You’re in Bali, surrounded by the most amazing sights and smells, and you’re eager to dive into the local food scene. But there’s that nagging worry… “What if I get Bali Belly?”
It’s a common fear, but the truth is, Balinese food is incredible, and it’s very easy to eat safely while having a delicious culinary adventure. This guide is for the cautious first-timer. We’ve compiled 7 must-try dishes that are not only iconic but also great, safe Balinese food for first-timers.
How to Eat Safely in Bali (The Quick Tips)
- Eat at Busy Places: A high turnover of customers (especially locals) is the best sign that the food is fresh and well-prepared.
- Cooked is Best: Stick to food that is cooked to order (like grilled satay or fried rice) rather than dishes that have been sitting out in a buffet (unless it’s a very busy one).
- Drink Only Bottled Water: This is the #1 rule. Never drink tap water. Ice in reputable restaurants and bars is always safe and made from filtered water.
- Wash Your Hands: Use hand sanitizer before eating, especially if you’ve been handling cash.
7 “Safe” & Delicious Dishes for Your First Time
- Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice): The ultimate Indonesian comfort food. It’s always cooked to order in a blazing hot wok, making it a delicious and universally safe bet. It’s often topped with a fried egg, chicken satay, and kerupuk (crackers).
- Sate Ayam (Chicken Satay): You’ll see (and smell) these being grilled fresh on street-side carts and in restaurants. Skewered chicken is grilled over hot coals right in front of you and smothered in a rich, delicious peanut sauce.
- Ayam Betutu (Slow-Roasted Chicken): A Balinese specialty. A whole chicken is rubbed with a rich spice paste (basa gede), wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-roasted or steamed for hours. It’s incredibly tender, flavorful, and thoroughly cooked.
- Rendang Sapi (Beef Rendang): Originally from Sumatra but a national icon. Beef is slow-cooked for hours in coconut milk and spices until it’s tender and the sauce has caramelized. The long, slow cooking process makes it a very safe and deeply flavorful choice.
- Gado-Gado (Vegetables with Peanut Sauce): A fantastic vegetarian option. It’s a “salad” of cooked (blanched) vegetables like green beans, potatoes, cabbage, and spinach, served with hard-boiled egg, tempeh, and a thick peanut sauce. Since the veggies are cooked, it’s a great choice.
- Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish): A whole fish (usually snapper) is grilled over coconut husks and basted with a sweet and spicy soy glaze. You can often pick your own fresh fish from a display. It’s simple, cooked to order, and absolutely delicious.
- Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice): This is a great way to try everything at once. You’re given a scoop of rice, and you simply point at the various dishes in a glass cabinet.
- Pro-Tip for First-Timers: Go to a clean, popular, and busy warung (like Warung Murah in Seminyak) during peak lunch hours. Stick to the “safe” items: fried chicken, beef rendang, tempeh, and cooked vegetables.
Be brave, be smart, and you’ll discover one of the best food cultures in the world.
We love the local food scene. But we also know that sometimes, especially after a long day, you just crave a familiar taste of home. After your culinary adventure, if you’re in the mood for a perfect classic burger, crispy wings, or a pizza, come by Nirvana Sports Bar and Lounge. We’re here when you need the comforting taste of home (and the live game!).
