Joanna James
Think of Bali and you'll conjure up visions of sun, sea and sand. But wait till you discover Balinese culinary delights! Suggested here are foods you should try, and whether you're eating in a sidewalk warung or a luxury resort, you'll be blown away by the exotic taste and variety of Balinese food.
Babi Guling or Balinese Suckling Pig is one of Bali's most famous local dishes. It is prepared today as it was centuries ago. A whole pig seasoned with local herbs and spices is roasted on a spit and once cooked the tender meat is served on a bed of rice accompanied by stewed vegetables, pork sausage, fried pork meat and most importantly the crispy skin of the roasted pig! Though typically prepared for special occasions in villages and towns, you are sure to find a five-star version of Babi Guling on the menu of any Bali resort the likes of Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort.
Who can resist Satay? Well, Sate 'Lilit' (meaning 'wrap around') is the Balinese version made from minced pork, fish, chicken or beef. The meat of choice is mixed with grated coconut, coconut milk, lemon juice, shallots, and pepper. The mixture is then wrapped flat around lemongrass, bamboo or sugar cane skewers and grilled on charcoal. Satay Lilit can be eaten with or without an accompanying sauce and makes for a great snack or light meal.
Nasi Campur is one of Bali's best-known culinary items consisting of white rice and various side dishes of grilled tuna, peanuts, eggs, fried-shrimp, fried tofu, cucumber, spinach, tempeh (soy), beef cubes, vegetable curry, corn, chili sauce etc. The side dishes can vary depending on location and type of eating house. While an upmarket version of this meal can be found in most of the restaurants in Seminyak, it is also sold by street vendors and is served wrapped in a banana leaf.
Duck is a popular dish in Bali and you should definitely try one of their many traditional offerings. Bebek Goreng is duck that is seasoned and then steamed or boiled before being deep-fried. Bebek Betutu is duck wrapped and marinated with local seasonings and then smoked for 24 hours. These dishes are accompanied by rice, vegetables and sambals.
Lawar is one of Bali's most famous local dishes, usually prepared for special occasions in the villages. It consists of a mixture of vegetables, traditional spices, shrimp paste, galangal (a type of ginger), other roots, grated coconut, boiled young jackfruit and occasionally cassava leaves chopped and blended together. Into this mix chicken, duck, beef or pork is added, often with fresh meat blood thrown in. If you feel squeamish about the blood, check first!
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