Ubud, located in the heart of Bali, is a town known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food. Balinese cuisine is a blend of various influences, including Chinese, Indian, and European, and offers a unique culinary experience. In this article, we will explore some of the must-try local food in Ubud.
Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
Babi Guling is a traditional Balinese dish that consists of roasted suckling pig seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. This dish is often served during celebrations and ceremonies, such as weddings and religious festivals. The preparation of Babi Guling is a long and intricate process that involves marinating the pig in a mixture of spices, including turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass, for several hours before roasting it over an open flame. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)
Nasi Campur is a popular Balinese dish that consists of steamed rice served with a variety of toppings, including fried tempeh, crispy tofu, vegetables, and meat or fish. The toppings vary depending on the region and the availability of ingredients. Nasi Campur is often served as a lunch or dinner meal and is a favorite among locals for its affordability and variety of flavors.
Lawar (Balinese Salad)
Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish that consists of chopped vegetables, meat or fish, and grated coconut mixed with a blend of spices and herbs. The dish is often served with steamed rice and is a favorite among locals for its rich flavor and unique texture. Lawar is traditionally made with pig’s blood, which gives it a dark color and a distinct taste. However, many restaurants now serve a vegetarian version of the dish.
Sate (Satay)
Sate, also known as Satay, is a popular Indonesian dish that consists of skewered meat, usually chicken or beef, marinated in a blend of spices and herbs and grilled over an open flame. The skewers are often served with a peanut sauce and steamed rice. Sate is a favorite street food in Ubud and can be found at many local markets and food stalls.
Bubur Sumsum (Coconut Milk and Rice Flour Pudding)
Bubur Sumsum is a traditional Balinese dessert that consists of a sweet pudding made from coconut milk and rice flour. The pudding is often flavored with pandan leaves and served with palm sugar syrup and grated coconut. Bubur Sumsum is a favorite dessert among locals and is often served during ceremonies and celebrations.
Bebek Betutu (Balinese-style Roast Duck)
Bebek Betutu is a Balinese-style roast duck dish that is marinated in a blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then slow-cooked over an open fire. The spices used in the marinade typically include garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili, and lemongrass. The slow-cooking process ensures that the meat is tender and infused with the flavors of the spices. Bebek Betutu is often served with rice, vegetables, and sambal (a spicy chili sauce).
Ayam Betutu (Balinese-style Roast Chicken)
Ayam Betutu is similar to Bebek Betutu, but it uses chicken instead of duck. The chicken is also marinated in a blend of spices and wrapped in banana leaves before being slow-cooked over an open fire. Ayam Betutu is a popular dish in Bali and is often served during ceremonies and celebrations.
Both Bebek Betutu and Ayam Betutu have a rich history and are an important part of Balinese culture. These dishes were traditionally reserved for special occasions and were often served to honored guests. Today, they can be found at many restaurants and food stalls throughout Ubud and Bali. Visitors to Ubud should not miss the opportunity to try these flavorful and unique dishes.
Bebek Timbungan (Steamed Duck in Banana Leaves)
Bebek Timbungan is a traditional Balinese dish that originated from the Gianyar Regency of Bali. The dish is made by marinating a whole duck in a spice paste made from turmeric, shallots, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The duck is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for several hours, resulting in tender, juicy meat that is infused with the flavors of the spices and banana leaves.
Bebek Timbungan is traditionally cooked in a clay pot called a timbungan, which gives the dish its name. The timbungan is sealed with a layer of banana leaves and cooked over a wood fire, which imparts a smoky flavor to the dish. The dish is usually served with rice and vegetables, and can be found at many local restaurants and food stalls throughout Ubud. Bebek Timbungan has a long history in Balinese culture and is often served during ceremonies and special occasions. The dish is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Bali and is a must-try for anyone visiting Ubud.
Ubud is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of delicious and unique dishes. From spicy curries to fragrant steamed duck, there is something for every palate. Be sure to try these local Balinese dishes during your visit to Ubud to experience the rich culinary traditions of Bali. Some of the dishes are available at our Amora Bisma Restaurant, which you can try when visiting Ubud or when you stay at our hotel