The Most Iconic Traditional Balinese Foods You Absolutely Must Try
Bali is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Balinese cuisine is deeply rooted in the island’s cultural and spiritual traditions, with ancient cooking techniques passed down through generations. Cooking in Bali isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about pleasing the gods and celebrating the island’s rich harvest. With fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate, Bali offers an abundance of fresh ingredients, from vibrant fruits to exotic spices.
At TEMPLE by Ginger Moon, we stay true to these traditions by sourcing fresh, local ingredients from markets and supporting our community while delivering authentic flavors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Bali regular, these traditional Balinese foods will make you fall in love with the island all over again.
Top 6 Iconic Balinese Foods You Must Try at TEMPLE:
1. Temple Babi Guling – A Feast for Two
A showstopper in Balinese cuisine, Babi Guling (suckling pig) is a dish you cannot leave Bali without trying. At TEMPLE, we elevate this experience with rotisserie pork belly, fire-grilled satay, and the island’s famous urutan sausage, served alongside lawar, broth, yellow rice, and crackers. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary festival on a plate, perfect for sharing with a loved one or indulging in a grand feast.
The menu also includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. Made’s Warung offers a relaxed dining experience with live music and traditional dance performances, making it a great place to soak in Balinese culture while enjoying a delicious meal.
2. Ayam Betutu – The Legendary Chicken Dish
Ayam Betutu is a delicacy traditionally reserved for ceremonial feasts, but at TEMPLE, you can enjoy it every day! The dish combines the words “be” (meat) and “tunu” (grill) to reflect the age-old cooking technique. Succulent chicken is slow-cooked with a blend of exotic spices, delivering flavours that are nothing short of magical. Once found only in Gianyar, this iconic dish is now available to anyone craving a taste of Bali’s culinary soul.
3. Nasi & Mie Goreng Bali – Comfort Food, Balinese Style
What could be more comforting than a plate of fried rice or noodles? At TEMPLE, we offer Nasi (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles) in three tempting variations: Vegetable, Seafood, and Chicken. Each is topped with satay, prawn crackers, or a perfectly cooked egg. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or hearty, this Balinese comfort food will leave you more than satisfied.
4. Babi Kecap – Balinese Pork Ribs with a Twist
When you think of pork ribs, Babi Kecap might just blow your expectations away. Tender pork ribs glazed with a sweet and savoury kecap (soy sauce) and served with Malang apple sauce, acar (pickled vegetables), and sambal—this dish is a perfect marriage of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. A true crowd-pleaser, it’s the kind of dish that makes you fall in love with Balinese food all over again.
5. Satay with Rice Cake & Vegetable Pickle
Satay is a beloved street food in Bali, and at TEMPLE, we offer a variety of satay options: tofu & tempeh, chicken, and prawn. Grilled over an open flame and served with a flavourful peanut sauce or sambal matah, each skewer is a perfect bite of traditional Balinese cuisine.
6. Balinese Rotisserie Chicken – A Culinary Classic
Balinese Rotisserie Chicken, served with cassava leaves and peanuts, is a flavourful testament to the island’s traditional cooking methods. The slow-roasting process ensures a juicy chicken that’s a hit with locals and visitors alike.
The Ultimate Sharing Dishes at TEMPLE
When it comes to experiencing the heart of traditional Balinese food, sharing is key. At TEMPLE by Ginger Moon, our dishes are designed to bring people together, offering variety, flavour, and a true taste of Bali’s communal dining culture. Here are two must-try sharing dishes that will elevate your dining experience:
1. Temple’s Famous Colossal ½ Meter Satay
Looking for a showstopper? Our Temple’s Famous Colossal ½ Meter Satay is exactly that! Perfect for sharing, this impressive dish offers a choice of:
– BBQ Chicken with a zesty lime twist
– Sticky Pork Belly rich with caramelised flavours
This massive satay skewer is more than just food—it’s an experience that brings everyone to the table, embodying the spirit of Balinese communal feasts.
2. The Half-Moon Steamed Buns
Craving variety? Our Half-Moon Steamed Buns deliver a selection of mouthwatering fillings:
– Babi Guling – Succulent suckling pig with lawar and crackers
– Barramundi in Bintang Beer Batter – Paired with curry aioli and pickled vegetables
– Mini Hot Dog – A Balinese twist on the classic, featuring pork sausage, lawar, and sambal tomat
This massive satay skewer is more than just food—it’s an experience that brings everyone to the table, embodying the spirit of Balinese communal feasts.
Experience Bali Through TEMPLE by Ginger Moon
Behind these iconic dishes is Ibu Baya, along with the team behind Bali’s renowned Ginger Moon Canteen and Jackson Lily’s. At TEMPLE by Ginger Moon, we bring the spirit of Bali to South Beach with a menu that captures the island’s essence. Our restaurant is set in a lush tropical setting, with a family temple that inspires the ambience. From the scent of coffee wood burning to the enchanting aroma of Bali spices, every detail is designed to transport you to the heart of Bali.
With its dedication to fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours, TEMPLE by Ginger Moon crafted a menu that embodies “Bali on a Plate.” So, when you visit TEMPLE by Ginger Moon, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re stepping into a piece of Bali’s culinary and cultural heritage.
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