Sanur Bali, Indonesia Travel Guide
Balinese cuisine is deeply tied to its Hindu culture. Food preparation takes a role in elaborate ceremonies and daily offerings. The island's rich volcanic soil delivers abundant fresh herbs and spices, which begin Balinese flavors. Influences from Indian, Chinese, and Malay trade routes over centuries shaped the culinary landscape, producing a complex and diverse food heritage.
Traditional cooking techniques, like slow-cooking in banana leaves or underground ovens, deliver the unique taste of many dishes.
Traditionally, Balinese people eat with their right hand, especially when sharing communal dishes at local eateries. Use your right hand for eating, passing food, or giving/receiving items. The left hand is unclean.
Be mindful of the small palm-leaf offerings placed on the ground, at entrances, and on altars. Do not step on them.
Bali is mostly Hindu, and pork is widely consumed. For Muslim diners, seek "halal" certified establishments or choose chicken or fish dishes.
A Balinese specialty, this dish features a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. It often accompanies rice, lawar (mixed vegetables and spices), and spicy sambal (chili sauce).
Find Babi Guling at dedicated restaurants, which often specialize in this dish and serve it only for lunch.
Indonesia's national dish. This iconic fried rice features rice stir-fried with egg, chicken (or other protein), and vegetables, often flavored with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). It commonly comes with a fried egg on top and kerupuk (crackers).
Available everywhere, from street stalls to fine dining.
Sanur's coastal location makes fresh grilled fish a must-try. Whole fish or fillets marinate in spices, grill over charcoal, and often accompany various sambal (chili sauces).
Enjoy this at beachfront restaurants or the night market.
Banana fritters, often with chocolate sauce, cheese, or condensed milk. A popular snack.
Traditional Balinese snacks or cakes, often colorful and made from rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. They have various shapes, textures, and flavors, found in local markets.
Several high-end restaurants, often within luxury resorts or as standalone establishments, feature sophisticated modern Indonesian cuisine or international fine dining experiences.
These are abundant along Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the beach promenade. They feature a diverse mix of Balinese, Indonesian, and international cuisines.
Local, inexpensive eateries serving authentic Indonesian and Balinese dishes.
This market operates as a fresh produce and daily needs market during the day, becoming the famous night food market after sunset.
Authentic local shopping experience.
Sanur has no major dedicated indoor food halls.
Focus on outdoor markets and restaurants.
Pasta and Pizza
Sushi and more
Curries and noodles
Burgers and steaks
Finding strictly gluten-free options remains a challenge. Soy sauce (often wheat-containing) and various thickeners are common in Indonesian cooking. Rice is naturally gluten-free. Communicate clearly about your allergy.
Carry a Translation card describing your allergies if needed.
Clearly state any allergies (e.g., "alergi kacang" for peanut allergy). Some smaller eateries may have limited allergy understanding. Choose simpler dishes or places with better hygiene practices.
Kosher options are extremely limited or non-existent in Sanur. Travelers with strict kosher needs plan to self-cater or bring their own certified food.
Online forums and apps like HappyCow (for vegan/vegetarian restaurants) pinpoint suitable dining spots.
Several resorts and standalone cooking schools in Sanur conduct classes where you learn to prepare traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes.
Guided tours, especially of the Sindhu Night Market, offer a chance to sample a wide variety of local street food with expert commentary.
Beachfront dining defines Sanur. Many restaurants have tables directly on the sand with ocean views, popular at sunset.
Discover regional sambal (chili paste) variations, each with unique ingredients and spice levels, a staple condiment with almost every meal.
A useful part of Balinese flavor.
Sample a wide array of tropical fruits beyond common bananas and mangoes, like salak (snake fruit), durian, mangosteen, and rambutan, often found in local markets.
Fresh and local delights.
Some restaurants collaborate directly with local farms, sourcing fresh, seasonal produce and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Chefs and restaurants frequently visit Sindhu Market and other local markets to obtain the freshest ingredients daily, ensuring authentic flavors.
A growing number of eateries prioritize organic and locally grown ingredients, aligning with wellness tourism.
Experience the culinary delights of Sanur with these recommendations:
