Balinese cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous traditions. Here are some typical dishes you must try:
Main Dishes:
- Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried rice, often served with a fried egg, chili sambal, and various toppings.
- Mie Goreng: Indonesian fried noodles, similar to nasi goreng but with noodles instead of rice.
- Satay: Grilled skewers of meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork) served with peanut sauce.
- Rendang: A rich and flavourful beef curry, often served with rice or potatoes.
- Gado-Gado: A mixed vegetable salad with a peanut sauce dressing
Side Dishes:
- Sambal: A spicy chili sauce that accompanies many Balinese dishes.
- Tempeh: A fermented soybean product, often served fried or grilled.
- Lawar: A seasoned meat or vegetable salad, often containing pork or beef.
- Urap: A mixed vegetable salad with a spicy coconut dressing.
Desserts:
- Pisang Goreng: Fried bananas, often served with honey or chocolate.
- Bubur Sumsum: A sweet rice porridge with coconut milk.
- Es Campur: A mixed ice dessert with various toppings, such as shaved ice, fruits, and jellies.
Don’t forget to try Balinese coffee or tea, often served with a sweet and creamy blend of spices.