There is a specific kind of hunger that only comes after spending two hours surfing in Bali. You know that hunger where your arms feel like noodles, your skin tingles from the salt, and your stomach is asking to be refueled.
If you plan to learn how to surf in Bali, you’ve already made the best decision of your life. Between the amazing beginner surf spots in Bali, the interesting history and the legendary hospitality, this island is a dream. But while the waves are the main event, the food is the ultimate supporting act. The Balinese kitchen is a vibrant explosion of different spices and flavors. Perfect for energizing after you catch your first wave.
At our Surf School In Bali, we believe that a great surf trip isn’t just about the time spent on the board, it’s also about the culture you soak up between those sessions. So, grab a cold Bintang and let’s get to know the 10 local dishes that will power your paddling!
Before we dive into the delicious world of the Indonesian kitchen, let’s talk about the people and their traditions. Food is so much more than just refueling, it’s a spiritual and communal experience that brings everyone together. You’ll hear the phrase “Selamat Makan” (Enjoy your meal!) everywhere you go. Prepare your taste buds, because Balinese dining is all about connection. When you’re hanging at a local warung after your surf lessons, remember the golden rule: try to use your right hand for eating or passing dishes, as it’s the local way to show respect. A spoon is generally only used to eat the more soupy dishes.
Balinese people value hospitality and warmth, often welcoming guests with a generous spread of food. And sharing a big post-surf meal is where the best stories happen and where you truly enjoy the island’s soul during your learn how to surf journey.
You honestly can’t say you’ve been to Indo or Bali without diving into a plate of Nasi Goreng! This savory fried rice is the national dish of Indonesia. Usually topped with a fried egg and served with a side of crunchy krupuk (crackers) and pickled vegetables, it’s the ultimate reliable meal. Surfers eat this for breakfast to fuel their morning surf or as a lunch between sessions. It’s healthy comfort food for beginners, pros and local surfers in Bali. So ‘rice’ and shine with Nasi Goreng, Bali’s answer to each surf session!
This is a tropical dream in a bowl and a traditional Balinese favorite for breakfast or sweet treat. Made from nutty black rice and creamy coconut milk, it provides a slow release of energy that helps with your paddling, turning and balance on those waves. Because it’s easy on the stomach, it’s the perfect breakfast to eat an hour before you head out to catch your first wave. It keeps you feeling light but energized as you learn all the basics of surfing.
A typical festive Indonesian dish is Nasi Kuning, also typically eaten during special occasions like celebrations, and festive events to symbolize good fortune, wealth, and gratitude. The rice gets its vibrant color from turmeric, which is famously a natural anti-inflammatory. This meal is the perfect pre-surf or recovery food for a beginner after a long day of paddling. It is usually served in a festive cone shape with small sides like shredded omelet and tempeh. It’s a great way to kickstart your metabolism and build confidence before hitting the water for your morning lessons.
If you’re looking for the ultimate “hug in a bowl” after a long surf session, Soto Ayam is the answer. This is a classic Indonesian yellow chicken soup, packed with shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles, boiled eggs, and topped with crispy fried shallots. The broth is created with turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass, which is incredible for warming up your core after spending hours in the water.
Many surfers find this one of the best meals for building confidence when you’re feeling a bit tired. It’s light enough that it won’t weigh you down for your next round of popping up, but nourishing enough to keep you going. Squeeze in some fresh lime, add some sambal and rice to really kickstart your senses before you grab your surfboard and head back out into the lineup!
When lunch arrives (usually between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM), the smell of grilled treats starts drifting from the local warungs. It’s the perfect time to paddle back to the shore for a delicious meal. Sate Lilit is a uniquely Balinese twist on satay. A lunchtime icon, minced pork, seafood or chicken wrapped around bamboo or lemongrass sticks and grilled to perfection.
To eat like a true local, try it with Urutan (spicy Balinese pork sausage) and Lawar (a delicious mix of meat and coconut). It’s a shared, delicious experience that helps you prepare for your next session. This light yet filling meal full of protein gives you the power on the waves without feeling weighed down on your surfboard.
If you’re ready to try a little bit of everything, you should try Nasi Campur. There’s no better (or more delicious) way to refuel after learning how to surf. You get a scoop of rice surrounded by a variety of local meats and veggies, so you never have to choose just one flavor. And you can get as many as you like! It’s the ultimate fuel to help you prepare for your second session in the water, or the rest of your day exploring Bali.
And don’t miss out on two absolute winners to add to your plate: Tempe Goreng and Tahu Isi (stuffed tofu). These are perfect for vegetarians and, honestly, everyone else too!
Gado-Gado is sold in almost all corners of Bali. From restaurants to small warungs providing gado-gado as a popular folk meal. The name itself literally means mix-mix, coming from the word menggado, which means to eat something without rice. Which perfectly describes this fresh Indonesian salad of tofu, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs, all drenched in a rich, velvety peanut sauce. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and clean meal to keep your energy high, Gado-Gado is your best friend. No matter which of the seasons in Bali you decide to visit us.
Babi Guling, probably one of the island’s most legendary dishes. It’s a spit-roasted pig stuffed with a secret spice paste and cooked until the skin is impossibly crispy. It usually comes with Jukut Arap (mixed vegetables with coconut), spicy Sate Lilit, and don’t forget the Sambal Matah on the side for that extra kick! It’s a total celebration meal, best shared with your new friends from the lineup after a day of scoring waves. Pro tip: get to the warung early, because the locals know exactly when the best cuts are ready and it usually sells out pretty quick!
If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet treat after your session in salty water, Klepon is it! You can find these typical Indonesian, vibrant gems sold everywhere, from street stalls to temple markets. These little green rice balls are made from glutinous rice flour with pandan, giving them that tropical green color. Each one is rolled in freshly grated coconut and hides a delicious secret: a center of melted liquid palm sugar.
The best way to eat these? All at once, if you try to take a small bite, that liquid gold center will spray everywhere! They provide just the right sugar hit to keep you ready before you grab your surfboard for one last sunset float
Simple, golden, and crazy addictive. These Indonesian crispy fried bananas are sold on every corner and are the ultimate surfer’s reward. They give you that quick sugar hit to replenish your vibes after a sunset surf session. You can simply eat them on their own or elevate them with a drizzle of honey, powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There’s nothing better than eating these while watching the last few surfers catch their final rides of the day. Looking for another sweet treat? No worries. Bali has many!
Are those pre-surf butterflies starting to flutter? Totally normal! Every pro out there felt that same feeling of excitement before they learned how to surf. At our Surf School In Bali, we’re here to make sure you have the time of your life while staying safe and stoked. And if you want to bring that island magic home, there are tons of local cooking classes where you can dive into a culinary adventure and learn the secrets of Balinese spices!
Ready to trade the daily grind for the ride of your life? Book your surf lessons and let’s explore Bali and its waves together!
