MY BALI (BUKIT-ULUWATU) FOOD GUIDE
Most of our travel and holidays revolve around food, and Bali was no exception! We just got back from the most wonderful trip there, our first overseas vacation in years, and it was so heartening to see the restaurants and cafes buzzing.
When I visit a new country, what interests me most is the local food - what do the locals eat, where do they eat and what is the cuisine or food experience that most reflects the culture, weather and “terroir” of that place.
For this particular trip, we based ourselves in the Bukit-Uluwatu area for its great surf and more laid-back feel. Fortunately some of the places we loved pre-pandemic were as good as ever, and we discovered some new ones too.
Ye Ye’s Warung, Padang Padang
This place is an institution, serving up Balinese “Nasi Campur”, which is rice (brown, white or yellow) with dozens of meat and vegetarian sides to choose from including curries and stir fries, noodles, beans, sambal etc. Think of it as a buffet where you get to sample a heap of delicious Balinese dishes.
@warung_yeyes
Warung Local
Another great place for Balinese Nasi Campur that’s geared a little more towards tourists but super delicious. The fit-out is slick and fresh, and there are drinking coconuts (the best we had), coffee, smoothies and gelato too. It’s open from 8am to 10pm so perfect for all meals.
@warunglocal
Drifter Cafe
Wholefoods and surf culture come together at Drifter which is part cafe and part surf shop with a mix of books, swim and surf wear. The menu is healthy with nourishing salads, smoothie bowls, cold pressed juices and raw treats. I could eat here every day. The courtyard has a great vibe and you’ll find people tinkering away on their laptops too. I’m always curious to know what they do which enables them to live in Bali!
The Cashew Tree
This quite trendy and insta-worthy cafe is all about wholesome and healthy food so think smoothies, raw treats, salads, juices and bowls of goodness. It has a cute kids playground and there’s an outdoor training area connected to it so there’s usually a stream of post-workout peeps coming through. While it’s more a breakfast and lunch vibe, there is a happy hour too.
@thecashewtree.collective
Pok Pok Ulu
This little Thai joint buzzes on a busy road, serving up excellent Thai food. All the favourites like Pad Thai, fish cakes, green papaya salad and curries come fast and fresh, enjoyed al fresco on plastic chairs and tables.
@pokpokuluwatu
Lucky Fish Bingin
By day, the upstairs cafe is a great spot to have some Nasi Goreng, salad and a smoothie while watching the surf. It’s worth mentioning the ice block fridge which is packed with wholesome, natural ice blocks that are perfect for kids.
Lucky Fish Seafood BBQ:
By night, Lucky Fish is the place to be for a seafood BBQ. Pick from freshly caught fish, prawns and squid and have it cooked right there. The tables and chairs are set up on the shore, with the waves literally lapping at your feet. It’s worth getting there early-ish around 4.30pm to get a good spot and enjoy the stunning sunset and atmosphere (or perhaps a swim/surf before dinner too!)
Jimbaran Bay
If seafood is your game, the 30 minute drive to Jimbaran is a must with dozens of seafood restaurants lining the shore, serving just-caught fish.
Mason
This well-known dining hot spot in Canguu has just opened in Uluwatu. The Mediterranean menu, cocktails and wine are all excellent and it’s a good place to go for a fancier nice out.
Other helpful info:
Meal Delivery
Gojek is the local home delivery app and most restaurants and cafes are signed up to it, so you can get restaurant and cafe delivery straight to your villa. This was a good option for us with the kids for lunch some days when all they wanted to do was hang in the pool!
Fresh Food Markets
You’ll see big and little stalls of fresh fruit pop up everywhere. It’s where the locals shop and you should too - the dragonfruit, mangoes and bananas are to die for.
Nasi Campur
There are many small vendors dotted along the raods selling ‘Nasi Campur’ and while I can’t remember any names (some didn’t have a sign) they served up some of the best Balinese food we had- and for only $1.50! I still remember the gorgeous parcel of fragrant rice, veggies, fried egg and sambal neatly wrapped in paper and tied with string.
