Chapter 7: A Taste of Bali: From Local Warungs to Safety Standards

Must-Try Balinese Dishes

While traditional Balinese cuisine is well-known for dishes like Babi Guling, the island offers a wide array of delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Many dishes are plant-based by nature or can easily be made vegan. You can find these foods at traditional local eateries, called warungs, and at the many dedicated vegan restaurants across Bali, particularly in areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak.

• Gado-Gado: An Indonesian salad of blanched or steamed vegetables (such as long beans, bean sprouts, and spinach), fried tofu, and tempeh, topped with a rich and savory peanut sauce. Be sure to request it without the hard-boiled egg and shrimp paste (terasi) if you want it to be completely vegan.
• Nasi Campur: Meaning “mixed rice,” this dish consists of a portion of rice served with various side dishes. Many warungs offer a buffet-style selection where you can choose vegan-friendly options like stir-fried vegetables, fried tempeh, and tofu.
• Pecel: Similar to Gado-Gado, Pecel is another popular Indonesian salad with steamed vegetables and a thinner peanut sauce, often made without coconut milk. It is a refreshing and filling meal.
• Tempe Orek: A flavorful side dish of small cubes of tempeh fried until crispy and then stir-fried with sweet soy sauce, garlic, and chili.

Balinese Drinks

In addition to fresh juices and smoothies, Bali has a diverse range of local drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Arak (Balinese Liquor)

Arak is a traditional Balinese distilled spirit made from fermented palm sap or glutinous rice. It has a high alcohol content and is an important part of Balinese ceremonies. While it can be a part of the local experience, it’s crucial for tourists to be aware of the dangers associated with unregulated versions.

• Methanol Poisoning: Unlicensed or homemade arak can be tainted with methanol, a highly toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure, and death. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be similar to a regular hangover at first but can progress to more serious signs like blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking, seek immediate medical attention.
• How to Enjoy Arak Safely: To avoid the risks, only drink arak from reputable, licensed brands such as Dewi Sri, Karusotju, or IWAK Arumery. Purchase arak from official liquor stores, supermarkets, or established bars and restaurants, and avoid buying unmarked bottles from street vendors or small, unverified shops.

Bintang Beer

Bintang is the most popular beer in Indonesia and is a staple in Bali. Produced by PT Multi Bintang Indonesia, a subsidiary of Heineken, it is a pale lager with a similar taste to Heineken. It’s a light, refreshing, and widely available option perfect for enjoying in Bali’s tropical climate. Bintang can be found everywhere, from small warungs to large restaurants and supermarkets.

Where to Eat (Local Warungs vs. Cafes)

A “warung” is a small, family-owned business in Indonesia, often a humble eatery or food stall that is an integral part of daily life. The term has evolved, particularly among tourists, to refer specifically to these modest restaurants.

Warung vs. Restaurant: What’s the Difference?

• Atmosphere and Ownership: A warung is typically a very casual, often roadside, establishment run by a local family. It can be a simple stall with a few plastic stools or a small space in someone’s home. In contrast, a modern cafe or restaurant usually has a more formal setup with Western-style decor, printed menus, and a corporate structure.
• Authenticity and Menu: Warungs are celebrated for serving authentic, home-cooked Indonesian and Balinese dishes, often with recipes passed down through generations. They may specialize in one or two dishes or offer a buffet-style spread of pre-cooked meals. Trendy cafes and restaurants often cater to Western tastes, offering international cuisine like smoothie bowls and burgers in addition to local food.
• Price: A major draw of warungs is their affordability. You can often get a full meal for the equivalent of just a few U.S. dollars. Western-style cafes and restaurants, while still affordable compared to many Western countries, are significantly more expensive than warungs.

Food and Price

A meal at a warung can cost as little as $2-$5 USD, with some places offering a large plate of food for even less. They often sell a rotating selection of local dishes that are prepared fresh each morning. Common food items you’ll find include:

• Nasi Goreng: Fried rice.
• Mie Goreng: Fried noodles.
• Nasi Campur: A plate of rice served with a variety of small portions of meat, vegetables, and condiments.
• Babi Guling: A famous Balinese dish of roasted suckling pig, often sold at specialized warungs.
• Sate Ayam: Chicken skewers, grilled and served with a sauce.
• Gado-gado: A mixed vegetable salad with a peanut sauce.

Where to Find Warungs

You can find warungs everywhere in Bali, from bustling city streets to tucked-away alleys in residential areas. They are usually easy to spot, with simple, hand-painted signs and a crowd of locals eating. A good rule of thumb is to look for a warung that is busy, especially with locals, as this is a strong indicator that the food is fresh and delicious.

Safety for Tourists

For most tourists, eating at a warung is considered safe. However, exercising common-sense food safety precautions is advisable. Here are some tips to minimize risk:

• Look for high turnover: Choose warungs that are busy, as this means the food is fresh and hasn’t been sitting out for too long.
• Avoid lukewarm food: Ensure your food is served hot.
• Stick to bottled water: Do not drink tap water, even for brushing your teeth. Ice is generally safe in most tourist restaurants and hotels, but be cautious at very small or remote stalls.
• Be cautious with raw food: Raw salads and unpeeled fruit can sometimes be washed with tap water, so it’s safer to opt for cooked vegetables and fruits you can peel yourself.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and authentic culinary experience while supporting local families.

Drinking Water Safety

To avoid getting sick while in Bali, a key precaution is to be mindful of the water you consume.

Tap Water

The tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. The water supply is not treated to a standard that is safe for foreign consumption, and it can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that your body is not accustomed to. Drinking it can lead to traveler’s diarrhea, commonly known as “Bali Belly.” Therefore, it is essential to never drink from the tap, and it is even advisable to use bottled water for brushing your teeth.

Ice Cubes

The safety of ice cubes is a common concern for tourists. In Bali, ice cubes are made in two different ways:

1. Industrial Ice: Most reputable restaurants, hotels, and tourist establishments use commercially produced, high-quality ice that is certified safe for consumption. This ice is typically made from purified water, has a hollow core, and is usually sold in a sealed bag.
2. Homemade Ice: Small local eateries or street food vendors may sometimes make their own ice using untreated tap water, which can be a source of contamination.

To ensure your safety, it is best to be cautious with ice cubes from very small, local vendors. In general, it is safer to stick with ice from established and busy restaurants or bars that are more likely to use commercially made ice.

Safe Drinking Options

To stay hydrated and safe, here are your best options:

• Bottled Water: This is the most reliable option. Bottled mineral water is widely available and affordable everywhere on the island.
• Sealed Beverages: Sealed drinks like soft drinks and bottled beers are also a safe option. For example, Bintang beer, a local favorite, is a good choice for a safe, cold drink.
• Boiled Water: If you are staying somewhere with access to a kettle, you can boil tap water to make it safe for drinking, which is a good way to make hot beverages like coffee or tea.
• Filtered Water: Many hotels and guesthouses now offer water coolers with filtered water for guests, which is an environmentally friendly and safe option.