The tropical island of Bali is a paradise destination that draws visitors from around the world. With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, it’s easy to see why Bali has become so popular. However, one thing that gives travelers pause is the cost – can they experience Bali’s cuisine without breaking the bank? The good news is that dining in Bali can be very affordable, especially if you know where to go. This article will break down the average costs of food in Bali and provide tips for eating well on a budget.
The Average Cost of Meals in Bali
Food prices in Bali can vary greatly depending on where you eat. Here are some general averages for a meal:
- Street food or local warungs: 25,000 – 50,000 IDR ($1.75 – $3.50 USD)
- Local cafes and restaurants: 50,000 – 100,000 IDR ($3.50 – $7 USD)
- Mid-range restaurants: 100,000 – 300,000 IDR ($7 – $21 USD)
- Fine dining restaurants: 300,000 IDR ($21 USD) or more per person
As you can see, dining on the cheap is very doable in Bali! Even at local restaurants, a complete meal with an appetizer, entree and drink can cost well under $10 per person. For budget-conscious travelers and backpackers, sticking primarily to street food and warungs is the way to go.
Eat Like a Local
One of the best ways to save money in Bali is to eat like the locals do. Head to the traditional street food stalls known as warungs and try the authentic Balinese cuisine. Here are some tips for eating local in Bali:
- Look for small warungs along the main streets, especially in local neighborhoods outside the main tourist areas, like Ubud or Canggu.
- Ask for the daily specials, usually displayed up front. The nasi campur (mixed rice) is a filling meal for under $2.
- Pick local restaurants where the menus are only in Bahasa Indonesian. Avoid places with “tourist menus” in multiple languages.
- Try snacks like fried bananas, boiled peanuts, or fresh coconuts that cost just a few thousand rupiah.
- Shop at local markets and cook yourself to get the best prices on fresh ingredients.
- Always ask for a local price since many vendors jack up costs for tourists. Negotiate respectfully for a fair deal.
By eating where the locals eat, sticking to local cuisine, and speaking Bahasa Indonesia when possible, you’ll find the cheapest and most authentic dining options. Learn more about the rich culture of Bali.
Affordable Local Cuisine to Try
Balinese cuisine is just as diverse and exciting as the culture. Here are some top local dishes you can sample for cheap when dining like a local:
- Nasi goreng: Fried rice with chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and a fried egg on top.
- Mie goreng: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, chicken or shrimp, and signature sweet soy sauce.
- Nasi campur: Mixed rice dish with meats, vegetables, peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg.
- Satay: Skewers of chicken, pork, fish, beef, or tofu served with peanut sauce.
- Soto ayam: Chicken soup with rice noodles, shredded chicken, and spicy sambal sauce.
- Gado-gado: Assorted blanched vegetables served with tempeh and peanut sauce.
- Bakso: Beef and chicken meatballs in broth with noodles and greens.
- Rujak: Spicy fruit salad coated in a sweet, spicy, and salty peanut dressing.
- Es kelapa muda: Young coconut juice, served chilled right in the shell with a straw.
From quick stir-fries and noodle bowls to satays and soups, these classic Balinese dishes will only cost $2-5 at local warungs or cafes. Be sure to say “makasih” (thank you) when you pay – it will be appreciated!
Save on Accommodations
Lodging is often one of the biggest expenses in Bali. Luckily, there are affordable alternatives to pricey beach resorts if you’re on a tight budget.
- Consider homestays run by local families for an authentic experience. Private rooms with fan start around 100,000 IDR ($7 USD).
- Guest houses and backpacker hostels in central locations offer dorms from just 50,000 IDR ($3.50 USD) per night.
- Look for deals on Airbnbs outside of busy tourist hubs, where rates can be half the price.
- Use Agoda or Booking.com to find discounted hotels, and filter by price.
- Travel in the low season (April-June) when hotels drop rates by 20-50%.
- Negotiate long-term discounts on room rates if you plan to stay over two weeks.
With some flexibility and research, you can find pleasant lodging for under $30 USD a night in Bali. That leaves you with more in your budget for delicious and affordable Balinese cuisine.
Getting Around Bali on a Budget
Transportation costs quickly add up when island hopping in Bali. Here are some money-saving tips:
- Rent a motorbike for 60,000-80,000 IDR ($4-6 USD) per day to explore at your own pace. Just be wary of heavy traffic.
- Take public minibuses between towns for less than $5 USD per 2-3 hour trip.
- Use ride sharing apps like GoJek for cheap rides and food delivery around town.
- Book tour packages that cover entrance fees, guides, and transport in one price.
- Haggle respectfully with taxi and private driver rates – deals can always be found.
- Travel light so you don’t pay extra baggage fees on flights or ferries between the islands.
With good planning, you can navigate Bali for just a few dollars a day. That frees up your budget for savoring delicious Balinese dishes at local eateries. For more tips, check out before you go to Bali.
Dining Options for Every Budget
From cheap street eats to upscale restaurants, Bali offers dining options to meet any budget or craving:
Budget Dining Under $10 Per Meal
- Street food warungs: Satay, nasi goreng, mie ayam, snacks
- Local cafes: Rice and noodle dishes, soups, sandwiches
- Night markets: Savory pancakes, grilled seafood skewers, sate lilit
- Roadside stalls: Fresh juices, coconuts, bakso meatball soup, fried treats
Mid-Range Dining $10 – $25 Per Meal
- Family restaurants: Tasty rendang, gado-gado, seafood grills, mixed rice plates
- Beachside cafes: Grilled fish, nasi campur, fresh seafood, Indonesian classics
- Dining spots in Seminyak: Excellent local cuisine in a tourist center, with higher prices
Higher-End Dining $25+ Per Meal
- Fine-dining Indonesian: Degustation menus at restaurants like Mozaic, Locavore, and Room4Dessert
- International cuisine: Italian, Mexican, French, Japanese and more in upscale restaurants
- Rooftop settings: Dramatic views with themed menus, cocktails, and elegant dishes
- Cooking classes: Learn to make Balinese classics like satay, lawar, urap, and sambal
From simple street eats to world-class culinary experiences, savoring Balinese cuisine can be affordable at any budget.
Tips for Saving Money on Dining
With some planning and research, you can discover the exciting flavors of Balinese food without draining your wallet. Here are some key tips:
- Stick to local warungs and avoid tourist-oriented restaurants with inflated prices.
- Shop at local markets and cook yourself when possible.
- Order vegetarian versions of dishes, which are often cheaper.
- Share dishes family-style to sample more items for less.
- Eat your biggest meal earlier when lunch sets are cheaper.
- Skip alcohol which is relatively pricey; opt for local juices instead.
- Load up on cheap snacks like fresh tropical fruit from roadside vendors.
- Get food to go rather than dining in to save on service charges.
- Negotiate prices respectfully when possible.
- Use ride sharing apps to access cheaper eateries away from prime tourist zones.
By applying these budget tips during your trip, you can feast on Bali’s amazing local cuisine without overspending. The flavors of the island are well within reach.
Enjoy an Affordable Foodie Adventure in Bali
A vacation in Bali doesn’t have to break the bank. With its incredible scenery, welcoming culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, this exotic island offers tremendous value for budget-minded travelers. By eating like the locals, choosing affordable accommodations, and using transportation wisely, you can experience Bali’s vibrant food scene on the cheap.
So gather your sense of adventure, do some planning, and get ready to savor flavorful local cuisine as the Balinese do – all without draining your wallet. With its warungs brimming with savory nasi goreng, fragrant babi guling, and freshly grilled seafood, Bali is a magnificent place to eat well for less. Open your mind, fill up your stomach, and let this magical island nourish your spirit.