Bali is a destination that can offer a lot of different experiences, depending on what you're looking for. It can be an enlightening trip into the island's rich culture, a wild party scene, or a luxurious escape with endless opportunities for pampering and shopping. Regardless of your travel style, one thing you absolutely must do is sample Bali's traditional cuisine - it's truly exceptional.

We're not talking about fancy restaurants with exorbitant prices and Michelin stars (although those certainly exist). We're referring to classic recipes that have been passed down for generations, and local dishes packed with fresh herbs, spices, and a host of culinary secrets unique to Bali. 

Here are some of the iconic dishes that are worth considering for your next lunch.

Nasi Campur
Balinese nasi campur, which means mixed rice in English, is a beloved dish among locals and visitors alike. It's a bit-of-everything meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Like a pick n mix of Indonesian cuisine, it's a collection of the best bites the country has to offer. 

For a truly authentic nasi campur, the grilled chicken (ayam panggang), beef curry (beef rendang), and, of course, the hot sambals are crucial. The best place to experience nasi campur is in the buffet-style warungs where you can point to your desired dish from the glass cabinets.

Babi Guling
If there's one local dish that stands out as Bali's icon, it's babi guling or suckling pig. It's an absolute must-try, featuring succulent, slow-roasted meat that's seasoned with spices, served with rice, pork sausage and sayur urap, a delicious coconut chili vegetable salad. But what makes this dish a standout is the crispy, flavourful skin that's the result of hours of slow roasting. It's a nose-to-tail delicacy that's sure to leave you wanting more.

Nasi Goreng

Nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles) are two dishes that you simply cannot miss during your visit to Indonesia, and are often considered as the national dishes. When you order either one, you'll be served with a variety of accompaniments, which can vary depending on the eatery you're in. 

Typically, these dishes come with a fried egg, dried shallots, mixed vegetables, and pickles, prawn crackers, and some chicken or beef satay skewers on the side. Once you taste a deliciously prepared nasi goreng or mie goreng, you'll find it difficult to resist having it again and again.


Balinese Fish Satay 

Satay is a Southeast Asian favorite, but have you ever tried traditional Balinese fish satay, or sate lilit ikan? Minced fish, skewered and spiced, is grilled over an open fire, usually on the roadside or over charcoal. The result is a delectable treat with a hint of sweetness and spice, wrapped around a wooden stick or lemongrass stalk. For an even more incredible taste, add some sambal to your sate lilit ikan.

Bebek Betutu
Bebek betutu, or smoked duck, is one of Bali's most unique and must-try local dishes. The dish involves rubbing and stuffing local ducks with a blend of spices, then wrapping them in banana leaves and coconut husks before cooking them in an underground pit of embers for up to 24 hours.

A true Bebek Betutu can be identified by the abundance of smoky duck meat that has been cooked to perfection, coated inside and out with special sauce, Bali's traditional spice mix, which gives it a slightly charred flavor with hints of lemongrass, turmeric and ginger that linger on the palate.

If you're looking for an elevated Balinese dining experience, Gong Restaurant at Kayumanis Sanur is the perfect place to indulge your senses. The menu boasts fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and seasonal delicacies, enhanced with aromatic local herbs and spices to create a true taste of Bali.