where to eat authentic balinese food in ubud
Ever taken a big bite of babi guling (Balinese spit-roasted pig) and thought, “Hmm, not quite”? Ubud’s glossy menus can look tempting but often skip the crunchy spice of street stalls.
But real flavor hides around the corner. Imagine a plate of nasi campur (mixed rice plate) piled high with tender pork, fresh veggies, and sambal (spicy chili paste) that makes your tongue hum. The scent of lemongrass. The tang of lime.
In this guide I’m sharing my top picks, tiny warungs (local eateries) and tucked-away spots where you’ll taste true Balinese magic. No tourist traps allowed.
Pure flavor.
Top Authentic Balinese Warungs & Restaurants in Ubud
We hand-picked these spots so you don’t have to wander far from Ubud’s heart. Some are hidden gems, others feel like your home away from home. You’ll see choices for any budget, from daily treats to special splurges. I’ve tagged each one by vibe so you can pick by view, family fun, or plant-based goodness.
Quick filters
Here are the Top 3 Can’t-Miss Warungs
- Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka on Jl. Kajeng (IDR 65,000–75,000). Pure crunch and spice with their famous babi guling (spit-roast pork). [map link]
- Mama’s Warung on Jl. Sukma (IDR 30,000–50,000). This cozy spot serves nasi campur (mixed rice plate) with sambal that tingles your tongue. [map link]
- Terracotta Restaurant with rice terraces (stepped fields that glow emerald at sunrise) views (IDR 90,000–150,000). Their crispy duck with sambal matah (raw chili relish) is unforgettable. [map link]
More spots to explore:
- Sun Sun Warung is tucked into a traditional compound, serving meals from IDR 25,000 to 50,000 (Budget, Family-Friendly).
- Sweet Orange Warung sits along a rice-field path (IDR 40,000–60,000) (Scenic, Vegetarian/Vegan, Signature Dish).
- Hujan Locale overlooks a nearby temple (IDR 100,000–200,000) (Family-Friendly, Signature Dish).
- Laka Leke Restaurant rests amid garden and paddy views (IDR 80,000–120,000) (Scenic, Family-Friendly, Signature Dish).
- Labak Sari hides in a secret garden (IDR 35,000–60,000) (Scenic, Budget).
- Warung Makan Bu Rus on Jl. Kajeng offers daily plates from IDR 30,000 to 40,000 (Budget, Vegetarian/Vegan).
- Compound Warung on Jl. Goutama is just IDR 50,000 per meal (Budget).
- Oka’s Warung on Jl. Kajeng serves simple dishes from IDR 25,000 to 30,000 (Budget).
- Rus Kitchen Warung on Jl. Bisma brings family-friendly plates from IDR 40,000 to 70,000 (Budget, Family-Friendly).
- Ning Warung feels like home cooking with prices from IDR 20,000 to 35,000 (Budget, Family-Friendly).
- Bamboo Spirit in Penestanan runs a donation-based buffet (Vegetarian/Vegan, Family-Friendly).
- Raditya Cafe on Campuhan Ridge has views and tasty bites from IDR 50,000 to 80,000 (Vegetarian/Vegan, Scenic).
- Small Wooden Shop near Raditya is budget-friendly (IDR 25,000–45,000) (Vegetarian/Vegan).
- Ankhusa Bali at Aksari Resort crafts scenic meals from IDR 120,000 to 180,000 (Scenic, Signature Dish).
- Warung d’Carik sits at the rice fields’ edge (IDR 40,000–60,000) (Scenic, Family-Friendly).
- Wayan’s Warung in central Ubud dishes out meals for IDR 30,000–55,000 (Budget, Family-Friendly).
- Warung Tepi Sari on Gianyar’s outskirts offers plates from IDR 50,000–75,000 (Family-Friendly, Signature Dish).
- Padi Kuning Warung in a Gianyar village serves for IDR 60,000–90,000 (Scenic).
- Betutu Ayam Pak Sanur needs a heads-up reservation (IDR 80,000–120,000) (Signature Dish).
- Warung Gauri on Jl. Bisma features dishes for IDR 40,000–60,000 (Budget, Vegetarian/Vegan).
- Bebek Bengil on Jl. Hanoman pairs scenic vibes with crispy duck from IDR 80,000–120,000 (Scenic, Signature Dish).
Signature Authentic Balinese Dishes to Try in Ubud
Lawar Salad Bali
Hand-grind fresh coconut at dawn (that sweet, nutty scent fills the air), then toss it with shredded greens, minced jackfruit (or your favorite meat), a torn kaffir lime leaf, chopped chilies, and a pinch of toasted coconut oil. You’ll taste chewy coconut ribbons mingling with crisp leaves, bright citrus notes, and a gentle, warming kick. Pure home-style comfort. Feels like you’ve stepped into a friendly village kitchen.
Sate Lilit Skewers
We blend minced fish (or chicken) with grated coconut, turmeric, lime leaf, and a hint of palm sugar. Then we press the mix onto lemongrass stalks (fragrant grass rods that smoke up the grill) and cook over hot coals. Inhale that smoky lemongrass aroma, then enjoy a soft, juicy bite with just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect between rice courses or as a sneak peek into a full Balinese feast. Pure delight.
Authentic Balinese Warung Tips for Ubud Visitors
Hidden down narrow lanes, Balinese warungs (small family-run eateries) are pure gems. I always say, hop on a scooter (motorbike) to wander at your own pace. Feel the soft hum of the engine and the warm breeze through coconut palms. Ever dreamed of discovering a hidden coconut grove?
But if two wheels aren’t your thing, ride-share apps like Gojek or a taxi will drop you off right at the door. Most warungs have a tiny parking spot. If it’s full, just ask a staff member to tuck your bike behind the building.
To grab the best seat, aim to arrive just before lunch (around 11:30 AM) or dinner (6 PM). Tables fill up fast.
Almost none take reservations, last I checked, only Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka might pick up calls for lunch. So it’s mostly walk-in style. Always carry cash (Indonesian rupiah). Card machines rarely work here.
Seating is part of the experience, wooden benches or lesehan (floor cushions). I love the way it feels.
A handful of cafés and larger spots like Hujan Locale offer free Wi-Fi, but in a family-run warung tucked in a garden, don’t hold your breath.
Tipping here is a simple thank-you. Round up the bill or leave about 5% if you loved the meal.
Communal tables are common, slide over and share space. Use your right hand when passing plates. Polite, you know?
Oops, almost forgot: menus are often in Indonesian with a few English notes. Need help? Point and ask, “apa ini?” (what’s this?).
To avoid long waits, skip the noon to 1:30 PM rush. Swing by a bit earlier or later. Next up: your new favorite warung awaits.
Tranquility.
Final Words
In hot pursuit of that first bite of crispy pork at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka, we’ve mapped out Ubud’s local eats.
From filter links for scenic views and budget finds to our top 3 can’t-miss warungs and 21 handpicked spots, this guide has your cravings covered.
We also wandered through babi guling rituals, bebek betutu slow cooks, nasi campur mixes, and handy warung tips for easy seating and cash-only stalls.
Ready to savor where to eat authentic balinese food in ubud? Your table awaits.
FAQ
Where can I find authentic Balinese food in Ubud?
You’ll find babi guling (spit-roast pork) at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka, Nasi Campur at Mama’s Warung, and crispy duck with sambal matah at Terracotta Restaurant overlooking emerald rice terraces (stepped fields).
Which restaurants in Ubud offer a view for lunch or dinner?
Hujan Locale serves modern Indonesian with temple views, Terracotta Restaurant perches beside emerald rice terraces, Raditya Cafe sits atop Campuhan Ridge walks, Laka Leke frames paddy vistas, and Ambar Ubud Bar crowns a canyon sunset.
Where do locals grab street food and affordable meals in Ubud?
Sun Sun Warung, Compound Warung, and Ning Warung dish home-style plates on Jl. Goutama, while evening stalls by Ubud Palace fill with locals munching sate lilit (lemongrass skewers) and bakso (meatball soup).
What are the must-try traditional Balinese dishes in Ubud?
Babi guling (spit-roast pork) at Ibu Oka, Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck) at Pak Sanur, Nasi Campur Bali style at Mama’s Warung, Lawar salad at local warungs, and Sate Lilit skewers beside the rice fields.
How can I avoid getting Bali belly from Ubud’s street food?
Stick to busy stalls serving piping hot dishes, skip raw salads, sip only bottled water or fresh ginger tea, and choose vendors with a quick turnover for fresher ingredients.
What are the top fine-dining restaurants in Ubud?
Mozaic for multi-course tasting menus, Hujan Locale’s modern Indonesian with temple views, Honey & Smoke’s smoky coconut wood grills, Ambar Ubud Bar’s cocktails over canyon sunsets, and Arcadia’s chic riverside dining.
