If you’re looking to try the best, most authentic Indonesian food you need to bookmark this spot in Sanur – the famous Pasar Sindhu night market packed with street food vendors.
How to get there, what to expect and what savoury and sweet snacks to try – everything you need to know in this insider Sanur Night market guide.
Spoiler: you have to visit this market very hungry and be prepared for delicious food freshly cooked for you using local produce.
Pasar Sindhu Night Market – Famous Sanur Night Market
Parking space by day, Pasar Malam Sindu (Sindhu night market) by night – one of the oldest street food markets in Sanur and Bali.
If you come in the morning you will find nothing of interest here, but in the afternoon the parking space starts to fill up with vendors setting up their stalls.
In the morning there is a market nearby (at Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.10) where vendors sell flowers, fresh produce, and some ceremonial items.
Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Pasar Sindhu Night Market
To make your experience smooth and enjoyable, here are a few simple tips and reminders:
The market is only open from 5-6 PM, peak days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you want to avoid crowds, plan to come during the week.
The area is well-organized and has a modern layout, and much cleaner than some bigger markets on the island. There are lots of lined up tables and public toilet (not the very best but functioning).
There can be quite a few people as this is a spot popular equally among locals and many tourists.
You will find local prices here, so bring some smaller change with you, and plan on using only cash. For reference, a portion of satay (skewers) is about 15,000 IDR (1.5 AUD/1 USD).
Only parts of the market area have roofing, so if it is raining, bring your rain poncho or reschedule.
It is not a massive market, there can be around 15 to 25 food stalls at a time, just take your time and find what you want to try and where you want to sit. On busier nights, popular stalls will have limited tables available.
Want to try more food? Ask to pack it for takeaway!
Sanur night market is all about food. For fresh fruits, traditional textiles, household items, and souvenir shopping, visit Sidhu Beach Market or Badung market in Denpasar. However, sometimes there will be vendors with clothes, sarongs, various herbs and household tools – but it is not at the same scale as other markets.
Don’t forget to say Terima Kasih – “thank you” in Indonesian and sama-sama – “you’re welcome”.
Where Is Pasar Sindhu Night Market in Sanur?
Pasar Sidhu is located in Sanur, Bali and thus is often called Sanur night market or Pasar Tradisional Desa Sanur – traditional market of the Sanur village.
It is at the northern end of Jalan Danau Tamblingan Road, where a large parking lot is, 10 minutes’ walking distance from the beach. If you come after 5PM you won’t miss it!
Address: 8776+W29, Jalan Pungutan No.2, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228.
How To Get To Pasar Sindhu Night Market
It is best to come to Pasar Sindhu on bike taxi or your rental bike, the market doesn’t have a lot of space for cars to park.
From Canggu it takes around 1.5 hrs to get to Pasar Sindu and about 1 hour ride from the Kuta airport.
It is not too far from the beach so if you’re coming all the way from another area, swing by to watch the sunset and then go to eat dinner at the market.
Must-try Street Food At Pasar Sindhu Night Market
While at Sanur market you may face a difficult choice – everything at about 2 dozens of stalls smells delicious. Here are some of the staples you have to try:
Martabak – savory or sweet egg-based bake, like a very thick pancake stuffed with a filling of choice. They are incredibly tasty, rich and satisfying and if you finish the whole portion you may need a nap ASAP. Indonesian love combining chocolate and cheese, so you may want to try this flavor option.
Soto Ayam – traditional Indonesian soup with noodles, chicken, cabbage and
Bakso – meatball soup with a broth base, some meatballs, noodles, and a little bit of vegetables.
Gule (gulai) is an Indonesian version of a spicy curry or stew with meat of choice. Goat gule is really good.
Nasi Campur or mixed rice with sides and protein you can choose, kinda like a buffet style.
Gado-gado – is one of national Indonesian dishes. It is a salad with boiled veggies, potato, lontong (rice cake cooked in banana leaf), boiled eggs, temple, tofu, and peanut sauce.
Gorengan – deep fried snacks. Can be anything really, but potatoes are pretty common. Corn fritters are also very popular and delicious, especially when with chili. You can get a whole bag of them to try because each costs around 1000 IDR (0.09 AUD/0.06 USD).
Lalapan is a traditional Sundanese dish with a platter of raw veggies served alongside a meat or seafood of your choice and hot sauce.
Nasi goreng or mie goreng – fried rice (nasi is rice and goreng means fried) or noodles (mie) with chopped veggies, chicken or seafood and served with sauteed bok choy, fried egg, and crunchy shrimp crackers.
Sate kambing or goat skewers served with peanut sauce, onion and sliced cucumber. Try yellow rice with grilled meat, it is delicious!
Es campur – cold dessert with shaved ice and fruit, coconut milk, jelly or tapioca pearls.
Roti bakar is like a grilled toast (white bread) with some filling of choice. A very common cheap sweet or savory snack.
To eat like a local, get some cold drinks: iced sweet tea, fruit juice or cold Bintang.
Final Thoughts
Delicious food you try at pasar Sindhu night market will make one of the many memories you bring home from Bali.
Don’t skip at an evening out in Sanur where you can swing by and taste some of the best local street food from fried rice to crowd favourite desserts and juices.
