Discover the Flavors of Bali Without Breaking the Bank

Bali isn’t just a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and lush rice terraces. It’s also a culinary haven, offering flavorful and affordable dishes that reflect the island’s rich culture and traditions. Whether you’re a foodie backpacker or a curious traveler, tasting authentic Balinese cuisine is an essential part of your journey.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to must-try Balinese dishes and show you where to eat them cheap while enjoying the true taste of Bali — without compromising your travel budget.

Top 8 Must-Try Balinese Dishes

1. Nasi Campur Bali (Balinese Mixed Rice)

This is a local favorite and a great way to sample several dishes at once. It typically includes white rice with sides like shredded chicken, vegetables, fried tempeh, and sambal (spicy chili sauce).

Where to try it cheap:

  • Warung Wardani (Denpasar)
  • Warung Mek Juwel (Ubud)

2. Babi Guling (Roast Suckling Pig)

A festive dish traditionally served at ceremonies, babi guling is pork marinated with spices and slow-roasted until crispy.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak)
  • Ibu Oka (Ubud)

3. Sate Lilit

This Balinese version of satay is made from minced fish or meat mixed with grated coconut and spices, wrapped around bamboo sticks.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Warung Sate Lilit Bu Nyoman (Sanur)
  • Sindhu Night Market (Sanur)

4. Lawar

A spicy mixture of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat, often served with babi guling.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Warung Babi Guling Men Gede (Jimbaran)
  • Local food stalls in Gianyar

5. Bebek Betutu (Slow-Cooked Duck)

This ceremonial dish is duck marinated in rich spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and roasted for hours.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Warung Bebek Tepi Sawah (Ubud)
  • Bebek Bengil (Ubud) during lunchtime deals

6. Nasi Jinggo

A popular street food, nasi jinggo comes in a small banana leaf packet filled with rice, sambal, noodles, and a bit of meat or egg.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Night markets in Denpasar
  • Jalan Gajah Mada (Denpasar)

7. Tipat Cantok

Boiled rice cakes mixed with vegetables and peanut sauce — the Balinese version of gado-gado.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Warung Kecil (Sanur)
  • Local stalls in Singaraja

8. Jaje Bali (Balinese Sweets)

End your culinary trip with colorful traditional snacks made from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar.

Where to try it cheap:

  • Traditional markets like Pasar Badung (Denpasar)
  • Sukawati Art Market

How to Eat Like a Local in Bali

Find Local Warungs

Instead of dining in touristy restaurants, seek out local warungs — small family-owned eateries offering authentic flavors at local prices. They usually have no-frills decor but serve delicious, home-cooked meals.

Explore Night Markets

Bali’s night markets are treasure troves of affordable food. Try the street-style sate, grilled corn, and fresh tropical juices while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Avoid the “Tourist Menu”

Stick to menus written in Bahasa Indonesia or ask for the local version. These are often priced lower and offer the more authentic recipe versions.

Cashless While Exploring Bali’s Culinary Scene

Traveling Bali is even easier when you don’t have to worry about carrying too much cash. With BaliCASH, you can pay at participating local warungs, markets, and food vendors without needing physical money.

  • Avoid ATM fees and money changer scams
  • Pay easily at your favorite warung
  • Track your food spending with ease

Ready to Eat Your Way Through Bali?

To get started, download the BaliCASH app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and register for free.

Experience Bali’s rich flavors and local dishes — all without cash!

“Happy Travelling with BaliCASH. Pay everything WITHOUT CASH!”

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