Eat Like a Local: 10 Cheap Bali Eats You Can’t Miss
Why Local Eats Matter
Bali is a food lover’s paradise where you can enjoy rich, authentic flavors without spending much. From spicy rice dishes to sweet treats, eating like a local means eating well—and cheap.
🍛 1. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Price: ~$1–$2
Flavor-packed fried rice served with egg, meat, and crackers. Found at nearly every warung.
🍜 2. Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)
Price: ~$1–$2
A comforting plate of stir-fried noodles with veggies and your choice of protein.
🐷 3. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
Price: ~$2.50–$4
Spiced and roasted Balinese-style pork, famous at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka in Ubud.
🍢 4. Sate Lilit (Balinese Satay)
Price: ~$0.70–$1.70
Grilled minced meat on bamboo sticks, often fish or chicken mixed with spices and coconut.
🍽 5. Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice Plate)
Price: ~$1.30–$2.30
A little of everything—rice, veggies, tofu, tempeh, and meat—on one delicious plate.
🍲 6. Bakso (Meatball Soup)
Price: ~$0.70–$1.30
A local favorite—noodle soup with beef meatballs, tofu, and spicy sambal.
🥞 7. Martabak Manis (Sweet Pancake)
Price: ~$1.30–$2.30
Thick, buttery pancakes with fillings like chocolate, peanuts, or condensed milk.
🌱 8. Tempeh Goreng (Fried Tempeh)
Price: ~$0.30–$0.70
Vegan-friendly, protein-packed snack, crisp-fried and served with rice or as a side.
🌶 9. Lawar (Spiced Coconut Veggie Mix)
Price: ~$0.70–$1.30
A mix of shredded veggies, coconut, and minced meat or jackfruit. Spicy and bold.
🍧 10. Es Campur (Shaved Ice Dessert)
Price: ~$0.70–$1
Colorful dessert of ice, jelly, syrup, and condensed milk—perfect to cool down.
Where to Find These Eats
- Warungs – Small family-run eateries all over Bali.
- Street Carts – Especially for Bakso, Sate, and Martabak.
- Night Markets – Check out Gianyar and Sanur Night Markets.
- Apps – Use GrabFood or GoFood for easy ordering.
➤ Recommended Gear (Under $20)
- Collapsible Travel Bowl with Lid – Great for leftovers and night market snacks.
- Reusable Travel Utensils Set – Eco-friendly fork, spoon, chopsticks, and straw.
- Activated Charcoal Tablets – Handy for avoiding stomach issues.
- Travel Hand Sanitizer Spray – Keep your hands clean at food stalls.
- Waterproof Travel Pouch – For storing tissues, cash, and sanitizer.
Final Tips
- Choose busy warungs—they turn over food fast and fresh.
- Always carry small cash (IDR 5,000–50,000).
- Say “tidak pedas” if you want it less spicy.
- Show respect with a simple “terima kasih” (thank you).
Enjoy Bali one bite at a time—authentic, affordable, unforgettable.