Nasi Goreng in Bali: Indonesia’s Iconic Fried Rice (& A National Dish!)

If there’s one dish travellers can’t miss in Bali, it’s nasi goreng. This isn’t just any fried rice, it’s Indonesia’s ultimate comfort food that’s loved by locals and travellers alike. Whether you’re exploring bustling beach towns or soaking up the peace in Ubud, chances are you’ll encounter the irresistible aroma of this national, nay, global favourite.

What is Nasi Goreng, player?

Nasi Goreng, which is simply ‘fried rice’ in Indonesian, is a flavourful dish built on humble beginnings. Unlike the typical fried rice one might find at home, the Balinese nasi goreng is all about bold flavours—think sweet, salty, and spicy—all coming together in every bite. This beloved food is enjoyed at any time of the day, from breakfast at a local warung to as a late-night snack after an evening out.

Visitors can get nasi goreng everywhere in Bali, right from street food carts to upscale restaurants and everything in between, making it the perfect introduction to the island’s vivid food scene.

All right, lay on some history of Nasi Goreng

It has roots stretching back centuries, developed to use up leftover rice and prevent waste, blending influences from Chinese fried rice and local Indonesian ingredients. The Dutch introduced meat into the dish while the Malay community added rempah—a spice mix made of turmeric, ginger, lemongrass and more. Over time, it became a staple throughout the archipelago and eventually one of Indonesia’s five national dishes.

Each region in Indonesia puts its own spin on Nasi Goreng. In Bali, epicurean holidaymakers will often find it cooked with local spices. Sometimes, it’s served with sambal matah—a fresh chili relish unique to the island of the Gods. Whether served at a simple roadside stall or a beachside restaurant, nasi goreng is always comforting and familiar.

Key ingredients of Balinese fried rice

The magic of Nasi Goreng lies in its ingredients and the way they’re combined. Here’s what a gastronomic globetrotter will typically find in a classic Balinese nasi goreng:

1. Steamed rice (best if it’s a day-old)
2. Kecap manis (a sweet soy sauce)
3. Garlic and shallots
4. Chili and sometimes, shrimp paste
5. Eggs (usually fried sunny side up and placed on top)
6. Braised skewers of protein like beef, chicken, prawns, or tofu
7. Crisp fried shallots for garnish
8. Fresh cucumber and tomato on the side
9. Prawn crackers for crunch

What makes it stand out is the sweet-salty flavour from kecap manis, a dash of heat from chilli, the comforting texture of fried rice with a perfectly runny egg, and the crunch of fried prawn crackers!

Safety Tip of the Day: Balinese dishes incorporate a whole lot of seafood, peanuts and eggs. Make sure you do not have allergies to the above ingredients before tucking into a steaming bowl of nasi goreng.  

The Experience of Eating Nasi Goreng in Bali

Ask any traveller who’s been to Bali and they’ll inform you that nasi goreng is more than just a meal—it’s the taste of the tropic in a bowl! Picture yourself sitting on a wooden stool at an intimate warung, surrounded by locals chatting away in the background, and the aroma of fresh eggs, kecap and sambal in the air. Then, your plate of steaming fried rice arrives with a side of crispy crackers. Or maybe you’re at a breezy beach cafe, toes in the sand, mouthwatering as you stuff bite after bite of hot, spicy and tangy nasi goreng (and pair it with a cold one).

For a truly local experience, head to popular spots like the night markets in Kuta or Seminyak, where the fried rice is cooked to order in woks over naked flames. Each cook adds their own flair to the dish. Some go heavy on the spice, others load it up with seafood or chicken.

A couple of legendary places which consistently get rave reviews from travellers:

1. Warung Murah, Seminyak: Great value and authentic taste
2. Nasi Pedas Ibu Andika, Kuta: Famous for spicy Nasi Goreng and late-night eats

But… no matter where you try it, the dish is always hot, satisfying, and uniquely Balinese.

Tip: Always make sure to have Nasi Goreng at clean and hygienic street-food stalls and restaurants. Why? Because of the curse of the Bali Belly. If you don’t know, you’ll want to read it. Those who’re familiar – welcome back to this page.

How to Make Nasi Goreng: A Simple Recipe

Now that you have had a (textual) taste of this iconic dish, want to try making nasi goreng at home? Here’s a quick and dirty version to get you started:

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
2. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
4. 2 shallots, thinly sliced
5. 1 small chili, sliced (optional)
6. 1 tablespoon kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
7. 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce
8. 2 eggs
9. 1/2 cup cooked beef/ chicken/ prawns/ tofu
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Fried shallots, cucumber, and tomato for garnish

Instructions:

1.  Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Add garlic, shallots, and chili; stir-fry until fragrant.
2.  Add chicken or prawns, if using, and cook until heated through.
3.  Push everything to one side, crack in an egg, and scramble.
4.  Add rice, break up any clumps, and toss everything together.
5.  Stir in kecap manis and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
6.  Serve hot, topped with fried shallots, fried egg, cucumber and tomato slices.

Where to Stay in Bali and Explore the Food Scene

Part of the fun of eating Nasi Goreng is discovering it in different corners of Bali. If you want to be in the heart of the action, Kuta and Seminyak are packed with cafes, night markets, and beachside warungs. For a quieter vibe with scenic rice fields and artisanal eateries, Ubud is the place to be. Jimbaran is another excellent spot if you love fresh seafood with your fried rice.

When planning your trip, consider booking a Bali travel package that includes stays at centrally located resorts or boutique hotels. Many packages offer experiences like local food tours, cooking classes, or breakfast buffets where you can sample Nasi Goreng prepared by talented Balinese chefs.

Ready to Taste Bali’s Best? Nasi Goreng is more than just a dish—it’s a Bali holiday experience you’ll remember long after your trip. If you’re thinking of sampling authentic Indonesian flavours, exploring vibrant markets, and relaxing at the island’s top resorts, check out our all-inclusive Bali holiday packages and save yourself more than just a pretty penny. Or, for itineraries and more, you can always speak with our friendly travel specialists at 1800 991 751.