5 of The Best Places to Eat in Bali
For me, one of the most important aspects of travel is the food. It serves as a way to relax, unwind, and enjoy the fruits of hundreds, or possibly thousands of years’ worth of culture in the ladle of a single spoon. It can warm you, cool you, make you sleepy, wake you, and make you nostalgic.
Admittedly, when I went to Bali, I had no idea what the food situation would be or encompass. I didn’t know if it would be spicy (I don’t do well with spicy), if it would agree with my stomach (I have the world's weakest stomach), or if I would like it at all. What I found was some of the freshest tasting cuisine I have ever encountered. Nothing is frozen, preserved, or otherwise tampered with in any way, and flavors are allowed to show in their true form. Everything tasted as if it has been gathered from a local market that day, which it probably was, and had been prepared as I ordered. I have gathered together my tops picks for food in Bali, and hope I make you a little hungry with this post.
1. Acai Queen
Holy bowl-y! This place is fresh, light, and the perfect way to start a day of exploring in Ubud. I ordered a smoothie bowl, and when the bowl came out, it was a glorious violet color, served in the cutest pineapple shaped bowl I’ve ever seen. Topped with granola, strawberries, and yep, BROWNIE PIECES, I dug right in. Every bite was delicious, from the first to the last, though those with bits of brownie in it were obviously my favorite. You can also get granola bowls, avocado toast, and smoothies here, all of which looked equally delicious as they came out from behind the counter.
2. Dining Corner at Kayumanis Resort and Spa
Want to have dinner in the jungles of Ubud? Then head to Dining Corner at Kayumanis Resort and Spa. When you arrive, you check in at the front desk, and are escorted down a dimly lit path through the resort’s private villas. It is quiet, luxurious, and helps transport and prepare you to dine amongst magic. When you arrive at the Dining Corner, you walk around a small pool littered with floating candles, and are seated at a table that overlooks a jungle canyon, green, lush, and full of life. You will dine on traditional Balinese food, or if you would like something different, standard European/American fare. I chose the lamb chops with garlic mashed potatoes, and was not disappointed. Everything at this place, from the food, to the service, to the ambiance was sensational. This is a must visit while in Ubud, and will definitely be one of your favorite meals.
Unfortunately, I do not have the name of this place, but I’m not sure I would share it if I did. This place was recommended by our driver, Bali Fixer (who I HIGHLY recommend), when we said we were interested in going to his favorite place for lunch. We were served an amazing basket of different types of pork, all prepared and served in different ways. Each piece was delicious, and had such distinct flavor. Ask a local where their favorite suckling pig place is in Ubud, and I can guarantee you will have a great meal.
Talk about coco loco. Tukie’s is regularly ranked as one of the best places in the world to enjoy ice cream. I’m going to say that again to let it sink in. Tukie’s is regularly ranked as one of the best places IN THE WORLD to enjoy ice cream. I can tell why, too. Silky smooth, this ice cream goes down like buttah. You won’t find cheap chunks of coconut in this ice cream to give it it’s flavor. This ice cream is made from the milk of the coconut, and then is sprinkled with deliciously toasted coconut shavings. It is light and fresh, and doesn’t leave a thick creamy film on your tongue. Tukie’s is perfect for an after-dinner snack, or even a before dinner snack if you’re like me!
I spent considerable time in West Bali, away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu. West Bali is a little bit quieter, and a whole lot roomier. While in Menjangen, we discovered Bananaleaf on a whim, and went back for three nights in a row. Fresh, reimagined Balinese food is served in an open-air restaurant that overlooks the hostel’s pool. Classics such as nasi goring and spring rolls are made to order, and have a new spin, with slightly different, yet delicious flavors I didn’t taste anywhere else. I would have gone here for a fourth, fifth, sixth night if I had stayed a little longer!
And there you have it folks, some of the best places to eat in Bali! I throughly enjoyed my stay in Bali (and sometimes will ask my GoogleHome what the weather is like there to reminisce), and I believe the food was a big part of that. Don’t forget to check out my 6 Questions: West Bali to get more information on my time there!