Babi guling (translated to "suckling pig") in English, sometimes shortened by the locals to "bab gul" or "be guling" is an endemic food on the island of Bali.
They are made from female or male piglets whose stomachs are filled with spices and vegetables such as cassava leaves and then roasted while being rotated (rolled) until cooked, marked by a change in skin color to brown and crispy.
Initially, suckling pigs were used for serving at ceremonies, both traditional ceremonies and religious ceremonies, but now suckling pigs have been sold as a dish in stalls , restaurants , and even certain hotels in Bali.
How is babi guling served ?
Babi guling is most often served accompanied with rice, vegetables and other parts of the pork prepared in different ways. While every restaurant has its signature and favorite side dish, the core remains the babi guling meat along with a piece of skin (the most prized piece on the plate).
The dish itself is referred as "nasi babi guling" or "suckling pig rice" in English.
Among the vegetarian side dishes you will commonly find:
- Lawar which is a mixture of spices, vegetables and coconut - all finely chopped
- Boiled / seasoned cassava leaves
- Boiled / seasoned water spinach
When it comes to meat, in addition to the suckling pig meat & skin you, restaurants often also serve:
- Urutan - which is a Balinese pork sausage flavoured with local spices
- Fried off cuts such as lungs and intestins
- Pork skin crackers, otherwise known as "kerupuk kulit"
- Skewered and flavored small meat chunks known as "sate". Or grilled minced meat on a stick known as "sate lilit"
Lastly, the dish is often accompanied by a soup called "kuah balung". It is a clear meat / veggies based soup using mostly the bones, feet and joints of the pig intensely flavored with Balinese spices.
It is good to note that babi guling restaurants most often only serve babi guling and their side dishes, you will rarely find other dishes on the menu of those establishments.
A typical serving of babi gulin ranges between 15.000IDR and 50.000IDR (1USD to 3.20USD). Depending on the size of the portion and how much side dishes you get. Restaurants will most often offer 2,3 or 4 different package options ranging in price and size.
Our favorite babi guling locations
You’ve likely heard of popular spots like 'Pak Malen' or 'Jero Kawan.' While these well-known establishments can charge premium prices due to their fame, we’re excited to introduce you to lesser-known, more affordable options that offer an equally authentic experience without the touristy hype.
Canggu
- Babi Guling Men Lari 📍 - one of the crowd favorite in Canggu, it might come as a bit on the spicy side to the western palate.
- Babi Guling Men Agus 📍 - located only a few hundred meters from Men Lari, Men Agus is a great option if you are looking for a non-spicy babi guling.
Seminyak / Kerobokan
- Warung babi guling sarinadi 📍 - authentic taste with a lot of different meat based side dishes - a sure value for a babi guling.
Kuta / Legian
- Babi Guling Gianyar 📍 - very generous portion in an old authentic shop. It might be off-putting to westeners at first, this is the definition of eating like a local.
- Warung Babi Guling Bu Dayu Kencani 📍 - a very popular spot also serving a few other pork dishes.
Denpasar
If you are willing to venture yourself into Bali's capital Denpasar, here is a couple of recommendations for you:
- Babi Guling RBG 📍 - nested inside the owner's home in a back alley, a very affordable and traditional babi guling is served there.
- Babi Guling Golden 📍 - a more recent location, and slightly more expensive than average, famous for serving a babi guling wrapped in gold leaves.
Balinese food is a true celebration of flavor, culture, and tradition. We have more exciting articles coming your way, covering everything from iconic dishes to lesser-known local favorites so stay tuned!
