Best Places to Eat in Canggu, Ubud & Near the Airport

Eating your way through Bali is a non-negotiable. It’s almost impossible to spot how diverse the culinary world is between Indonesian and international cuisines when making your way through the island. You’ll find it all on this list, from local spots to comfort meals that give off a ‘home away from home’ vibe. Here are our recommendations on where to go, what to order and why it stands out.

Canggu

One can argue that Canggu might be the trendiest area with coworking spaces, ricefield views, bakeries and brunch spots minutes away from popular gyms and pilates studios. The food scene is alive! You’ll often find places that offer vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free options, and other dietary options. If you’re dining at a western spot, expect to spend between $10 -$20 AUD at local Indonesian spots, between $3.5-$5 AUD or £1-2. Canggu is generally more expensive in comparison to other parts of the island, however, it is worth noting that, for the most part, it is worth the hype and flavours!

1. Milk & Madu

A local and tourists’ favourite spot. Milk & Madu’s got the goods from day to night with weekly and monthly specials and offers a vibrant atmosphere, enough to keep you feeling energised and ready to crack on with the rest of your day. Here you can find their popular brunch meals and range of pizzas in 4 of their locations.

Location(s) – Ubud, Berawa, Beach Road & Uluwatu
Recommendations – Smashed Avo, Garlic Prawns pizza, Acai bowls
Why go – Trendy, great outdoor area

2. Flavours of Ban

In Bali but missing Thailand? This is the spot for authentic, rich flavours of Thailand, specialising in cooking techniques such as the wok and grilling with charcoal. Open every day except Monday from 5 pm, Flavours of Ban is the place for wholesome, hearty dinners to wrap up a nice day strolling around Canggu.

Location(s) – Berawa, Canggu
Recommendations – Pad Kra Pao Moo, Som Tam, Octopus Yellow Curry Steamed Egg
Why go – 4.9/5 reviews, flavourful

3. Warung Sika

You’ll often find many local spots that start with ‘warung’ in their name. It is usually a small, family-owned and managed dining spot. You’ll find variations of flavours and food from all over Indonesia. Pick and choose what goes on your plate. Line up and customise your plate with a selection of rice, meats, vegetables, and side dishes all cooked differently. If you’re on a budget but love well-seasoned flavours, and home-made style cooking, you won’t get bored anytime soon!

Location(s) – Tanah Barak, Canggu
Recommendations – Grilled chicken, Tempeh, Corn Fritters,
Why go – Affordable, a range of dishes from the regions of Indonesia

Ubud

Mindful eating is a big part of Ubud’s identity. Many of the ingredients are organically and locally sourced at plant-based cafes and restaurants. Ubud’s reputation for wellness is derived from the Balinese word ubad, which directly translates to medicine. It is to encourage ourselves to the journey of healing physically and mentally through meditation, yoga and clean eating. Ubud offers a slower pace of life than the vibrant Canggu of ricefield views and rainforests.

1. Warung Babi Guling Bu Oka

The absolute must-try Balinese cuisine. The Babi Guling translates to suckling pig, and is prepared by stuffing it with a paste of Balinese spices then slow-roasted for many hours. It is the icon of Balinese traditional cooking and it is usually the main dish served in traditional ceremonies. The flavour is savoury and bold, and the crackling skin is one not to miss out on! It is recommended to go just before lunch hours as it can get busy very quickly.

Location(s) – Raya Mas, Ubud
Recommendations – Nasi Babi Guling
Why go – The most popular dish in Bali

2. Alchemy

A plant-based and gluten-free cafe specialising in curating organically and locally sourced ingredients from the island. A few of their dishes are served raw, meaning they are cooked at very low temperatures to maximise nutritional intake. Once you arrive, you’ll be welcome with the peaceful and slow vibe of the cafe. It’ll make you feel present in the moment!

Location(s) – Ubud & Uluwatu
Recommendations – Acai Bowl, Raw Spinach and Mushroom Pizza, Chocolate Bars
Why go – Healthy and nutritious

3. Warung Green

A local eatery offering Indonesian vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Many Indonesian cuisines include some form of meat product, so if this isn’t part of your diet but would love to join in the hype of comforting Indonesian food then this is the place. This spot operates as a ‘self-service model’ with daily specials, so you can expect something different in some of their dishes.

Location(s) – Ubud & Uluwatu
Recommendations – Homemade kombucha, scrambled tofu, corn fritters
Why go – Super affordable

Near The Airport

Whether you’re wrapping up the end of your Bali trip or travelling from or to the South of Bali, you’ll be commuting very close to the airport. If you’d like a final taste of Indonesian cuisine, grab some coffee or take in your last moments of the Bali sun; they all can be found just around 20-30 minutes from the airport and affordable prices ranging from $10-$20 AUD.

1. Ikan Bakar Cianjur

If you want to reminisce about the last moments of your Bali trip, treat yourself to a well-known Indonesian restaurant chain just 15-20 minutes from the airport. This restaurant has the classics, and by that, we’re talking about nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles) and Gourami fish prepared in a range of sauces you can choose from. Don’t worry about not being able to get a seat, the restaurant is designed to welcome an influx of customers. Cool right?

Location(s) – Sunset Road
Recommendations – Grilled chicken, stir-fried pumpkin shoots & es campur (traditional shaved ice dessert)
Why go – Authentic flavours from around Indonesia

2. Tanamera coffee

A specialty coffee shop chain using Indonesian beans, perfect if you’re a sucker for good coffee! Looking for a go-to souvenir doesn’t have to end with a fridge magnet and with unique, rich flavour profiles and unique origins, this is your chance to shop for award-winning coffee beans for your friends and family back home. While you’re there, grab yourself a coffee before your flight or your adventures ahead.

Location(s) – Krisna Bypass
Recommendations – Americano, Hazelnut Coffee & Picollo
Why go – Get a taste of beans you most likely won’t find at home

3. Jimbaran Bay Seafood

Enjoy your moments under the Bali sun, sipping a local Bintang beer and fresh seafood located just 30 minutes away from the Bali International Airport. We recommend arriving just in time for lunch when they’re open. The bay is covered with local restaurants with beachfront views, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and smoky grilled dishes. It is often served with a range of spicy sambals (chilli sauce) to give the flavours an extra kick!

Location(s) – Menega Cafe
Recommendations – Grilled fish and prawns & deep-fried fish
Why go – Beach views and fresh seafood

The Takeaway

When in Bali, every meal is a taste of the culture and history of Bali and Indonesia as a whole. It’s all about discovering yourself somewhere else. Food is a huge part of travel, and if you’re travelling to Bali with One Life, you’re guaranteed to get a taste of local dishes in over 7 locations on tour in just 12 days. And if that’s not enough, pop in a few questions to your local guide for their personal food spot recommendations.