Bali is a paradise not just for its stunning landscapes but also for its diverse food scene. During our eight days exploring Kuta, Ubud, and Nusa Penida, we discovered everything from humble warungs to upscale dining. We’re excited to share the highlights of our culinary journey 😁✨
Warung Highlights
We loved all the warungs we visited, with our go-to dishes being Nasi Goreng (Balinese fried rice), Mie Goreng (stir-fried noodles), and Gado Gado. The fried rice and noodles were pure comfort food (especially for Gigi, who is always craving hearty carbs), and it was funny to realize that the Mie Goreng here looked just like the picture on the Indomie instant noodle packaging. Back in Australia, it had been our go-to budget or lazy meal—usually just topped with an egg and none of the fancy garnishes.
Our first warung was in Kuta, we ate Gado Gado (Cyp’s favourite), a vegetarian dish with a rich peanut sauce base. We also had some incredible crispy pork at Guling Sam, making the start of our warung experience unforgettable.
Check out this HangryGorl post from the first warung we ate at in kuta:
Beach Club Vibes
We spent lunch at Finn’s Beach Club, soaking in the stunning atmosphere with its gorgeous pool and relaxing vibe. Although we didn’t get to swim, the food and drinks made the experience exceptional. The club had three restaurants to choose from, but the one that piqued our interest the most was Rice Daddy. We ordered six fresh local oysters, BBQ pork bao buns, and Singapore-style soft-shell crabs—a fusion of flavours that satisfied all our cravings for Asian cuisine. The standout was definitely the soft-shell crab burger, which was absolutely incredible. The cocktails were just as impressive, the perfect balance of sweet and strong, with beautifully blended syrups and liquor. It truly felt like a proper escape.
Below, HangryGorl posted a carousel showcasing the delicious dishes we enjoyed from Rice Daddy!
Classy Dining Moment
Dining at Kori Restaurant in Kuta felt like stepping into a tropical oasis, with its authentic greenery, koi ponds, and elegant setting creating the perfect ambiance. The staff was warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. We actually found this hidden gem by following Cyp’s nose—literally! 😂 While walking around Kuta, he suddenly stopped and said we should turn down a different street because his nose had a good feeling we’d find something amazing, and he was absolutely right.
The food was beautifully presented, and the highlight of our meal was the satay skewers with two types of meat, grilled to perfection. The unique presentation made it even more memorable—they brought out grilling on portable hot coal so we could enjoy the skewers right at our table, adding an interactive and special touch. We also had a great conversation with the manager, who shared information about the cooking classes they host on-site. We’re excited to write a more in-depth story about this restaurant and our cooking class experience in another post!
Video: ©NomAddictDuo
Cooking Class Highlights
Taking a cooking class was definitely the highlight of our trip. For Gigi, making sate lilit—where minced, seasoned chicken is wrapped around lemongrass (or can be bamboo) sticks—was a memorable experience. The leftovers were used to make bakso, a delicious Balinese meatball soup. Her favourite dish, though, was pisang goreng—fried bananas in a sugary suace, which reminded her of Philippine desserts like turon and suman, making it even more special. For Cyp, learning how to make Gado Gado from scratch was a true delight, especially since the chef went out of his way to make it extra special for him. We discovered that most Balinese dishes are made with a base sauce called base genep, which includes Cyp’s favourite ingredients: garlic, ginger, and onions! The manager shared fascinating insights into Balinese cuisine, which made the class even more enjoyable for both of us.
Quick Bites & Street Food
Our go-to street food in Bali was definitely Nasi Goreng, a simple yet satisfying fried rice dish topped with veggies and a fried egg. It quickly became a favourite, especially when paired with satay skewers—fried rice and grilled meat are a combination you just can’t go wrong with! For quick bites, we also loved snacking on seaweed chips from local shops. Although it’s not a Balinese snack, it was perfect for keeping us fuelled during our adventures.
Overall Favourites
Our favorite experiences in Bali were a mix of learning and indulging. For Gigi, the cooking class was the standout—it’s hard to beat the connection you feel with the food when you learn how to make it yourself. For Cyp, the highlights were definitely Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado—he could eat those dishes every day if he could! From the cozy warungs to the upscale beach clubs, the food in Bali was consistently amazing, and every meal added to the unforgettable culinary journey we had.
Bali’s food scene has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a casual meal at a warung or an elevated dining experience. We hope this inspires you to explore the island’s flavours—you might just discover a new favourite dish!
