Kimba's Living

If you’ve followed along on my travels for a while, you’ll know that food memories tend to anchor a trip for me. The flavours, the smells, the people around the table. They all become part of the story.

So yes, this list is completely self-proclaimed. No awards, no rankings, just the places that gave us genuinely unforgettable meals in Bali recently.

And what a week it was.

The first week of our trip was packed with laughter, long lunches, smoky grills, late dinners and “just one more bite” moments. Those memories now feel even more precious, especially since our trip took a little unexpected turn just before we flew home. Let’s just say, Bali kept things interesting until the very end. But we’ll save that story for another time.

For now, here are the spots that made this trip delicious.

A huge thank you to @ieatblog, @offthespork and @callumia for making it such a memorable adventure 🫶

1. Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen, Seminyak

Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen

Crispy skin. Juicy pork. Rice piled high with all the traditional sides. This was one of those meals where you go quiet because everyone is too busy eating. The crackling alone was worth the trip.

2. Wahaha Pork Ribs, Seminyak

Wahaha Pork Ribs

Sticky, saucy, fall-off-the-bone ribs. The kind where you absolutely need extra napkins. But the REAL star of this place was the PORK KNUCKLE. Crispy skin, tender meat that fell right off the bone. Served whole, and freshly sliced by a staff member right in front of our eyes – a mini show on its own haha.

3. Bakmi & Bubur Ayam Djie Tjap, Seminyak

Bakmi & Bubur Ayam Djie Tjap

Comfort food at its finest. Slurp-worthy noodles and warm bowls of bubur ayam (chicken congee) that felt simple and satisfying. The kind of meal you crave again the next day.. and yes, we ordered again the very next day.. and again on our last night there.

4. Warung Nia, Seminyak

Warung Nia

Famous for their satay and cooking classes, and for good reason. The grilled skewers were packed with flavour and that courtyard atmosphere made the whole experience feel authentically Balinese.

5. Bale Udang Mang Engking, Kuta

Bale Udang Mang Engking

Dining in little bamboo huts over the water is such a vibe. Fresh seafood, big family-style dishes and that relaxed holiday pace where no one is watching the clock.

6. Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (3), Ubud

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka

Another babi guling stop, because when in Bali, you commit. Different style, equally delicious. Ubud always feels a little slower, a little greener, and this meal fit right in.

7. Naughty Nuri’s Warung, Seminyak

Naughty Nuri’s Warung

Iconic. Loud. Fun. The ribs and martinis have a reputation and they absolutely delivered. It felt like one big table of happy travellers and locals all together.

8. Menega Café, Jimbaran

Menega Café

Seafood on the sand at sunset. That’s it. That’s the magic. Grilled fish, prawns, squid, the ocean breeze and pink skies. One of those dinners you don’t rush.

9. D’Pondok Warung, Tegallalang

D’Pondok Warung

Views over the rice terraces that almost steal the show. Almost. The food was beautifully cooked and full of flavour, but honestly, that backdrop made everything taste even better.

10. FINNS Beach Club, Canggu

FINNS Beach Club

Big energy. Beachfront views. Music, sun, cocktails and that classic Canggu buzz. A fun contrast to the quieter warung meals earlier in the week. Most surprisingly, the FOOD we ordered while we were partying here were actually really good! Hence FINNS made it to this list.

11. Made’s Warung, Seminyak

Made’s Warung

A Bali institution. Traditional dishes, lively atmosphere and a menu that lets you try a bit of everything. A fitting way to round out a week of incredible eating.

---

Looking back, it wasn’t just the food. It was the conversations across the table, the heat of the grill, the sound of scooters outside, the shared plates and the laughter.

Even though our trip had a slight twist at the end, these meals will always be part of the story. And if you’re heading to Bali anytime soon, consider this your very unofficial, very enthusiastic food list.

If you’ve been to Bali recently, tell me where we should eat next time. Because let’s be honest, there will definitely be a next time.