Babi Guling Bali: A Guide to Bali’s Famous Suckling Pig

When people think of Balinese cuisine, babi guling often tops the list. Known in English as Balinese suckling pig, this dish is a culinary icon of the island. Traditionally prepared for ceremonies and celebrations, babi guling has become one of the most sought-after meals for travellers in Bali. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich blend of local spices, it represents the essence of Balinese flavours.

In this guide, we’ll explore what babi guling is, where you can try some of the best versions in Bali, and how you can even attempt to make it at home.

What is Babi Guling?

Babi guling is a whole pig roasted on a spit until the skin becomes perfectly crisp and golden while the meat stays juicy. The pig is usually stuffed and marinated with a spice paste called base gede, which includes turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, ginger, chilli, and kaffir lime leaves.

The result is a dish with layers of flavour: spicy, savoury, and aromatic. It’s typically served with rice, lawar (a vegetable and minced meat mix), sambal, fried pork cracklings, and a light soup on the side.

While once reserved for temple festivals and family ceremonies, babi guling is now available daily at many local warungs (small eateries) across the island.

Best Babi Guling in Bali: 5 Must-Try Spots for Food Lovers

When people talk about Bali’s culinary treasures, babi guling (suckling pig) often tops the list. This iconic Balinese dish combines crispy pork skin, tender spiced meat, and flavorful sides like lawar (spiced vegetables), sambal, and soup. For locals, babi guling is a festive dish usually served during ceremonies, but for travelers, it has become a must-try street food experience.

Here are some of the best places across the island where you can taste authentic babi guling:

1. Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud)

Perhaps the most famous spot thanks to the late Anthony Bourdain’s praise, Ibu Oka in Ubud is a culinary landmark. Tourists from around the world come here to try their version, which is legendary for its perfectly crispy skin and rich, flavorful pork marinated with traditional spices. The warung is always buzzing, so come early if you want to avoid long waits.

• Location: Jl. Raya Mas No.191, Ubud

• Price: Around IDR 65,000 per portion

• Highlight: The crackling skin and Bourdain-approved reputation

Source: Google Maps

2. Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak)

If you’re staying around Seminyak, this is the go-to spot. Pak Malen has built a reputation among locals and tourists alike for its tender pork and spicy sambal that gives each plate a real kick. It’s budget-friendly and conveniently located on Sunset Road, making it a perfect quick stop before or after exploring Bali’s southern beaches.

• Location: Jl. Sunset Road No.554, Seminyak

• Price: From IDR 40,000

• Highlight: Spicy, flavorful portions at local-friendly prices

Source: Google Maps

3. Pak Dobiel (Nusa Dua)

For those exploring the Nusa Dua area, Pak Dobiel is a household name. Known for its authentic, ceremonial-style babi guling, this warung often has long queues of both locals and tourists. Along with the signature pork, you can also try their pork satay and ribs, making it a full-on Balinese feast.

• Location: Jl. Srikandi No.9, Nusa Dua

• Price: Around IDR 50,000 per portion

• Highlight: Traditional style with satay and ribs on the side

4. Babi Guling Gung Cung (Ubud)

Just a short walk from Ubud Palace, Gung Cung is a hidden gem serving generous portions of babi guling complete with rice, vegetables, soup, and sambal. The flavor is authentic, the servings are hearty, and the price is fair. It’s a great alternative to the more famous Ibu Oka if you want something a little less touristy.

• Location: Jl. Suweta No.23, Ubud

• Price: Around IDR 50,000

• Highlight: Generous, filling portions with a true local feel

5. Babi Guling Swari (Canggu)

In trendy Canggu, Warung Swari has become a local favorite. Known for its crispy-yet-juicy pork, Swari serves up large portions that satisfy both locals and surfers looking for a post-beach meal. Affordable, authentic, and delicious—it’s the perfect balance for foodies who want to experience Balinese flavors in a modern setting.

• Location: Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.79, Canggu

• Price: Around IDR 45,000

• Highlight: Affordable prices with big portions in Canggu’s hip area

Source: Google Maps

Can You Make Babi Guling at Home?

While the traditional way of roasting a whole pig on a spit takes hours and special equipment, you can create a simplified version in your own kitchen. Here’s a recipe adapted for home cooking:

Ingredients (for 6–8 servings)

• 2 kg pork shoulder, boneless

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tbsp ground turmeric

For the spice paste (Base Gede):

• 80 g fresh turmeric

• 12 bird’s eye chillies

• 8 shallots

• 10 garlic cloves

• 10 g ginger

• 2 lemongrass stalks (white part only)

• 2 tbsp ground coriander

• 40 g vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp black peppercorns

• 5 kaffir lime leaves

• 2 curry leaves

Method

1. Prepare the pork: Pat the meat dry and refrigerate uncovered for a few hours. This helps create crispy skin.

2. Make the spice paste: Blend all paste ingredients until smooth.

3. Marinate: Cut deep slits into the pork, rub the spice paste inside and all over the meat. Sprinkle with salt and turmeric.

4. Roast: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Roast for 30 minutes, then lower to 160°C and cook for 2.5 hours. Add a tray of water to keep the meat moist.

5. Crisp the skin: Finish at 220°C on fan grill mode for 5–10 minutes until the skin puffs up.

6. Rest and serve: Let the pork rest under foil for 30 minutes, then slice and serve with rice, sambal, and vegetables.

This home version may not replicate the full ceremonial roast, but it captures the essence of Balinese flavours.

Why You Should Try Babi Guling in Bali

• Cultural significance: It’s more than just food; it’s part of Balinese tradition.

• Unique flavour: The spice paste makes it unlike any other roast pork in the world.

• Local experience: Eating at a babi guling warung gives you a taste of authentic Balinese daily life.

Conclusion

Babi guling Bali is a dish that embodies the island’s rich culture, hospitality, and love for bold flavours. From the world-famous Ibu Oka in Ubud to hidden gems in Gianyar and Canggu, each warung offers its own twist on this iconic meal. If you’re adventurous in the kitchen, you can even try making it at home with a simplified recipe.

So, when planning your trip to Bali, make sure to add babi guling to your food itinerary. Savour the crispy skin, aromatic spices, and tender meat, and you’ll understand why this dish has captured the hearts of both locals and travellers.

Want to discover more about Bali’s culture, lifestyle, and culinary scene? Read more tips on our website with Red Lotus Bali Property.