Hello food lovers! You might already be familiar with the word "Bali." Yes, Bali is often discussed in relation to its beaches, mountains, and rich cultural traditions. However, Bali also offers a diverse array of culinary delights. Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is famous for its culinary destinations, which are a major attraction for tourists.
Traditional Balinese dishes are unique and distinctive, attracting visitors eager to taste them. Here are the Top 12 Traditional Foods in Bali according to Tasteatlas:
1. Sate Lilit
Sate Lilit is a Balinese specialty that can be found in various places across Bali, including street vendors. It is made from meat (duck/chicken/shrimp/pork) seasoned with spices such as lemongrass, galangal, chili, and lime leaves.
2. Babi Guling
A must-try for both local and international tourists, Babi Guling is a popular Balinese dish. It involves roasting a whole pig stuffed with a mixture of spices, resulting in crispy skin and savory meat.
3. Lawar
Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish made from pork or duck. Often served during ceremonies or special events, it is uniquely prepared with grated coconut, minced meat, and sometimes pig’s blood for added color and flavor.
4. Ayam Pelalah
This traditional dish is made from shredded grilled chicken mixed with a variety of Balinese spices. The combination of spices and tender chicken creates a flavorful and aromatic dish.
5. Laklak
Have you heard of pancakes? Laklak is a unique Balinese version of pancakes made from rice flour and colored green with pandan leaves. Laklak has a very soft texture on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Laklak is served with coconut syrup drizzle or palm syrup.
6. Bebek Betutu
This traditional Balinese dish is made from duck marinated with spices such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic. The duck is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked slowly, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.
Read also: Bali's Gastronomic Odyssey: Revealing Authentic Flavors
7. Nasi Tepeng
Nasi Tepeng is a dish made from rice cooked into a porridge-like consistency, mixed with various vegetables and spices, creating a fragrant and aromatic meal.
8. Tum Ayam
Tum Ayam is a traditional Balinese dish made from ground chicken mixed with a blend of spices such as garlic, lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and turmeric. The seasoned chicken is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, resulting in a deliciously aromatic dish.
9. Rujak Bulung
This Balinese specialty is a type of salad made from seaweed. Locals call seaweed "bulung," hence the name Rujak Bulung. It is prepared by mixing fresh seaweed with a savory, spicy, and sweet dressing.
10. Tum Babi
This flavorful dish consists of minced pork mixed with Balinese spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed. The result is a spicy, savory, and aromatic dish that entices tourists.
11. Sambal Kukus
Sambal Kukus is a type of Balinese sambal made with steaming ingredients such as chili, tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and shrimp paste. The steamed mixture is then mashed together to create a spicy and savory sambal.
12. Jukut Ares
Lastly, Jukut Ares is a traditional Balinese soup made from the stem of the banana plant, cooked in chicken broth, and mixed with Balinese spices. It can be prepared with chicken or duck, resulting in a hearty and flavorful soup.
These traditional dishes highlight the rich culinary heritage of Bali and offer a unique taste of its culture and flavors.
