Discovering the Best Local Food in Ubud Bali

Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub, is known for its stunning rice terraces, traditional handicraft markets, and yoga studios. But did you know that Ubud is also a foodie paradise? If you’re visiting Bali, Ubud should be on your list of places to explore for its delectable local cuisine. In this article, we’ve uncovered the best local food in Ubud Bali that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

🍜 Nasi Campur: An Ubud Staple

Nasi Campur, which translates to “mixed rice,” is a staple dish in Ubud that you won’t want to miss. This dish typically consists of a plate of rice served with an array of toppings such as crispy fried chicken, braised beef, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of vegetables. The dish is typically served with sambal, a spicy chili sauce, and is a must-try when visiting Ubud.

🍲 Babi Guling: Ubud’s Famous Roast Pork

Babi Guling, or suckling pig, is a Balinese dish that has become synonymous with Ubud. This dish is typically made by rolling a whole pig in traditional Balinese spices and slow-roasting it over a spit until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The dish is served with rice, vegetables, and sambal, and is a must-try for carnivores visiting Ubud.

🍢 Sate Lilit: Balinese Satay on a Stick

Sate Lilit is a Balinese version of the popular Indonesian dish, satay. The dish is made by combining minced meat (usually pork or chicken) with grated coconut, spices, and seasoning to form a paste. The paste is then wrapped around a stick (usually made of lemongrass) and grilled over an open flame. Sate Lilit is typically served with rice and a side of sambal.

🥗 Gado-Gado: Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce

Gado-Gado is an Indonesian salad that is a popular dish in Ubud. The salad typically consists of boiled vegetables such as spinach, bean sprouts, and potatoes, and is topped with tofu, tempeh, and a hard-boiled egg. The dish is served with a peanut sauce dressing that is both sweet and savory.

🍦 Kopi Luwak: The Most Expensive Coffee in the World

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is one of the most expensive coffees in the world and is a must-try when visiting Ubud. The coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats, which are then collected, cleaned, and roasted. While the process may sound unappetizing, the coffee is renowned for its smooth and rich flavor.

🥘 Lawar: A Balinese Salad with a Kick

Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad that is typically made with minced meat (usually pork or chicken), grated coconut, and a mixture of herbs and spices. The dish is served with rice and is known for its spicy kick thanks to the use of chili pepper in the recipe.

🍛 Nasi Goreng: Indonesian Fried Rice

Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian fried rice dish that is a staple in Ubud. The dish is typically made with leftover rice that is stir-fried with a mixture of vegetables, egg, and meat (usually chicken or shrimp). The dish is typically served with prawn crackers and is a comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied.

🍵 Jamu: Balinese Herbal Drink

Jamu is a traditional Balinese herbal drink that is made from a mixture of spices, herbs, and roots such as turmeric, ginger, and tamarind. The drink is believed to have medicinal properties and is typically consumed for its health benefits. Jamu is available at most local markets in Ubud.

🍹 Arak: Balinese Rice Wine

Arak is a Balinese rice wine that is distilled from fermented rice and is a popular drink in Ubud. The drink is typically mixed with fruit juices to create a refreshing cocktail, and is a must-try for those looking to experience the local drinking culture in Bali.

🍡 Klepon: Sweet Coconut Balls

Klepon is a traditional Indonesian dessert that is popular in Ubud. The dessert is made with glutinous rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar, which are rolled into small balls and boiled. The balls are then coated in grated coconut and are a sweet and satisfying way to end a meal.

🦀 Jimbaran Seafood: Fresh Seafood by the Beach

If you’re looking for some fresh seafood, head over to Jimbaran beach, which is just a short drive from Ubud. The beach is lined with seafood restaurants that offer a variety of fresh seafood such as crabs, prawns, and fish. The restaurants typically offer a set menu that includes a variety of dishes, and the seafood is grilled over an open flame to perfection.

🍶 Bintang Beer: Bali’s Most Popular Beer

Bintang Beer is Bali’s most popular beer and is a must-try when visiting Ubud. The beer is a light lager that is typically served ice-cold and pairs perfectly with the local cuisine. You can find Bintang Beer at most restaurants and bars in Ubud.

🍻 Mixed Drinks: Bali’s Signature Cocktails

Bali is known for its signature cocktails that are made with local ingredients such as coconut, pineapple, and lemongrass. Some of the most popular cocktails include the Bali Hai, which is made with rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice, and the Pina Colada, which is made with coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum. You can find these cocktails at most bars and restaurants in Ubud.

🍱 Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Ubud’s Healthy Cuisine

Ubud is also known for its healthy cuisine, with many restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. Some of the most popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ubud include the famous Sari Organik, Alchemy, and The Seeds of Life. These restaurants offer a variety of healthy dishes made with fresh, organic ingredients.

🌶️ Spicy Food: Ubud’s Love for Chili Peppers

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll love Ubud’s love for chili peppers. The local cuisine is known for its spicy kick, thanks to the use of chili peppers in many of its dishes. Be sure to try the sambal, which is a spicy chili sauce that is served with many dishes.

🍴 Local Markets: Ubud’s Culinary Scene

If you’re looking to explore Ubud’s culinary scene, head over to one of the local markets. The markets offer a variety of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies that are a must-try when visiting Ubud. Some of the most popular markets include the Ubud Market and the Gianyar Night Market.

🤔 FAQs

1. What is the most popular local food in Ubud?

The most popular local food in Ubud is Nasi Campur, which is a mixed rice dish served with an array of toppings such as crispy fried chicken, braised beef, tofu, tempeh, and a variety of vegetables.

2. What is Babi Guling?

Babi Guling is a Balinese dish that is made by rolling a whole pig in traditional Balinese spices and slow-roasting it over a spit until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.

3. What is Sate Lilit?

Sate Lilit is a Balinese version of the popular Indonesian dish, satay. The dish is made by combining minced meat (usually pork or chicken) with grated coconut, spices, and seasoning to form a paste. The paste is then wrapped around a stick (usually made of lemongrass) and grilled over an open flame.

4. What is Gado-Gado?

Gado-Gado is an Indonesian salad that is a popular dish in Ubud. The salad typically consists of boiled vegetables such as spinach, bean sprouts, and potatoes, and is topped with tofu, tempeh, and a hard-boiled egg. The dish is served with a peanut sauce dressing that is both sweet and savory.

5. What is Kopi Luwak?

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is one of the most expensive coffees in the world and is made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats, which are then collected, cleaned, and roasted.

6. What is Lawar?

Lawar is a traditional Balinese salad that is typically made with minced meat (usually pork or chicken), grated coconut, and a mixture of herbs and spices. The dish is served with rice and