Food Lover's Guide to Bali

The culinary landscape of Indonesia is as diverse as its culture and geography, and Bali is no exception. Balinese food is time- and ingredient-intensive, with a heavy emphasis on spices, aromatics, and chili peppers. Here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Unlike much of the rest of Indonesia, Bali is predominantly Hindu, and one of the island's must-try dishes isbabi guling***, spit-roasted suckling pig. Traditional Indonesianmeat skewers*, called*sateorsatay***, are made from chicken, beef, pork, fish, or even tofu, while the Balinese version is often made from minced meat mixed withcoconut milkand spices before hitting the grill.Seafoodplays a prominent role in the local food landscape—fishandshrimpcome barbecued or in fragrant curries—while***nasi goreng***, Bali's take on chicken and rice, is often served with shrimp crackers, cucumber, and fiery sambal sauce.

Must-Do Experiences

• Experience the ties between Bali's signature dishes and religious ceremony by taking in a sunset seafood dinner and traditional dance performance at the clifftop temple of Uluwatu overlooking Jimbaran Bay

• Learn the craft of Balinese cuisine at a cooking class in Ubud or an intimate chef-led demonstration in a traditional Gulingan Village kitchen

• Explore the street foods of Kuta on the back of a motorbike

• Embark on a Balinese food safari through Seminyak, Jimbaran, or Ubud

• Visit a small village to learn cooking methods from the locals