If you’re looking for a more authentic culinary experience than smoothie bowls or a club sandwich, Bali is the place to be.

What you need is to scout for the best local warungs and try the favourite dishes of Balinese and Indonesians – fried rice (nasi goreng), fried noodles (mie goreng), amazing recipes with fish, beef, and eggs, saucy pork ribs, and an endless variety of sides with vegetables.

So, what are the best places to eat like a local? Here are our favourite warungs in Bali that we think you should visit.

Summary: 3 Best Local Warungs In Bali, Editors’ Choice

• The best Balinese dish to try is Babi Guling. The best warung to do so is Warung Babi Guling Pande Egi in Gianyar (not far from Ubud)
• Warung Sika is the overall for an authentic buffet experience and trying nasi campur.
• For the best seafood warung, head to Warung Mak Beng in Sanur.

Fair warning, visiting warungs, prepare cash!

What Is A Warung?

A warung (va-run) is a local, family-owned eatery serving local specialties often in a buffet style. It is a trusted place to eat cheap, home-cooked meals.

Family will get up early to cook fresh food, some sort of protein, mostly chicken satay (skewers) or rendang (slow-cooked beef) for Indonesian warungs and possibly babi guling (suckling pig) for Balinese warungs, and an array of veggie sides to go with it and arrange them in a glass buffet.

The varied menu is always regional, so warungs in Bali, Sumatra, or Java will have different dishes for you to try, which makes warungs a true travel experience.

You can browse and pick a few dishes plus rice: white, yellow (cooked with turmeric), or brown, which makes up what locals often call nasi campur, aka mixed rice.

A whole plate with a variety of food will rarely cost more than 50,000 IDR (5 AUD).

Some warungs have a small sitting area with simple tables and plastic chairs, some target more tourists so they look upscale like a restaurant and even serve western dishes, too.

Our Favourite Warungs in Bali To Eat Delicious Indonesian Food From Canggu To Ubud

Warung Sika, Canggu

Very authentic warung in the heart of Canggu with classic nasi campur buffet style menu where you can build your own lunch.

They have chicken, fish (tuna), lots of vegetables like eggplants or spinach, traditional corn fritters, and many more yummy things.

Where Is It? Jl. Tanah Barak No.45, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Warung Local, Canggu & Uluwatu

A westernised version of a warung, but the principle stays the same: you purchase small portions of different dishes to go with rice.

We like the spot in Uluwatu on the way to Padang Padang Beach best, and usually go with nasi campur for lunch (starts at noon). There are a lot of vegan dishes to choose from, too.

Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait No.10A, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Happy Pork Rendang Bali, Canggu

As you can guess, the signature dish here is pork rendang, slow-cooked pork, and they serve it traditional way with rice and sambal matah (spicy condiment) or in Western food like wraps or rice burger.

We love pork belly – it is roasted in the oven till crispy and is very good.

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Babakan Canggu No.27, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Bakso Iga, Canggu

Probably, the best bakso in South Bali, if you ask us.

Bakso is a type of soup with meatballs in a savoury broth, and this warung makes bakso with beef broth, beef ribs, and meatballs, but you can also order a lighter version with chicken.

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Warung Oma Jamu, Canggu

A go-to place in Canggu with tons of vegetarian and vegan options from local and Western cuisines like burgers, porridge, pancakes, vegan nasi goreng (fried rice), and more.

As it is a vegan warung, many ingredients are not necessarily “local” or traditional, like falafel, quinoa, or buckwheat, but the food is great nevertheless. And surely no MSG or palm oil.

Where Is It? 945V+Q92, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Warung Umah, Cemagi

It is a hidden gem in the Seseh and Cemagi areas with some of the best Indonesian food we’ve had. They switch the menu daily and often have special soups and dishes like vegetarian rendang with potatoes and mushrooms (absolutely delicious).

They also make desserts; unlike most warungs, the pancake with shredded coconut and palm sugar (dadar gulung) is worth trying.

Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Seseh, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Warung Ayam Betutu Dewi Sri, Tanah Lot

The best smoked chicken (ayam betutu) on the island, hands down! We’ve been ordering from here multiple times in the past 5+ years, and the quality is always stellar.

This traditional warung only makes ayam betutu, so you know they are very good at it. Locals even order their food for their ceremonies, which is almost a guarantee of authentic flavours.

Where Is It? Jl. By Pass Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 82121, Indonesia

Yeye’s Warung, Uluwatu

A well-known spot to enjoy local food with a small souvenir shop on the main street in Uluwatu. Cheap local dishes for under 5 AUD and bold flavours – you won’t be disappointed with lunch or dinner here.

It is a buffet place to build your own nasi campur plate. We recommend getting beef rendang, tempeh, Balinese curry, some beans or lentils, and a fresh coconut to sip.

Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait No.250, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Warung Babi Guling Pande Egi, Gianyar

The best Balinese food is babi guling or roasted suckling pig. And this warung hits the spot with arguably the best babi guling on the island, you can enjoy it surrounded by rice fields.

If you go to Kanto Lampo Waterfall (or other waterfalls in the area), it is the perfect pit stop.

Make sure to order a portion of pork skin to try, too (extra cost).

Where Is It? Banjar Pande, Beng, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80513, Indonesia

Dapur Prasmanan Rosa, Kuta

One of the local favourites, this warung makes staple Javanese-Indonesian food that is halal for the muslim population.

Some menu highlights here are snacks (kerupuk or deep-fried crackers), nasi jagung (rice with corn), fish and chicken.

Where Is It? masjid ar rahmat, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Warung Mak Beng, Sanur

Iconic seafood warung in Sanur that beats any beach bars if you want authentic food.

The signature here is, of course, fried fish, locally caught, but you can also order fish head soup and even fried fish eggs. All come with a portion of rice. Best food for pescatarians!

Where Is It? Jalan Hang Tuah No.45, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Jl. Hang Tuah No.51, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia

Warung Kecil Infinity, Sanur

A fun cafe on the main road, looking much cleaner and fancier than other warungs, with a bit higher prices.

They are still serving favourite dishes like Javanese chicken curry, babi kecap (pork belly in sweet sauce), ayam bakar (grilled chicken), as well as a variety of Western breakfast and lunch options.

Where Is It? Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.279, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Warung Wardani Tuban, Kuta

Next to the international airport, this unassuming front shouldn’t deceive you – the warung inside is actually pretty cool, cheap, and has amazing food packages (rice, meat dishes, and sides).

They make either chicken or beef main dishes. A 5-dollar package will come with rice, chicken, egg, sate lilit (minced meat skewer), shrimp, dendeng balado (something like a jerky), fresh veggies (usually cucumber and tomato), and spicy condiment. Pretty big portion!

Where Is It? Jl. Waringin No.4, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Warung Sate Madura Pak Awi, Kuta

This warung is said to have the best satay (skewers). They only serve chicken satay or goat satay- very cool to try if you haven’t!

You can have it with rice, or something we recommend trying – lontong, aka compressed rice cake cooked in a banana leaf.

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Semer No.15, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Sawobali, Ubud

Sawobali serves vegan cheap eats in Ubud, including vegan ice cream!

You will find vegan soups and main dishes, all full of authentic Indonesian flavours, and you can even add a bit of MSG if you want to eat like a local.

Where Is It? Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.19, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Rainbow Warung Stall, Sanur

This local warung specialises in Padang food or food from West Sumatra.

They make soups, fried rice (with vegetarian options), skewers, and lots of different tasty dishes with egg, pork, or chicken.

Where Is It? Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.154, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia

Warung Genitri, Munduk

Dine with amazing views at Warung Genitri if you’re on a day trip to Munduk.

A classic plate of nasi campur will cost about 5 AUD only, but they have more dishes to choose from a la carte, like chicken or pork satay, fried eggplants, meatball soup (bakso), and others.

Where Is It? Jl. Pura Puseh, Munduk, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia

Warung Bli Wayan, Bedugul

Fried shrimp (udang goreng), soto ayam (chicken soup), kwetiau noodles, and pretty much anything we tried here was amazing.

This is our go-to stop to fuel up if you go to Bedugul botanical garden, lakes, or go up north.

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Bedugul, Batunya, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Warung Muslim Moro Seneng Ibu Tien, Kuta

Super local spot to try the best local food called Lalapan.

It is a dish from West Java which is basically a big plate with fresh vegetables like a salad, and a protein of choice (they serve it with lele – catfish, fish, or chicken).

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Kuta No.67, Kuta, Badung, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Warung Sugiartha, Kintamani

Visiting Mt Batur, you should try the regional speciality – mujair nyat-nyat – a Balinese dish with tilapia fish cooked in a reduced sauce with spices and herbs.

If you want something simple, they also have fried chicken or even fries.

Where Is It? Jl. Raya Sekardadi, Kedisan, Kec. Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia

Warung In Da Compound, Ubud

Amazing authentic Balinese warung with meat dishes and vegetarian options located in central Ubud.

The highlight is nasi campur served on a big plate with sides presented in small banana leaves – photo worthy!

Where Is It? Jl. Gootama No.6, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Warung Makan Teges, Ubud

Serving authentic nasi campur since 1963, this warung keeps it simple and local, yet delicious.

You only have 4 options: chicken rice, pork rice, mixed rice (nasi campur), or vegetarian. Don’t skip on sambal matah to boost flavours.

Where Is It? F7FC+FFG, Jl. Cok Rai Pudak, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Rona Warung, Ubud

Located on a quiet street, Rona is the only warung we know that has hundreds of reviews, and all are 5 stars. For a good reason!

They have a selection of cheap and tasty smoothie bowls, Western breakfasts, but also Indonesian food like banana pancakes (a must!), fried rice noodles for breakfast, curries, and vegetarian dishes.

Where Is It? Jl. Katik Lantang, Singakerta, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Lemongrass Warung, Ubud

A cool place to try some local staples.

We recommend urab – mixed veggies with coconut oil dressing, kangkung – stir-fried water spinach (delicious!), cap cay (veggies stir-fry), or gado-gado – national treasure of Indonesia, a veggie salad with peanut dressing.

Where Is It? Jl. Jero Gadung No.79, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Bebek Tepi Sawah, Ubud

Another signature Balinese dish is crispy fried duck – bebek goreng, which is very good.

This warung is more upscale, and the prices are a bit higher, but it is a trusted place to get good duck. You can have it grilled or fried – both are yum!

Where Is It? Banjar Teges, Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Warung Gauri, Ubud

This warung has a beautiful garden setting within a Balinese compound, and they serve fantastic Indonesian and Balinese food.

The menu is huge, but if you look for something special, try marlin satay, it is a fish similar to tuna but almost tastes like a steak!

Where Is It? Jl. Bisma No.25, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Final Thoughts On Best Warungs Bali

Warungs in Bali are not just places to eat your favourite Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng or bakso. They are the real centres of daily local life.

These humble eateries can tell you more about villagers than any guides and day trips, and sharing food with locals at communal tables and learning about the culture is probably the best way to immerse yourself in a new place.