10 Lists of the Local Cuisine to Try in Ubud

10 Lists of the Local Cuisine to Try in Ubud – When people talk about Ubud, rice terraces, art markets, yoga retreats, and a touch of spiritual energy in the air are frequently mentioned. But for us, one of the best highlights is definitely the local cuisine to try in Ubud. 

Shrida Ubud is a loving little restaurant with a beautiful setting that welcomes locals and tourists alike to experience the real flavors of Ubud. We took the chance to explore the rich culinary heritage of Ubud with a special focus on Shrida’s menu. So, here it is: our list of the top 10 local dishes in Ubud, with some absolute favorites from Shrida Ubud put into the spotlight.

1. Ayam Betutu

Ayam Betutu is a true Balinese legend. It’s a whole chicken marinated in a rich blend of spices—think turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, garlic—then slow-cooked until every bite is infused with flavor. We tried it at Shrida Ubud, and it was fall-off-the-bone tender with just the right amount of heat. Definitely not something you want to rush through. It’s a dish made with patience and love.

2. Beef Rendang

Okay, technically Rendang hails from West Sumatra, but it’s so beloved across Indonesia that you’ll find it everywhere—including Ubud. The Beef Rendang at Shrida is spicy, deeply savory, and absolutely melts in your mouth. It’s slow-cooked for hours in coconut milk and spices until the sauce thickens and hugs each bite of beef. We couldn’t stop spooning it over warm rice.

3. Ikan Bakar

If you’re into grilled seafood, Ikan Bakar is a must. It’s grilled fish, usually marinated in a tangy-sweet-spicy sauce before hitting the coals. The smoky char and the zesty sambal on the side make it a true Balinese feast. It’s especially perfect for a relaxed dinner after a long day of temple-hopping or walking through the monkey forest.

4. Kakap Putih Mekukus

Now here’s one we weren’t expecting to love as much as we did: steamed white snapper, or Kakap Putih Mekukus. This dish is all about freshness. At Shrida, it’s steamed with herbs and served in a light, fragrant broth that really lets the natural flavor of the fish shine. If you’re looking for healthy local cuisine to try in Ubud yet flavorful, this one’s a winner.

5. Bebek Shrida

Ah, the famous Bebek Shrida. It’s Shrida Ubud’s take on the classic Balinese crispy duck. Served beautifully with sambal matah, steamed rice, and a side of sautéed vegetables, this dish is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. We honestly think it deserves its own fan club.

6. Megibung

Megibung isn’t just a dish—it’s a whole experience. Traditionally, it’s a large platter of various Balinese foods meant to be shared among a group. At Shrida, you can try their version of Megibung, which includes a mix of satay, grilled meats, rice, vegetables, and sambals. It’s perfect if you’re dining with friends or want to try a little bit of everything. And yes, it’s Instagram-worthy too.

7. Ayam Panggang

Grilled chicken might sound simple, but Shrida’s Ayam Panggang proves otherwise. It’s marinated in a Balinese spice blend and grilled until smoky and tender. The flavors are rich, a little sweet, a little spicy, and very satisfying. Pair it with one of their tropical mocktails or a cold Bintang beer—perfection.

8. Sate Kebet Campur

Satay lovers, this one’s for you. Sate Kebet Campur is a mixed satay platter featuring different types of meat, grilled over coconut shell charcoal for extra flavor. Each skewer has its own personality—some spicy, some sweet, all juicy. It’s served with peanut sauce, sambal, and rice. We could eat this one every day.

9. Mie Goreng Shrida

Sometimes, all you need is a comforting plate of fried noodles—and Shrida nails it with their Mie Goreng Shrida. It’s got that classic Indonesian flavor with a gourmet twist: perfectly stir-fried noodles with chicken or prawns, vegetables, fried shallots, and a fried egg on top. It’s comfort food at its finest.

10. Nasi Goreng Shrida

And of course, no Indonesian food journey is complete without Nasi Goreng, and Shrida’s version is top-notch. Their Nasi Goreng Shrida is savory, smoky, and packed with flavor. Topped with a fried egg and served with crackers, pickles, and a skewer of satay, it’s hearty enough to keep you going all day. We had this for lunch, and it powered us through a full afternoon of exploring.

Eat Like a Local (and Do It in Style)!

We’re all about trying street food and little warungs when traveling, but sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy local cuisine to try in Ubud in a beautiful setting with thoughtful service—and that’s exactly what we found at Shrida Ubud. Our menu brings together traditional Balinese flavors with a modern touch, and everything we tried was made with care.

If you’re planning a trip to Ubud (or if you’re already there), do yourself a favor and stop by Shrida Ubud. It’s a culinary experience that goes beyond just filling your stomach—it’s a celebration of Balinese culture and flavors. Book your table now or get in touch through shridaubud.com—and get ready to fall in love with Ubud, one bite at a time.