A trip is never complete without diving into the local flavors. As a specialist in domestic destinations, we believe a great holiday experience must balance treating your eyes and treating your taste buds. Here is a curated list of authentic dishes you must explore when visiting Bali and Lombok.

1. Sate Lilit (Bali) Unlike regular skewered satay, sate lilit is made by wrapping minced meat (usually mackerel or chicken mixed with grated coconut and Balinese spices) around a lemongrass stalk or bamboo stick. Grilling it over coconut husk charcoal gives it a distinct smokey aroma and a perfectly balanced savory, spicy, and sweet flavor.

2. Ayam Taliwang (Lombok) The culinary star of the Island of a Thousand Mosques. Using young free-range chicken grilled to perfection, it is then coated in a rich paste made from dried red chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, aromatic ginger, and palm sugar. Its biting spicy flavor is often served alongside fresh plecing kangkung (water spinach salad) and beberuk terong (raw eggplant sambal).

3. Nasi Ayam Kedewatan (Bali) Originating from the Ubud area, this dish is the definition of “a plate full of surprises.” A typical portion of Nasi Kedewatan consists of warm white rice, spicy shredded chicken, sate lilit, long bean salad (lawar), spiced boiled egg, and fried peanuts. A sprinkle of fresh sambal matah on top completes the harmony of flavors.

4. Sate Bulayak (Lombok) This beef or offal satay is served with a unique peanut sauce roasted with coconut milk, resulting in a thick texture and deep savory flavor. The uniqueness lies in the “Bulayak,” which is a bite-sized rice cake wrapped in palm leaves in a spiral shape. The way to eat it is also fun: simply unwrap and dip the bulayak directly into the generous satay sauce.

5. Nasi Jinggo (Bali) The iconic late-night culinary solution in Bali. Wrapped in banana leaves in small portions (about the size of a fist), this rice dish comes with typical Balinese side dishes. Standard fillings include shredded chicken, fried noodles, sweet dried tempeh, and the super spicy sambal that is its main attraction.

Travel Note: Arranging your holiday itinerary with Balisatu Holiday ensures you have flexible time to explore these top local culinary spots without being rushed by a tight schedule.