What to eat in Bali with kids: nasi goreng, satay, and lots of weird fruit

What to eat in Bali with kids

(no dramas included!)

If you’re looking for what to eat in Bali with kids, let me tell you right away: you’re in the right place. The island is a paradise not only for nature and temple lovers but also for little foodies! I travel with Aldo and Giulia, and I’m about to tell you practically everything we’ve tried (and approved) together.
In this article about what to eat in Bali with kids, we’ll talk about:

🍽 Balinese dishes that kids actually love

Nasi Goreng – The dish everyone agrees on

Nasi goreng is one of Aldo’s great loves. It’s fried rice with eggs, veggies, and often chicken or shrimp. Flavorful but not spicy, it usually comes with a fried egg on top. The great thing is you can find it everywhere: in local warungs, hotels, even in the simplest takeaways. If you haven’t convinced your kid to eat veggies yet… this is the perfect compromise.

Mie Goreng – Giulia’s vegetarian pick

Mie goreng is the noodle version. Giulia loves it, but only vegetarian. And yes, she always checks if there’s tofu in it, because she’s become a total tofu addict. We often ask for “mie goreng vegetarian no egg” (since she’s not into boiled eggs) and by now, many warungs already know exactly what to bring her.

Sate Ayam – Aldo’s chicken skewers

Another dish that’s become a comfort food at our house: chicken skewers. Aldo adores them, especially if there’s peanut sauce on the side. Unlike classic Indonesian ones (which can sometimes be spicy), Balinese satay is milder, grilled, and perfect for little hands.

🥦 Vegetarian dishes that win over even veggie-haters

Gado-Gado – Veggies + peanut sauce = success

This dish is a warm salad with steamed veggies, tofu, boiled eggs, and a creamy peanut sauce. We often order it to share, although Aldo always leaves the tofu for Giulia and takes all the cucumber!

Tipat Cantok – A bit street food, a bit comfort food

It’s quite similar to gado-gado, but instead of plain rice, it has ketupat (pressed rice cakes). The sesame or peanut sauce makes it super creamy. Giulia loves it with sesame sauce — if you find a warung that makes a good one, note it down immediately.

🍬 Tropical sweets you can’t miss

Pisang Goreng – Fried bananas forever

Crispy outside, soft inside. Fried bananas are a true institution here. You’ll find them served with honey, chocolate, palm sugar… and yes, they’re often our go-to snack at the market.

Dadar Gulung – The green crêpe that tastes like coconut

Okay, this one’s for connoisseurs: a green crêpe (colored naturally with pandan leaves) filled with caramelized coconut. It melts in your mouth. Giulia likes it warm, Aldo prefers it cold with a glass of fresh juice.

Fresh fruit – Our favorite breakfast

Papaya, mango, rambutan, snake fruit, pineapple, mangosteen… we’ve tried them all. Tip: avoid watermelon in overly touristy warungs (it’s often super watery). Better to buy already-cut fruit from local stalls — it’s usually riper and more flavorful.

🥢 Did you know that in Bali… no one really eats lunch all together?

One thing that struck us right away is the food culture in Bali. Here, the idea of sitting together for a shared meal doesn’t exist like it does back home. Families cook all day, often in big outdoor kitchens, but then everyone eats when they’re hungry, even alone. It’s rare to see the whole family sitting at the table. It’s totally normal to see kids eating rice from a bowl while playing, or adults having dinner at 4 PM and then snacking again at 9 PM.

You can feel this vibe even in the warungs: no strict schedules, flexible hours, small but frequent portions. It made us think a lot — it’s a very practical relationship with food. Zero formality, maximum respect for your body’s signals.

And guess what? Kids absolutely love this freedom.

👨‍🍳 Cooking experiences for little chefs

Bali is also perfect for taking a family Balinese cooking class. We did one in Ubud where Aldo cooked his very first nasi goreng (so proud!) and Giulia learned how to make dadar gulung and decorate dishes with tropical flowers. If you’re looking for something fun, educational, and totally Instagram-worthy… this is the perfect choice!

📝 Practical tips for eating in Bali with kids

Always ask for “tidak pedas” → it means “not spicy.”
Be careful with water → stick to sealed bottled water, even for brushing teeth.
Carry wipes and sanitizer → warungs are authentic, not always spotless.
Watch out for allergens → many sauces contain fish or shellfish, always ask first.
Eat where the locals eat → tastier, cheaper, and more authentic.

📍Where to eat really well in Bali? Spoiler: NOT on Instagram

f there’s one thing we’ve learned from living here, it’s this: the best nasi goreng isn’t found in photogenic places. Forget finding Balinese cuisine in cafés with neon signs, perfectly plated dishes, and menus full of avocado toast.

Here, you eat well in places you’d never even think of photographing.

So forget the fancy bars packed with expats (which, yes, make great coffee but meh food), hop on a scooter, open your eyes, and follow the smell. Look for those tiny warungs hidden among the rice fields or tucked away on small side streets, where often there’s just a lady with a giant wok and two plastic tables. That’s where you’ll find the true flavors of the island. That’s where the people who actually live here eat.

And no, you won’t find them on Google Maps. Follow the line of parked scooters outside or just let yourself wander. We call them the “nameless warungs” — and they’re always a sure bet.

Discovering what to eat in Bali with kids is so much more than just culinary survival: it’s a real dive into local culture. From rice dishes to tropical desserts, tofu to chicken skewers, even picky eaters will find something to love.

And let’s be honest — here, eating itself is an adventure. An adventure that smells like lemongrass, coconut, and freedom.

👉 If you want to make your trip even more special, MiniLonely Bali will help you turn every stop into an unforgettable adventure!

MiniLonely Bali

A journey through nasi goreng, temples, and religion, discovering the island of the Gods

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Planning a trip to Bali with kids?

From mystical temples to the rice fields of Sidemen, from local markets to beaches: Bali is a family-sized adventure waiting for you. I’ve gathered practical tips, authentic stops, and low-budget ideas to help you discover the island with curious eyes and light backpacks.

And if you want to go even deeper, to discover the Real Bali — the one you won’t find in brochures — I recommend Viaggiaibali.com: a complete guide for those who dream of truly living it, with a sustainable and respectful eye towards local communities.

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