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Best Restaurants in Nusa Dua

Best Restaurants in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua Bali, Indonesia Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural & Historical Context

Balinese cuisine is a distinct part of Indonesian culinary traditions, influenced by Hinduism and local customs.

Food plays a role in ceremonies and daily life, showing a deep connection between food and spirituality.

Ingredients & Flavors

  • Staple: Rice (Nasi)
  • Spices: Bumbu (aromatic paste)
  • Herbs: Lemongrass, kaffir lime
  • Proteins: Pork, chicken, duck, seafood

Dining Customs & Etiquette

Hand Usage

Traditionally, eating with the right hand is common. Use spoon in right, fork in left if using cutlery.

Sharing Dishes

Ordering and sharing several dishes is customary to taste a variety of flavors.

Offerings

Be mindful of canang sari (small palm-leaf offerings) on the ground; step around them respectfully.

Regional Variations & Meal Times

  • Nusa Dua area largely international, local hints outside resort areas.
  • For authentic local variations, explore villages outside resort areas.
  • Meal Times: Flexible, restaurants open late.
  • Breakfast: Indonesian and international fare.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Balinese Cuisine

Nasi Goreng

Indonesian fried rice with chicken, vegetables, and a fried egg. Widely available.

Ubiquitous and a staple meal.

Sate Lilit

Minced seafood, chicken, or pork mixed with coconut plus herbs, grilled on lemongrass skewers.

Aromatic and flavorful Balinese specialty.

Babi Guling

Balinese roast suckling pig, seasoned with local spices. A celebratory dish.

Less common in Nusa Dua area, found at specialized warungs.

Street Food & Local Drinks

  • Bakso: Meatball soup
  • Martabak: Sweet or savory pancake
  • Sambal: Chili paste condiment
  • Bintang: Popular local beer

Snacks & Other Delights

Gorengan Fried Snacks

A general term for fried snacks like tempeh, tofu, or banana fritters.

Kopi Bali & Es Campur

Rich Balinese coffee and shaved ice with fruits and jelly.

Dining Options

Fine Dining Experiences

Nusa Dua’s 5-star resorts feature numerous fine dining options, offering exquisite menus.

  • Kayuputi: Gourmet Asian-inspired cuisine at The St. Regis Bali Resort.
  • Soleil: Mediterranean and Pan-Asian the culinary offerings at The Mulia, known for brunches.
  • Boneka: Lavish Sunday brunch at The St. Regis Bali Resort.

Mid-Range & Local Dining

Bali Collection offers varied international and Indonesian options. Tanjung Benoa features additional varied local choices.

  • Bali Collection: Convenient open-air complex with places to eat.
  • Tanjung Benoa: Wider selection of local and international restaurants.
  • Venture for more diverse, lower-priced dining options.

Budget & Street Food

Discover authentic and very affordable options just outside the main ITDC complex.

  • Local Warungs: Family-run eateries offering genuine local tastes.
  • Food Stalls: Quick and inexpensive street food near markets.
  • International Cuisine: Wide array available in resorts and Bali Collection.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Widely available, especially in tourist areas. Many dishes are naturally vegetable-heavy or adapt easily.

Tempeh and tofu are staple protein sources.

Halal & Kosher Availability

Halal food is generally available; inquire directly. Kosher food is very difficult to find.

Strict kosher travelers should plan to bring their own certified food items.

Allergen-Aware Dining Resources

Gluten-Free & Allergies

Resorts accommodate dietary requests. Clearly communicate needs.

Communication

Communicate clearly in English. Consider a an app for translation specific terms.

Chef Cards

Carry a Chef card in Indonesian detailing restrictions.

Ingredient Awareness

Be aware of soy sauce (wheat) or shared frying oils for severe allergies.

Culinary Experiences

Immersive Culinary Journeys

  • Cooking Classes: Some resorts offer Balinese cooking classes.
  • For in-depth experiences, consider day trips to dedicated cooking schools in Ubud or Sanur.
  • Food Tours: Often focus on street food or specific culinary neighborhoods in other parts of Bali.
  • Typically requires a short drive from Nusa Dua for these tours.

Farm Visits & Festivals

Farm Visits & Producers

Less common directly in Nusa Dua due to its developed nature. More typical in central Bali.

Visit coffee plantations, rice farms, or organic gardens near Ubud or Bedugul.

Food Festivals & Events

Bali sometimes hosts food festivals, generally occurring in larger hubs like Ubud or Seminyak.

Review local listings for dates coinciding with your visit.

Unique Dining Concepts

Specialized Dining
Beachfront Dining
Poolside Service
Themed Dinners
Cultural Performances
Sunday Brunches
Premium Beverages
Beachfront & Themed Dinners

Many resorts provide romantic beachfront or poolside dining. Themed buffet dinners often feature cultural performances.

  • Perfect for a special evening.
  • Entertainment with your meal.
  • Beautiful ambiance.
Extravagant Sunday Brunches

Several high-end resorts (St. Regis, Mulia, Ritz-Carlton) are famous for their extravagant Sunday brunches.

These include extensive buffets and premium beverages.

Essential Dining Tips

Service & Tipping
  • Tipping is recognized for excellent service.
  • Lots of mid-priced to high-end restaurants include a service charge and tax.
  • No strict mandatory tipping custom.
Cultural Sensitivity
  • Be mindful of "canang sari" (offerings) on the ground.
  • Walk around them respectfully; avoid stepping on them.
Meal Flexibility
  • Restaurants generally open from late morning until late evening.
  • Breakfast often mix Indonesian and international options.

More Culinary Discoveries

Specialized Local Dishes

Mie Goreng

Indonesian fried noodles, similar to Nasi Goreng but with noodles. Widely available.

Flavorful and satisfying. | A popular alternative to rice.
Lawar

Traditional Balinese salad with chopped vegetables, grated coconut, and ground meat.

Mixed with rich herbs plus herbs.
Pisang Goreng & Klepon

Fried bananas, and green glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in coconut.

Delightful sweet treats.

Beverage Varieties

  • Fresh Coconut Water: Refreshing and widely available.
  • Fruit Juices: A variety of fresh fruit juices from local produce.
  • Es Campur: Shaved ice with fruits, jelly, and syrup, an excellent cool-down.
  • Arak: Local distilled spirit; consume with caution from reputable sources.

Seasonal & Ethical Dining

Festival Foods

Specific dishes are prepared for religious services and festivals like Galungan and Kuningan.

AN opportunity to experience unique culinary traditions.

Ethical Sourcing

Always inquire about sourcing, especially for items like Kopi Luwak, to promote responsible tourism.

Support local producers directly.

Local Market Exploration

Pasar Sindu Sanur

For a true local food market experience, venture outside Nusa Dua to places like Pasar Sindu.

Fresh Produce & Spices

These morning markets offer fresh produce, a variety of spices, and authentic local snacks.

Local Interaction

An opportunity to engage with local vendors and experience daily Balinese life.

Culinary Summary

Nusa Dua offers a blend of luxury and local dining. Balinese cuisine is rich in spices and cultural significance.

  • Always try Nasi Goreng and Sate Lilit for genuine tastes.
  • Fine dining is concentrated within resorts.
  • Local warungs outside the main complex provide affordable, authentic meals.
  • Communicate dietary needs clearly, especially for allergies.
  • Cooking classes offer hands-on experiences with local dishes.