You don’t need a fancy restaurant to experience great Indonesian food. In fact, some of the best meals we’ve had in Bali have come off plastic plates at no-frills warungs with zero branding and full flavour.
Forget the tourist menus and the overstyled versions. These are the spots locals actually eat at, and yes, we’ve been eating at them regularly. No Bali belly, no regrets.
From fried chicken doused in curry to cult-status Indomie and crispy duck that rivals anything in Ubud, this is our handpicked guide to the most delicious local eats in Kuta and Seminyak. You won’t find influencers here. Just real food that hits where it counts.
Waroeng Bandung Dewi Sri
This unassuming spot on Dewi Sri has become a regular lunch haunt for anyone who grew up on Sundanese food or just knows a good thing when they taste it. It’s all about nasi tutug oncom here. Rice tossed with roasted fermented soybeans, rich with umami and a little smoke. We always order it with the salted fish, crispy and spicy, and the tahu bejeug, a mashed tofu dish that hits with garlic and green chilli. No frills, no fuss, just the kind of honest, regional food that rarely gets the spotlight in Bali’s tourist zones.
Warung Melati
This is where the local lunch crowd goes when they want something wholesome but still full of flavour. Warung Melati serves up Indonesian staples that feel lighter, cleaner, and somehow still hit the spot. No greasy aftertaste, no compromise on taste. It’s popular with gym-goers and office workers from Kuta to Seminyak, and it’s easy to see why. Portions are generous, everything’s fresh, and the turnover is fast. By 2pm, it’s usually wiped out. Get there by 11:30 if you want the good stuff before it disappears.
Warung Enak
We’ve done the rounds when it comes to ayam betutu. From the popular spots to the polished restaurant versions, nothing quite compares to Warung Enak. Tucked just across from TS Suites Hotel, this humble warung does one thing and does it exceptionally well. Nasi ayam betutu, served with all the trimmings. The chicken is tender, rich with spices, and balanced out with just the right amount of heat. No fuss, no need for a menu. If you know, you go here
Ayam Kari & Rempah Mak Jang
When it comes to Indonesian curry, this spot hits different. At Mak Jang, the chicken or duck isn’t just stewed. It’s fried until crispy, then drenched in a rich, spice-packed curry that’s creamy, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug and a slap at the same time. Local regulars swear by it, and once you try it, you’ll see why people keep coming back for more. Comfort food at its best.
Warung Agem
Indomie might be a national obsession, but Warung Agem takes it to another level. Their signature dish, Indomie Bangladesh, isn’t from Dhaka but straight out of Medan, cooked with a spice blend from Aceh that gives it serious depth. It’s rich, punchy, and somehow still tastes like comfort food. Add their signature egg pudding—basically a silky, half-poached egg, and it turns the whole thing into a creamy, spicy dream. Wash it down with a glass of teh tarik and you’ll understand why people come back again and again. At first glance, it’s just another Indomie joint. After one bite, it’s game over.
Nasi Tempong Indra
Nasi Tempong Indra is a cult favourite for good reason. The setup is simple: perfectly marinated fried chicken, crisp on the outside and juicy inside, served with rice, boiled vegetables, and a sambal that seriously kicks. It’s the kind of heat that hurts a little but keeps you coming back. The place is always packed, mostly with locals who’ve been loyal for years. No frills, just consistently great food that hits all the right notes.
Warung Biyang lala
This little spot is easy to miss, tucked behind the Gelato Shop on Sunset Road, right next to Babi Guling Pak Malen, but once you find it, you’ll wonder how you ever walked past. Warung Biyanglala only serves one thing: nasi kuah iga balung. It’s a simple pork rib soup, comforting and full of flavour, served with rice. The kind of meal that feels homemade in the best way. It’s not fancy, but it’s legit. Balinese food isn’t just about babi guling, and this place is quietly proving that, one bowl at a time.
Warung Bunana
A long-time local favourite, Warung Bunana is always buzzing. Known for its Indian-Malaysian-style comfort food, this place serves up a whole menu of roti, roti canai, roti coklat, roti keju, roti sosis, even roti bawang. Whether you like it savoury, sweet, or somewhere in between, they’ve got it covered. The roti is soft, flaky, and made to order, best eaten with a side of curry or dipped straight into their signature teh tarik. Speaking of which, don’t skip the tea. It’s rich, foamy, and poured with flair. Come hungry and expect to wait, it’s worth it.
