Food & Dining in Bali — Complete Guide (2026)
Bali offers incredibly affordable dining — eating out is often cheaper than cooking at home. Food is one of the great joys of expat life, and Bali does not disappoint.
Must-Try Local Dishes
The essential dishes to try in Bali: nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice — the national dish), babi guling (suckling pig — a Balinese specialty), satay (grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce), gado-gado (vegetables with peanut dressing), lawar (mixed vegetable dish with coconut), and jamu (traditional herbal drink).
Average Food Costs
| Meal Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Street food / cheap local meal | $7-12 |
| Mid-range restaurant (per person) | $18-30 |
| Fine dining (per person) | $45-90 |
| Monthly groceries (one person) | $108-180 |
| Cappuccino | $2.6-4.0 |
| Beer (local, at a bar) | $3.0-6.0 |
Where to Find the Best Food
Markets and food halls: Ubud Market (touristy but lively), Badung Market in Denpasar (authentic local market), Sanur Night Market, and Canggu's numerous health-food cafes.
Local tip: Bali food has two distinct scenes: the traditional Indonesian warungs (local eateries) serving incredible nasi campur for $1-2, and the Instagram-worthy café scene in Canggu/Seminyak with $8-12 smoothie bowls and avocado toast. Both have their place. For authentic Balinese food, eat at warungs — Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka in Ubud is famous. Canggu's café scene is actually excellent for health-conscious remote workers.
Grocery Shopping
Monthly grocery costs for one person range from $90-180 depending on whether you buy local or imported products. Local markets and supermarkets offer excellent value — fresh produce is affordable and seasonal. Imported Western brands cost 2-3x more than local alternatives.
Food Delivery Apps
Food delivery has exploded globally, and Bali is no exception. Popular apps include Grab Food, Foodpanda, and local alternatives. Delivery fees are typically $0.50-2, making it very affordable for lazy evenings..
Dietary Requirements
Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants, though traditional local cuisine may be more meat-focused. Vegan and gluten-free options are improving but may require more planning outside tourist areas. Use the HappyCow app to find vegetarian/vegan restaurants worldwide.
Tips for Expat Foodies
- Learn food-related phrases in Indonesian — menus outside tourist zones may not have English translations
- Ask expats for neighborhood restaurant recommendations — Facebook groups are goldmines for food tips
- Visit local markets for fresh produce at the best prices — and for an authentic cultural experience
- The best food is rarely on the main tourist streets — walk 2-3 blocks off the main road and quality goes up while prices go down
- Lunch specials/set menus typically offer the best value — many restaurants offer their dinner menu at 30-50% off during lunch hours