When thinking about the top things to do in Bali, food is often at the heart of the experience. From jungle cafés in Ubud to smoky street food stalls in Denpasar, Bali’s culinary scene is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, these experiences will help you taste, connect, and understand the island in unforgettable ways. Here is our list of the top 6 things to do for a delicious experience.
1. Take a Culinary Walk Through Bali
Follow your appetite through the heart of Ubud on a guided walking food tour, stopping at six carefully selected restaurants that showcase the best of Bali’s culinary scene. At each stop, savour signature dishes that highlight local traditions, tropical ingredients, and innovative twists on classic flavours. Along the way, soak in the sights and sounds of the town, from bustling streets to quiet, hidden gems. This tour isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing Bali’s rich food culture firsthand, connecting with the stories behind each dish, and tasting the island’s vibrant fusion of heritage and modern creativity.
2. Visit The Best Vegan Restaurants in Ubud
Ubud is a sanctuary for plant-based food. Wooden café tables overflow with smoothie bowls, jackfruit tacos, and raw desserts. These dishes aren’t just nourishing—they’re made with love and sustainability in mind. On our Plant-Based Food Tour in Ubud, we guide you to the best vegan restaurants, where you’ll sample colorful, locally sourced meals and learn the stories behind each café. One favorite is The Seeds of Life Café, known for its raw creations and commitment to conscious eating.
3. Explore Bali’s Traditional Markets
Visiting a market is one of the most authentic things to do in Bali. Early in the morning, local families head to the market to buy herbs, spices, and offerings. You’ll see golden turmeric, fiery chilies, and pyramid stacks of banana leaf packages. In the evening, night markets buzz with sizzling grills, sweet snacks, and the chatter of locals. Take a guided tour with a local foodie and storyteller and get insider tips on the best things to eat at a traditional market—like satay skewers, fresh spring rolls, and syrup-filled Klepon. This food tour blends flavour with cultural insight in the most delicious way.
4. Attend a Balinese Cooking Class
Imagine stepping into a traditional kitchen overlooking a thriving permaculture garden, where you’ll harvest for ingredients before transforming them into a feast. This is what you can expect when you book a cooking class in Sideman. Handpicking fresh galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and wild greens, you gain a deeper appreciation for the connection between food and the land.
With a mortar and pestle in hand, you begin to grind fragrant shallots, chillies, and lemongrass, the rhythmic motion releasing their essential oils into the air. Under the guidance of a local chef, you learn the art of balancing spice, sweetness, and acidity. When the cooking is done, you sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve created—nasi campur with an array of flavour-packed sides, crisp tempeh, and fiery sambal. More than just a class, it’s a window into the heart of Balinese hospitality and tradition.
5. Indulge in Beachfront Dining
As the sun dips into the sea, Bingin Beach glows in soft amber light. A long wooden table is set on the sand, waves lapping the shore in front of you. A waiter presents a platter of seafood just pulled from the ocean—grilled prawns, clams, delicate snapper wrapped in banana leaves.
Each bite is kissed by smoke and salt, enhanced by the tang of fresh lime and fiery sambal. Dining by the beach in Bali is a moment of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life – like freshly caught seafood, good company and beautiful views.
5. Experience Foraging and Medicinal Plants on a Farm
For a deeper connection to the land, join a foraging walk with a local farmer on a permaculture farm. This immersive experience is one of the most meaningful things to do in Bali for nature lovers and conscious eaters. You’ll wander through edible gardens, learn about ancient plant wisdom, and taste wild herbs, roots, and edible flowers. Along the way, you’ll discover how Balinese people use these plants not just for food, but for healing and ceremony. It’s a powerful way to reconnect with nature and understand where food truly begins.
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Bali isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you taste, smell, and feel. From the vibrant morning markets to the bustling street food stalls at night, from tranquil cafés serving tropical smoothie bowls to immersive cooking classes in lush permaculture gardens, every meal tells a story of the island’s rich culture and warm hospitality. The best way to truly understand a place is through its food, connecting with the people, traditions, and ingredients that bring it to life. As James Beard once said, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” Whether you’re a curious traveller or a devoted foodie, Bali promises a culinary journey like no other.
Ready to create your own food story in Bali? Book a culinary tour today and discover the flavours that make this island so special.
