Explore Bali's Legendary Culinary with a Car Rental

Embarking on a quest looking for legendary cuisine is an adventure that never truly ends. It's a journey that can take you across continents, cultures, and cuisines, offering you a chance to explore the world in a way that fascinates your taste buds. One such adventure brings us to the beautiful and vibrant island of Bali.

Famous for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and captivating culture, Bali is a paradise that extends well beyond its natural beauty. Among its many beauties, the island is also home to an endless choice of exquisite cuisine, offering a culinary diversity that is as rich and varied as the people who call it home.

In this article, we will be guiding you through Bali's culinary landscape, pointing out must-visit destinations for every food enthusiast. We'll introduce you to five legendary dishes that form the backbone of Bali's food culture. So, buckle up and prepare your palate as we embark on this unforgettable road trip. The journey begins now.

5 Legendary Culinary of Bali

1. Es Waneng Tabanan

Warung Es Waneng, located on the edge of Jalan Mawar in Delod Peken Village, Tabanan City, stands out as the go-to place for ice kopyor, a legendary local drink from a place known as the Rice Granary town. This delightful refreshment is perfect for hot days, offering a sweet and fresh taste.

The main ingredient of Es Waneng is coconut milk, which is prepared by first burning the coconut to enhance the flavor. The resulting creamy brown concoction is mixed with granulated sugar and small pieces of broken ice, ready to be enjoyed right. Some like to pair it with bread for a unique combination.

Es Waneng carries a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1938 by I Nengah Waneng, whose name is immortalized in the sales place known as Warung Es Waneng.

Originally, I Nengah Waneng sold his icy creations from carts by the roadside, and while the original cart is no longer intact, the tradition of using hand-carts as containers for the ice is still followed. Today, Ni Nyoman Jumartini, the youngest child of the late pioneer, continues her father's legacy by running the Es Waneng business.

Open daily from 09:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. local time, Warung Es Waneng attracts a diverse range of customers, particularly on Sundays, where both children and adults gather to enjoy this cherished treat

2. Betutu Pak Mangku Gunung Lebah Ubud

At first glance, Mangku Gunung Lebah Ubud may seem like an ordinary resident's house tucked away in Banjar Penestaan Kaja, Sayan, Ubud, but it is a culinary destination adored by locals and tourists alike.

Here, the late Indonesian culinary practitioner, Bondan Winarno, once feasted and declared it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Balinese cuisine. Unlike typical eateries, Mangku Gunung Lebah operates in a unique way, requiring orders to be placed at least a day in advance.

A signature dish of this exclusive spot is the traditional Balinese Betutu, available in both chicken and duck versions. The Betutu is a variant of the Gianyar Betutu, renowned for its rich, savory flavors and incredibly tender meat.

The secret lies in the cooking process. The chicken or duck is slow-cooked using rice husk charcoals for approximately 12 hours and then wrapped in banana leaves, preserving its flavors and succulence. Each bite is a celebration of traditional Balinese culinary art, with the soft texture of the meat and the depth of flavor leaving an indelible impression.

To place an order, you can call (0361) 977808 before 3 P.M. local time. A chicken is priced at IDR 95,000 and a duck at IDR 110,000. After placing your order, you can pick it up the next day and enjoy this legendary Balinese dish at your convenience.

3. Blayag Mek Sambru

Blayag Mek Sambru, a culinary treasure steeped in history, has been delighting taste buds for over 55 years. Originating from the Karangasem area of Bali, Blayag is a beloved Balinese dish made from folded rice that resembles a diamond.

Ni Made Resi, affectionately known as Mek Sambru, has been the driving force behind this culinary masterpiece since 1967. Inspired by her mother's homemade Blayag, Mek Sambru began selling it on Jalan Raya Gajah Mada in Amlapura and has continued to do so to this day.

Blayag Mek Sambru is famous for its diverse menu options, typically accompanied by 16 different Balinese side dishes. This culinary delight brings together a variety of flavors, including pemelicingan, plalah, base gede, chicken satay, spicy-sweet tempe lalah, and various urab (vegetable dishes) combined with peanuts-saur and peanut sauce, to name a few.

With an affordable price of IDR 25,000 for a full portion, visitors can enjoy this traditional Karangasem menu tailored to their preferences. Those who wish to bring Blayag home can do so for just Rp. 10,000.

To experience Blayag Mek Sambru, head to Jalan Raya Gajah Mada in Amlapura, Karangasem Regency. Mek Sambru can usually be found selling her culinary creations in the overhang of roadside shops.

The opening hours are from 12:00 to 8:00 PM local time. The cultural significance of Blayag Mek Sambru has not gone unnoticed, as it was designated as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. The Karangasem Regency Government recognizes the legendary name and aims to preserve this traditional culinary as a cultural asset in the region.

4. Warung Mak Beng Sanur

Warung Mak Beng, located near hotels and motorbike rental places, is renowned as one of Bali's top lunch spots. Founded in 1949, this culinary gem has stood the test of time and become a legendary destination on the Island of the Gods. Situated in the vibrant Sanur Beach area, Warung Mak Beng is a favorite among both local and foreign tourists.

Despite offering a limited menu, Warung Mak Beng's one package menu consisting of rice, fried sea fish, and sea fish head soup has become the key to its enduring success. The fresh fish used in their dishes, including skipjack, snapper, and mackerel, is sourced from local fishermen, ensuring exceptional taste and quality.

The combination of the perfectly cooked fish with the signature sambal bajak and flavorful fish head soup creates a mouthwatering experience. The use of authentic Balinese spices adds a unique touch to the culinary offerings.

Priced at IDR 55,000 per set menu (excluding drinks), Warung Mak Beng provides an affordable and satisfying dining experience. Open every day from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. local time, this culinary treasure awaits those who are eager to indulge in its delicious offerings.

5. Nasi Tahu Ni Sarti

Nasi Tahu Ni Sarti is another legendary Balinese culinary gem that has been captivating taste buds since 1963. Located on Jalan Lettu Wayan Sutha I No. 13, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali, this culinary delight has stood the test of time, with recipes that remains unchanged, ensuring that the authentic flavors are maintained. 

Each day, the cooking process begins at 03:30 AM WITA, and traditional methods are still employed, including using firewood to cook the rice.

A serving of Nasi Tahu Ni Sarti comprises fragrant white rice topped with crispy fried onions, accompanied by several pieces of Sukawati's signature tofu, tofu crackers, urap vegetables, and three types of sambal. These sauces, namely sambal matah, cassava sambal, and tomato sambal, add a tantalizing kick to the dish.

Nasi Tahu Ni Sarti operates from 7 A.M. until 1 P.M. local time and offers its flavorsome dish at an affordable price of IDR 15,000 per serving. The demand for this culinary delight is substantial, with around 50 portions sold daily and even surpassing 100 portions during busy periods. Nasi Tahu has become a favorite among both locals and tourists, captivating the palates of visitors from across Indonesia and around the world.

While Bali offers a plethora of culinary delights and stunning attractions, navigating the island's traffic can be a stressful experience. Spending precious time stuck in a traffic rush can hinder your rejuvenation and exploration. That's why renting a car from a trusted and reliable car rental company like TRAC is the best way to go around Bali.

For the sake of convenience, we recommend using the Bali car rental service from TRAC so that the experience of exploring Bali's legendary culinary is more enjoyable and memorable.

For ease of booking, TRAC pals can do it through the TRACtoGo application. Immediately install the TRACtoGo application on the Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy various facilities in TRAC services.

Make sure to be aware to stop any false transactions, and do not make payments to personal bank accounts. If you suspect any fraudulent activities, please immediately request confirmation of suspicious attempts or transactions through our Customer Assistance Center – CAC (24/7): 1500.009.

For the latest information, don't forget to follow TRAC's social media through Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car and Twitter @TRACastra.

Wherever the track, just use TRAC!