Big breakfasts are an integral part of Indonesian culture. Here, locals would eat full meals to start the day, often having dishes that are also commonly consumed for lunch or dinner. Carbohydrates, particularly rice, are an essential ingredient, so much so that many Indonesians don’t consider they’ve had a meal until they’ve eaten rice.
Breakfast in Bali is a similarly heavy-mealed affair. You can find typical Balinese breakfast dishes in warungs, traditional markets, and even street vendors. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local life, start your day like the Balinese would with these breakfast items.
Bubur mengguh
Bubur, or congee, is a popular breakfast food in Indonesia. In Bali in particular, the traditional bubur mengguh is eaten in the morning.
This rice porridge originated from the Teja Kula village in North Bali. It’s served with a yellow chicken broth made with a blend of spices, adding a richness to the otherwise typical congee found elsewhere in Indonesia. Toppings for this breakfast include shredded chicken and a side of urap, a Balinese salad dish.
Bubur beras merah
When you’re looking for breakfast in Bali, you may come across bubur beras merah. This is a congee made of brown rice. Just like bubur mengguh, it is served with the same yellow broth. However, the toppings may differ.
Bubur beras merah is often served with chicken feet, eggs, shredded chicken, urap, chillies, and pepes, a dish consisting of fish or chicken steamed in banana leaves.
Nasi jinggo
For a highly affordable breakfast in Bali, try nasi jinggo. Costing only 5,000 to 15,000 Rupiahs, this breakfast item is known for its small portion, so it’s common to have seconds or thirds if you want to fill up.
A portion of nasi jinggo contains rice with a variety of sides. Common side dishes include shredded chicken, spicy tempeh, shredded coconut, and eggs. You can find this breakfast staple at warungs and street vendors.
Tipat kuah
If you’re looking for a warm, hearty breakfast, go for the tipat kuah. Directly translating to “rice cake broth,” tipat kuah consists of rice cakes and vegetables in a tasty yellow broth.
Vegetables inside a typical tipat kuah include long beans, beansprouts, urap, and lawar which is another traditional Balinese salad. This dish is vegetarian-friendly but may also contain boiled eggs depending on the vendor.
Jaje Bali
If heavy meals in the morning aren’t for you, the traditional markets are teeming with jaje Bali or Balinese snacks. These are for the sweet-toothed out there looking for breakfast in Bali. There are many snacks you can have in the morning, but the following are some of the more popular ones, best served with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Pisang rai
This is a sweet steamed banana topped with a sticky brown sugar sauce and shredded fresh coconut.
Klepon Gianyar
The common klepon is a chewy snack originating in Java, normally made of a mixture of sticky rice flour rolled up in a ball, with a piece of Javanese palm sugar in the centre. It is then dusted with shredded coconuts.
In Bali’s Gianyar region, klepon is made slightly differently. Instead of a solid piece of palm sugar, klepon Gianyar has a melted palm sugar centre, adding a nice and velvety texture to each bite.
Laklak
Laklak is the Balinese equivalent of pancakes for breakfast. These are small pancakes made of rice flour, water, coconut milk, suji leaf water, and brown sugar. The batter is then cooked in a special mould that ensures a consistent size and shape.
Unlike pancakes in other part of the world, laklak ditches the maple syrup and sprinkles. It is topped with a generous amount of grated coconut and is best served warm.
Bubur sumsum
Although the name of this dish directly translates to “bone marrow porridge,” it actually involves neither of these ingredients. Bubur sumsum is normally served as a dessert but is also a popular choice for breakfast in Bali. Its name is a reference to its bone white appearance.
This sweet treat is made of rice flour cooked in coconut milk until it forms a silky, pudding-like texture. It’s then drizzled with a palm sugar syrup. Bubur sumsum is often accompanied by small rice dumplings or black sticky rice.
Other breakfasts in Bali
Not feeling like having a local breakfast? Bali’s tourist spots are lined with a variety of cafes and restaurants serving more common breakfast items. If your idea of breakfast in Bali is something along the lines of waffles, smoothie bowls, or avocado toast, you’ll find plenty of options in the main roads of Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.
After a hearty breakfast, make your way to the Petitenget area for a fine dining experience at Merah Putih restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner services, this luxury Indonesian restaurant offers classic Balinese and Indonesian recipes with a modern twist. Enjoy a taste of local cuisine paired with a selection of international wines and signature cocktails.
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FAQ
In Bali in particular, the traditional bubur mengguh is eaten in the morning. This rice porridge originated from the Teja Kula village in North Bali. It’s served with a yellow chicken broth made with a blend of spices, adding a richness to the otherwise typical congee found elsewhere in Indonesia. Toppings for this breakfast include shredded chicken and a side of urap, a Balinese salad dish.
A local Balinese breakfast can be found at warungs, street vendors, or the traditional markets. Breakfast here will set you back anywhere between 5,000 to 30,000 Rupiahs. However, if you’re starting your morning at a restaurant or café, expect to pay anywhere between 50,000 to 200,000 Rupiahs.
You can find typical Balinese breakfast dishes in warungs, traditional markets, and even street vendors. However, if your idea of breakfast in Bali is something along the lines of waffles, smoothie bowls, or avocado toast, you’ll find plenty of options in the main roads of Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.
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