Food & Drinks
Chapter 7: A Taste of Bali: From Local Warungs to Safety Standards
Explore the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with confidence. This chapter introduces you to essential dishes like Nasi Campur and Babi Guling, while highlighting the island’s abundant vegan-friendly options. We also provide a vital safety guide on drinking water and the “hidden” dangers of unregulated spirits like Arak.
Follow the journey from Topic 1 to Topic 4.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.