscious

For foodies and others who are budget-conscious, there are many possibilities in Ubud. The town has wayside stalls at practically each street. As dusk drops its veil around the town the tantalizing aroma of barbequing and other tasty dishes fills the air. Nasi campur, steamed rice with a variety of meat, vegetables and satay, bakso a yummy meatball soup and jagung bakar, grilled corn with tempting chilli butter are among some of the hot picks at these stalls. Look for stalls attracting a lot of locals and enjoy the delicious dishes that are quite light on your wallet. Vegetarian and vegan visitors will be happy to know that these stalls also cater to them.

Delights for sweet lovers
Dadar gulungi, a rolled sweet crepe filled with grated coconut and palm sugar and klepon, small sticky rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated with grated coconut that is boiled and served warm.

Both these will be much enjoyed as a snack by those with a sweet tooth, just like rice is a staple, coconut is also used in grated or in milk form in Balinese cooking.