A Foodie’s Guide to Nusa Penida - Must-Try Local Dishes

Nusa Penida, the picturesque island located off the southeastern coast of Bali, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. But beyond its natural beauty, Nusa Penida offers a rich culinary scene that will tantalize the taste buds of every foodie. Whether you’re a lover of traditional Balinese cuisine or curious about local flavors, Nusa Penida is the perfect place to explore the delicious diversity of Indonesian food.

From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, Nusa Penida’s food scene offers a wide range of flavors, textures, and ingredients. In this foodie’s guide, we’ll take you through the must-try local dishes of Nusa Penida, where to find them, and why they should be on your culinary bucket list during your visit.

1. Traditional Balinese Cuisine: A Flavorful Introduction

Before diving into the specific dishes you’ll find on Nusa Penida, it's important to understand the essence of Balinese cuisine. Balinese food is rich in bold flavors, with a balance of spicy, sweet, savory, and sour elements. Coconut milk, turmeric, lemongrass, and chili are common ingredients in Balinese cooking, providing the distinctive flavors that are characteristic of the island's food.

Balinese food often revolves around rice (the staple food) and is served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and side dishes. Meals are typically served with sambal (a spicy chili paste) and lontong (rice cakes), providing a perfect combination of flavors.

2. Must-Try Dishes in Nusa Penida

Now that you’re familiar with the basics of Balinese cuisine, let’s dive into some of the must-try dishes that Nusa Penida has to offer:

• Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
  Babi Guling is one of Bali’s most famous dishes, and it’s a must-try when visiting Nusa Penida. This slow-roasted suckling pig is marinated with a blend of spices, including turmeric, garlic, and lemongrass, and then cooked to perfection over an open flame. The result is tender, flavorful meat with crispy skin. Typically served with rice, lawar (a traditional Balinese salad), and sambal, Babi Guling is often enjoyed during special ceremonies or celebrations. You’ll find it at many local warungs (small eateries) across Nusa Penida.

• Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice)
  Nasi Campur is a popular dish in Bali and Nusa Penida, often served as a meal for both locals and tourists. The dish consists of steamed white rice served with a variety of small portions of side dishes, such as shredded chicken, vegetables, fried shallots, and sambal. You can also find variations of Nasi Campur with pork, beef, or seafood. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a satisfying choice for those wanting to sample a little bit of everything.

• Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)
  Mie Goreng is a classic Indonesian dish that you’ll find across Bali, and Nusa Penida is no exception. This stir-fried noodle dish is typically made with egg noodles, vegetables, and either chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and chili, and often topped with a fried egg. Mie Goreng is a popular street food snack, but you can also find it in many restaurants and warungs around Nusa Penida. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Ayam Betutu (Slow-Cooked Chicken)
  A favorite in Bali, Ayam Betutu is a traditional dish made from chicken marinated in a rich blend of spices, including turmeric, garlic, ginger, and chili. The chicken is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked until it becomes tender and infused with all the spices. It’s typically served with rice and a side of sambal. On Nusa Penida, you’ll find Ayam Betutu at local restaurants and warungs that specialize in Balinese cuisine.

• Lawar
  Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish that’s often served as a side to main courses like Babi Guling or Nasi Campur. It’s a mixture of finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, and meat (usually pork or chicken). The dish is seasoned with a variety of spices, including garlic, chili, and turmeric, and often served with rice. Lawar is a great way to sample fresh, local ingredients while experiencing a traditional Balinese flavor profile.

3. Seafood Delights of Nusa Penida

Given Nusa Penida’s location on the coast, it’s no surprise that seafood plays a major role in the island’s cuisine. The island’s crystal-clear waters are home to an abundance of fish, shrimp, and shellfish, which are often caught fresh and served in local restaurants. Here are a few seafood dishes you won’t want to miss:

• Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar)
  Grilled fish is a staple of Balinese coastal cuisine, and Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) is a must-try dish in Nusa Penida. The fish, typically snapper or barramundi, is marinated with a blend of spices and then grilled to perfection. The result is tender, smoky fish with a rich, savory flavor. Ikan Bakar is often served with rice and sambal, making it a simple yet delicious dish.

• Pepes Ikan (Fish in Banana Leaves)
  Pepes Ikan is a traditional Indonesian dish in which fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with aromatic spices. The fish is infused with the flavors of ginger, turmeric, garlic, and lemongrass, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. This method of cooking helps to lock in the moisture of the fish, leaving it tender and juicy. You can find Pepes Ikan in many seafood restaurants on Nusa Penida, often served with rice and a side of sambal.

• Seafood Soup (Sup Ikan)
  If you’re in the mood for something lighter but equally flavorful, try Sup Ikan, a traditional Balinese seafood soup. This dish is made with fresh fish and other seafood, such as shrimp or squid, cooked in a flavorful broth with ginger, turmeric, and lime leaves. The soup is typically served with rice or noodles and is the perfect dish for a warm, refreshing meal.

4. Balinese Sweets and Desserts

After a delicious Balinese meal, it’s time for dessert! Nusa Penida offers a variety of sweet treats that will satisfy your cravings. Here are a few desserts you should try:

• Klepon
  Klepon is a traditional Balinese dessert made from glutinous rice flour, filled with palm sugar, and coated in grated coconut. The chewy exterior and sweet, molten sugar inside create a delightful contrast of textures. Klepon is often served as a snack or a dessert and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

• Dadar Gulung
  Dadar Gulung is a sweet rolled pancake filled with coconut and palm sugar. The soft, green-colored pancake is flavored with pandan, giving it a unique, fragrant aroma. This dessert is a popular treat in Bali and is often sold by street vendors and local shops.

• Es Kelapa Muda
  Es Kelapa Muda is a refreshing drink made from fresh coconut water, served over ice with chunks of young coconut flesh. It’s a perfect way to cool off after a day of exploring Nusa Penida’s beaches. You can find this sweet and hydrating drink sold by vendors on the island’s beaches and streets.

5. Where to Eat in Nusa Penida

There are a variety of restaurants and cafes in Nusa Penida where you can enjoy delicious Balinese food. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal by the beach or a fine dining experience, the island has something for every taste and budget. Here are a few recommended spots to try:

• Warung Dewa: A popular local warung in Toyapakeh that offers traditional Balinese dishes such as Babi Guling and Ayam Betutu.

• The Temple Lodge: A cozy, beachfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood, international dishes, and Balinese delicacies.

• Semabu Hills Hotel: For a more upscale dining experience, this hotel offers beautiful views of the ocean and a selection of Balinese and Indonesian dishes, perfect for a romantic dinner.

• Kubu Duyung: A beachfront café known for its seafood, Indonesian rice dishes, and stunning sunset views.

Nusa Penida’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Balinese cuisine, fresh seafood, and tropical treats that will leave every foodie satisfied. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty serving of Babi Guling, savoring the flavors of fresh Ikan Bakar, or enjoying a sweet dessert like Klepon, the island offers a range of mouthwatering dishes that are deeply rooted in its culture and history.

For food lovers, Nusa Penida is not just a destination for scenic views—it’s also a place to explore the authentic flavors of Bali. So, when you’re visiting this island paradise, make sure to sample these local dishes, enjoy the vibrant food culture, and immerse yourself in the tastes of Bali.