BALI, INDONESIA: Babi Guling used to be a festive dish you can now commonly find around Bali. It is a whole suckling pig seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Slow-roasted to perfection, the pig's skin becomes crispy, while the meat inside remains tender and flavorful. Served with an array of delectable side dishes, Babi Guling is the dish that represents the Balinese culture.
Here are our top 3 picks for Babi Guling in Bali
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka
This is where it all got started. Ever since we started to come to Bali 20 years ago, we always made a trip to Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka. It is the only version of Bali Guling we knew for the longest time. Bali Guling is usually served as Nasi Campur, which is local mixed rice, where you have a bit of everything. In the mixed rice plate, you will get some lean meat, something deep-fried, some offal, some lawar and topped with our favourite crispy pork skin.
At Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka, we find that it has the most flavourful crispy skin. It is also the only place we know that serves blood sausage. And finally, lean meat is in slices. Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka is top on our list even after we have tried so many other warung. The location is the only negative. They have 3 branches now and they are all located around Ubud area, which is not the best place to be because of the traffic.
Addresses:
Jl. Suweta No.1, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Jl. Raya Mas No.191, MAS, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Jl. Tegal Sari No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Babi Guling Karya Rebo
Babi Guling Karya Rebo will be the best place to try Babi Guling in Denpasar area as it is near the airport. It is very popular with Indonesians from all over the country and tourists alike. This warung has a capacity of about 30 pax and it seems to be very busy all the time. Queue forms up very quickly. You have to place your order at the counter and they will serve the food to you.
The Nasi Campur set comes with a sweet sate and also pork crackling. The lean pork is chopped up and mixed in their house-made spice mix. This mixed rice set comes with a small bowl of delicious pork soup. At Babi Guling Karya Rebo, you can also buy packets of pork crackling which make perfect gifts for family and friends.
Address: Jl. Toyaning No.1, Kedonganan, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi
Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi is located in Nusa Dua and is probably the most popular warung for Bali Guling in the area. What started out as a small place with a few seating in front has extended to a big area at the back. During the busy hours, you can see cars parked at the side of the road causing a bad jam. It is a challenge to find a parking spot if you are driving there.
In our opinion, Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi serves the spiciest Bali Guling of the three. It is also the most rustic of them all. However, we do see the change to cater for more tourists as its popularity rises. We love the babi guling here and the reasons for ranking them 3rd is that the skin is not as flavourful as the rest and it can be too spicy.
Address: Jl. Srikandi No.9, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
