Taste of Balinese Foods

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Balinese food is more than a meal—it's a celebration. Rooted in ceremony, community, and spice, the cuisine of Bali is a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions and external influences from China, India, and across the Indonesian archipelago.

At Otao Kitchen, we honour these traditions in our hands-on Southeast Asian cooking classes, where you’ll discover how to prepare iconic Balinese dishes using authentic ingredients and time-honoured techniques.

Let’s explore the key ingredients that give Balinese cuisine its unforgettable flavour—and how you can bring them into your home kitchen.

Taste of Balinese Foods

Key Ingredients in Balinese Cuisine

Basa Gede (Balinese Spice Paste)

The soul of Balinese cooking, basa gede is a complex spice paste used in everything from curries to grilled meats.

What’s in it:

  • Galangal (Kaempferia galanga): peppery, earthy root used for depth

  • Garlic & shallots: the foundation of almost every spice blend

  • Ginger & turmeric: for warmth, colour, and health benefits

  • Lemongrass: citrusy, aromatic, and refreshing

  • Candlenuts: add richness and texture

  • Shrimp paste & palm sugar: bring umami and sweetness

  • Kaffir lime leaves: for a floral citrus note

Learn how to make and cook with basa gede in our Southeast Asian Cooking Class »

Steamed Rice (Nasi)

Rice is the staple food of Bali, served at every meal and considered sacred. It’s the base for dishes like nasi campur, nasi goreng, and lawar (minced meat and veggie salad).

At Otao Kitchen, you’ll learn how to make fragrant turmeric rice (nasi kuning) and perfect steamed rice to complement your Balinese dishes.

Discover our rice-cooking techniques in our Asian Street Food Cooking Class »

Protein and Vegetables

Unlike other parts of Indonesia, Balinese Hindus rarely eat beef. Instead, they focus on:

  • Pork – such as in babi guling (spiced roast pig)

  • Chicken – used in ayam betutu (spiced and steamed chicken)

  • Fish and seafood – grilled or wrapped in banana leaves

  • Tempeh and tofu – common meat-free alternatives

  • Jungle greens, long beans, and water spinach – used in warm salads and stir-fries

Vegetarian? Many Balinese dishes can be made without meat! Try our vegetarian recipe collection »

Tropical Fruits

Bali is home to a vibrant variety of tropical fruits, often enjoyed fresh or as part of desserts and drinks.

Popular Balinese fruits include:

  • Rambutan, mangosteen, mangoes, and jackfruit

  • Snake fruit (salak) and white mango (wani)

  • Durian, papaya, and longan

These fruits are often used in traditional sweet soups, smoothies, and ceremonial offerings.

Taste tropical flavours in our Asian Dessert Recipes »

Celebrate Through Cooking

“At Otao Kitchen, we don’t just teach recipes—we share the cultural stories behind the food,” says Chef Ha Nguyen.

In Bali, food is prepared and shared with intention. It’s part of temple offerings, family rituals, and local ceremonies. We recreate this experience through our immersive cooking classes, where you’ll:

  • Make dishes like ayam betutu, lawar, and sate lilit

  • Grind spices by hand using mortar and pestle

  • Cook with banana leaves, lemongrass skewers, and local herbs

  • Share your feast with new friends—just like in Bali

👉 Explore our Southeast Asian Cooking Classes »
👉 Browse our Recipes for Balinese and Indonesian Dishes »

Bring the Taste of Bali to Your Home

Whether you're planning a themed dinner party or simply want to explore new flavours, Balinese food offers a sensory journey like no other. From fiery spice pastes to cooling coconut and juicy tropical fruits, every bite tells a story.

Let Otao Kitchen help you discover the flavour, culture, and joy of Balinese cuisine—right here in Melbourne.

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