The gastronomy in Bali is mostly Indonesian with influences from both China and India, making dishes that are rich in flavour, spices and colour. This unique cuisine uses mainly fresh vegetables, meat, fish and plenty of spices and herbs. As rice is grown on the island, it features heavily in lots of different recipes and is often combined with pork or chicken, however as Bali is a Hindu island, beef is never or rarely eaten.
You can even choose to have your own chef in your luxury villa who can cook delicious Balinese food for you to suit your own preferences. Listed below are some Balinese specialities that you must try when you visit the island:
> Iga Babi - Balinese style pork ribs
> Sate Lilit - spiced mince meat on a stick
> Nasi Goreng - fried rice mixed with meat, spices and vegetables
> Terang Bulan - a thick pancake dessert with different sweet and savoury fillings
> Babi guling - roasted suckling pig - this dish is famous in Bali and must be tried
> Brem - Balinese rice wine
> Lawar - mix of vegetables, minced meat, herbs and spices
> Ikan Bakar - grilled fish
> Bubur Mengguh - porridge topped with a liquid made of shredded chicken, celery, roasted peanuts, and spices
> Nasi Jinggo - rice, vegetables and a side dish of your choice wrapped in a banana leaf
> Urab - traditional vegetable salad with a coconut dressing
> Sambal Matah - Balinese hot sauce which gives a fresh sensation
Ingredients:
2 tbsp sunflower oil
2 large beaten eggs
3 shallots, sliced into thin rings
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp nasi goreng paste
1 sliced large skinless chicken breast
250g basmati rice
100g frozen peas
Coriander leaves for serving
Method:
1. Heat the oil in a large wok and fry the shallots until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from wok and season with salt and leave to drain. Season the eggs with 1 tsp of the soy sauce and add some black pepper for flavour.
2. Wipe out the wok and then add the eggs to make a thin omelette layer, cook until set and remove. Roll up and slice.
3. Add the paste to the wok, add the chicken slices and cook through. Add in the rice and the rest of the soy sauce, mixing well to coat all the rice. Heat until piping hot. Add the omelette and the frozen peas until cooked. Top with the shallots and coriander and serve.