Bali is a food lover’s paradise, where top chefs from around the world mix with traditional Balinese flavours. Families with kids can enjoy the best of both worlds—tasty local dishes that adults will love, and kid-friendly meals that keep the little ones happy.
From street-side warungs dishing out traditional favourites to elegant fine dining restaurants blending local ingredients with global flair, there’s something for every taste bud and every family member.
Whether you’re travelling with picky eaters, mini foodies, or just want to experience authentic Balinese cuisine, here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the flavours of Bali.
First, let’s dive into the must-try local dishes and where to find them!
Traditional Balinese Dishes Your Family Will Love
The first step to enjoying Bali’s culinary scene is to get acquainted with its most iconic dishes. You can’t visit Bali without trying these four local all-stars:
Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)
This one’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Think of it as Indonesia’s take on fried rice, often topped with a fried egg and accompanied by satay (grilled meat skewers) or a side of crispy shrimp crackers. It’s mildly spiced, so even the littlest ones can dig in. You’ll find this dish at just about every restaurant or roadside stall.
Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
Babi Guling is the star of many local celebrations and a must-try for meat lovers. Slow-roasted over a wood fire, the pork is juicy, tender, and seasoned with a delicious mix of herbs and spices. Some restaurants serve family-sized portions, so gather around and enjoy it together! For the best Babi Guling, head to Ibu Oka in Ubud – it’s legendary.
Sate Lilit
Forget what you know about satay! In Bali, the meat (usually chicken, pork, or fish) is minced, mixed with coconut and spices, and then wrapped around lemongrass sticks before grilling. The result? Smoky, fragrant, and slightly sweet. It’s usually served with rice, making it an easy and filling meal for kids.
Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)
If your kids love pasta or noodles, Mie Goreng will be their go-to. Similar to Nasi Goreng but with noodles, this stir-fried dish is often served with veggies, chicken, or shrimp, making it a simple yet flavorful meal for the whole family.
Family-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Bali
When you’re travelling with the whole crew, finding Bali family restaurants that cater to both kids and adults can be tricky. But don’t worry, the island’s restaurant scene is filled with options that combine a relaxed atmosphere with great food and kid-friendly menus. Here are our top 3 picks:
Milk & Madu (Canggu): Known for its laid-back vibe, this is a great spot to stop by for breakfast or lunch. With plenty of healthy options like smoothie bowls, salads, and wood-fired pizzas, it’s perfect for families who want something fresh. There’s even a playground on-site to keep the little ones busy while you enjoy a cappuccino!
Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Check out our family-friendly villas in Canggu.
Made’s Warung (Seminyak): A Bali classic, Made’s Warung has been around for decades, serving up a mix of traditional Balinese dishes alongside Western favorites. The menu is so varied that even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Plus, the live Balinese dance performances will keep everyone entertained! Made’s has several locations, but the legendary Seminyak joglo is our favourite, and the one most visited by Indonesian celebrities!
Explore our handpicked Seminyak villas for a relaxing stay close to this Bali icon.
The Cashew Tree (Uluwatu): Just a stone’s throw from the cliff top of Bingin, The Cashew Tree has a great kids play area and pavilion! Here the little ones can run amok and explore the gated kids playground! This cute café also covers everything from yoga sessions in the garden and live acoustic gigs, of course, a fully stacked café style menu. Fresh, healthy and organic, there’s something for all the family at this little bohemian gem.
Staying nearby? Browse our stunning Uluwatu villas for the perfect family escape.
Bali Street Food Adventures: Simple, Delicious, and Worth the Try
For you foodies who love a bit of adventure, Bali’s street food scene offers some tasty options, though it’s always good to be cautious with where you eat. While many travellers opt to stick to restaurants, if you’re feeling curious and see these names on the carts, here’s a quick breakdown so you’ll know what you’re looking at:
Martabak: Think of it like a supercharged pancake. Martabak is a popular street food, often stuffed with indulgent fillings like chocolate, cheese, and nuts. It’s a sweet, rich treat that both kids and adults will love – perfect for dessert!
Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana): These lightly battered and golden-fried bananas make a tasty snack or quick dessert. Sometimes drizzled with palm sugar syrup, Pisang Goreng is a simple introduction to Balinese sweets and a big hit with kids.
Bakso (Meatball Soup): This comforting dish consists of a light broth filled with meatballs, noodles, and veggies. It’s often sold from mobile carts, and while it looks basic, the flavors are rich and satisfying.
If you’re ever tempted to try Bali street food don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation from our villa staff!
For family restaurants and cafes in Bali we have so many places you will love. You can also enjoy gelato, Italian, japanese or mexican food on holiday too – Bali has it all! Visitors to Bali love the famous Acai or smoothie bowls and it’s hard to go past a fresh whole coconut or ‘Kelapa Muda’ at the beach. Eating out in Bali is such a fun part of your Bali Family Holiday! Enjoy!
Before we finish, there’s one Bali culinary experience you simply can’t miss — a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach.
As the sun sets, you’ll be seated right on the sand, with tables and chairs set up just steps from the water. The seafood is as fresh as it gets, with fish caught that very morning from the bay in front of you, grilled to perfection and served with traditional Balinese sides. It’s truly a memorable dining experience that everyone will rave about long after the plates are cleared.
If this sounds like a must-do on your Bali food journey, check out our family-friendly villas in Jimbaran for the perfect base near this unforgettable dining spot.
Bali’s food scene is as diverse as the island itself, with a little something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual local snack or traditional Balinese dinners, you’ll find endless options to please your family’s taste buds. Happy eating, and enjoy your Bali food adventure!
We’ve been in Bali for a long time and genuinely want families to have the best time of their lives on this beautiful island. For more tips on traveling with kids and finding the perfect family-friendly villa, check out our Bali Family Guide and explore our range of villas that are just waiting to welcome your family to paradise.
Ready to taste the best of Bali? Book a family-friendly villa with us and get exclusive recommendations on the top family restaurants!