Where to Taste Authentic Bali: 8 Local Favourites

Here are eight local favourites that deliver unforgettable flavours, from legendary ayam betutu in the west to spicy lawar in the heart of Denpasar.

1. Warung Babi Guling Pande Egi (Ubud Area)

If crispy skin and succulent roast pork are what you’re after, Pande Egi is a non-negotiable stop. Situated with terrace seating that looks out over rice paddies, this warung turns out a suckling pig (babi guling) that many locals rate among the best in Bali. Expect crispy crackling, tender meat, and layers of flavour. Try the Nasi Babi Guling Campur, it’s a mix of meat, skin, spiced offal and rice, and cool down with Es Kolak for dessert. Lunchtime can be crowded, so aim for early morning or late afternoon. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is unpretentious but warm.

2. Bebek Bengil (Nusa Dua)

One of Bali’s more polished institutions, Bebek Bengil has been serving its signature crispy duck since 1990. With a refined yet comfortable setting nestled among gardens and rice terraces, it’s perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The duck is fried to golden crispness, served alongside local vegetables, sambal, and a side of rice. It’s a bit more upscale in terms of service and ambience, which makes it a favourite for visitors wanting both flavour and setting.

3. Naughty Nuri’s (Ubud)

Famed for its pork ribs and boisterous atmosphere, Naughty Nuri’s offers flavour without pretence. Think smoky, sticky ribs, cold beers, and casual vibes. It’s one of those places where large groups and solo travellers alike can feel comfortable letting loose over big flavours.

4. Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh (Gilimanuk)

Head to the western edge of Bali for this legend. Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh has been serving authentic ayam betutu (Balinese spice chicken) since 1978. Cooked in a richly spiced base-genep, the chicken is slow-cooked until tender, infused with layers of herbs, chillies, galangal, turmeric and more. The place is large enough to accommodate hundreds, and conveniently located just 5-10 minutes from Gilimanuk harbour. Must-tries include the “Paket Betutu Komplet” with chicken, clear spicy broth, and a full complement of condiments. Be warned: it’s famously spicy.

5. Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku (Ubud)

A local classic in Ubud, this chicken-rice dish is famed for its fragrant broth, tender chicken, and a generous array of Balinese sides, everything from lawar to sambal. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food, but layered with tradition.

6. Menega Café (Jimbaran)

For sunset dinners, few settings beat Jimbaran. Menega Café offers fresh grilled seafood right on the beach - lobster, prawns, fish and shellfish, typically served with sambal, steamed rice, and local vegetables. Barefoot on sand, watching the sun dip below the waves, eating seafood pulled fresh from the water - it’s quintessential Bali.

7. Dapur Bali Mula (Les, North Bali)

For those venturing north, this reservation-only warung offers more than just a meal; it’s a cultural immersion. Run by Chef Jero Yudi, also a local priest, Dapur Bali Mula focuses on ancestral cooking methods, fresh local ingredients, and a changing daily menu. Guests often take part in making arak (an Anise-flavoured spirit), connecting with culinary practices that are deeply tied to Bali’s spiritual heritage.

8. Lawar Kuwir Pan Sinar (Denpasar)

Light, spicy, and fiercely local, Lawar Kuwir Pan Sinar in Denpasar is for food lovers who want something raw, vibrant, and deeply Balinese. Lawar kuwur (“kuwir” meaning duck) mixes tender duck meat or minced pork (depending on your preference), young jackfruit, long beans, grated coconut, and a potent base of genep. It’s simple, no-frills, often cooked early and gone by afternoon. Go early and with an appetite.

9. Riung Rasa Indonesian Backyard BBQ (Kuta)

For a casual yet flavour-packed experience, Riung Rasa brings the spirit of Indonesian backyard barbecues to life. This spot is loved for its smoky skewers, perfectly grilled meats, and homestyle sides that feel like a family feast. The setting is relaxed and communal, with long tables where locals and visitors alike tuck into dishes hot off the grill. Don’t miss the chicken satay and smoky ribs, paired with sambal that delivers just the right kick. It’s an ideal place for groups, offering hearty portions and a laid-back vibe.

10. Paon Dwaji | Bebek & Ayam Guling (Denpasar)

Tucked away in Denpasar, Paon Dwaji is a hidden gem specialising in bebek guling (spiced roast duck) and ayam guling (smoked chicken). Everything is slow-cooked and deeply infused with spices, delivering rich flavours and tender meat. Portions are generous, whole birds are the standard, making it perfect for sharing. Reservations are recommended, as dishes often sell out quickly, and on-the-spot orders can mean long waits. It’s also a halal alternative to Bali’s famous babi guling, offering all the flavour without the pork. 

From Jimbaran’s smoky beachfront grills to hidden warungs in Ubud and ancestral kitchens in the north, Bali’s food culture is as diverse as its landscapes. These local favourites don’t just serve meals, they tell stories of heritage, spice, and community. Whether you’re chasing crisp duck skin, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or a fiery betutu (Balinese spiced chicken or duck), this is your roadmap to eating like a local in Bali.