Bali, Indonesia is a great place to go for serene views and beautiful beaches. It’s also a great place to go if you love trying new foods. Between gourmet dishes and local specials, there’s something to tickle your fancy in Bali. Here are the things you’ve got to try on your Bali vacation.
Snack on Laklak
Laklak is a rice flour-based cake. It’s sweet, so it can be eaten as dessert, but it’s often eaten as a breakfast. Laklak is sometimes white or sometimes green. It all depends on how it’s made. The green cake is made with pandan leaves and gives a light aroma. This treat is often bite sized and can be found in a traditional Balinese market.
Everything Banana Flour
If you’re looking for something sweet, items made with banana flour are worth a try. Using banana flour instead of traditional flour adds extra sweetness to the dish. Plus, banana flour is gluten free, making it a good choice to those with a gluten allergy. Try a cake made with banana flour from a local bakery and you won’t be disappointed.
Try Pepes Ikan
Pepes Ikan is a great seafood dish. This dish consists of a whole marinated fish wrapped in a banana leaf, then steamed. The dish is rich in spice, like basil, tomato and pepper. The banana leaf locks in the savory flavor of the spices, making this dish delightful. This dish is often made with mackerel, sardines or snapper.
Be Super with Chlorella
If you’re looking for something from the sea, try a dish with chlorella. Chlorella is a superfood derived from algae. It’s extremely nutritious and worth trying on your trip. Chlorella benefits are astounding and it’s often referred to as the king of superfoods.. Benefits include immune system support, increased energy levels and digestive support.
Try the Savory Babi Guling
Babi guling is a dish that consists of suckling pig. The pig is hand-turned on an open fire and slathered in bumbu, a spicy paste. Typically, babi guling is served alongside rice, blood sausage and long beans. This dish is often served at religious celebrations, but can be found at many tourist spots around the island.
Choose Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng
These dishes are Indonesian staples. Mie Goreng is made with fried noodles, while nasi goreng is made with fried rice. Both incorporate peanut sauce and pickled veggies. Often, they are served with a fried egg on top. The best part is, they can be served for any meal, including breakfast.
Taste the King’s Favorite Dish
Betutu was the king’s favorite dish, according to legend. This dish consists of a whole chicken or duck that’s been stuffed with spices. The stuffing includes shallots, garlic, chili and peanuts. The meat is steamed for most of the day. The dish takes approximately eight hours to prepare, but every bite is worth the wait.
Balinese Drinks
Bali is also a great place to have a drink. Mojitos are one great option. Signature mojitos can be found all over the island. Mojitos are made with rum, a popular spirit in Bali. They also consist of sugar, mint and lime. Coconut water is also a great addition, and perfect in such a tropical paradise.
Drink Arak
Arak, or arrack, is the traditional wine of Bali. It’s a clear rice wine, similar to sake. Like sake, it’s high in alcohol, ranging from 10 to 40%. You can drink it on its own, or try it as a part of a cocktail. Either way, you can’t leave Bali without taking a sip of Arak.
Take a Sip of Jelly Tea
If you're a boba fan, you’ll have to order one up while in Bali. Boba tea traditionally consists of black tea, milk and tapioca balls. This is a great midday pick-me-up while on your trip.
Sure, you might come to Bali for the beaches and views. But, you’ll also get to delight in the amazing food that’s found all over the island. Don’t be afraid to taste something new while in Bali!
