Ubud has two food scenes: the Instagram-friendly cafés charging Western prices for açaí bowls, and the local warungs serving generations-old Balinese recipes for $2–4 a plate. This guide is about the second one.
We combed through hundreds of Reddit posts from r/bali, r/travel, and r/digitalnomad to find the warungs that actual travelers and Bali residents recommend again and again. From legendary babi guling stalls to hidden family-run nasi campur spots — every pick on this list is the real deal.
📊 How we built this list
We analyzed 150+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/bali, r/travel, r/digitalnomad, and r/BaliTravelTips — spanning 2019 to 2025. Warungs were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every spot was mentioned in at least 2 separate threads. We weighted long-term Bali resident recommendations more heavily than first-time visitor posts.
💰 Rp 50,000–80,000 ($3.20–$5)
📍 Jl. Suweta, near Ubud Palace
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: The special babi guling plate — comes with crispy skin, sausage, lawar (mixed vegetables with spiced coconut), rice, and sambal. Get there before noon for the crispiest skin.
"Any non touristy run down local babi guling place will knock your socks off."
— r/bali · Ubud restaurant thread
"Probably the best bets for you are any of the many Babi guling places for lunch."
— u/kulukster, r/bali · 6 upvotes
tabiji verdict: The most famous babi guling in Ubud — Anthony Bourdain put it on the map. Yes, it's touristy now, but the pig is still excellent. Go early for the best crispy skin. For a less crowded experience, try #8 on this list.
💰 Rp 35,000–60,000 ($2.20–$4)
📍 Kedewatan, north of Ubud center
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Nasi ayam betutu — slow-cooked chicken in a rich spice paste, served with rice, sambal, and vegetables. The chicken falls apart at the touch.
"For Ayam Betutu try Ibu Mangku Kedewatan."
— u/kulukster, r/bali · 6 upvotes
tabiji verdict: Mentioned in virtually every Ubud warung thread on Reddit. The ayam betutu is the star, but the nasi campur is equally excellent. Worth the short ride north of central Ubud.
What to order: Nasi campur Bali — their version is loaded with multiple sides. Also try the satay and any daily special.
"We enjoyed our food at Warung Mendez in Ubud. Actually it was the best food we ate in Bali. Fresh and delicious every time."
— r/bali · Warung food thread
tabiji verdict: Two different Redditors, two different threads, same conclusion: "the best food we ate in Bali." Consistently fresh, consistently delicious, and priced like a local warung should be.
💰 Rp 40,000–80,000 ($2.60–$5.20)
📍 Central Ubud, with bamboo bridge garden
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Nasi campur or any of the Indonesian classics. But honestly — come for the setting. Walk past the bamboo bridge into a hidden tropical garden.
"For lovely surroundings try Warung Pulau Kelapa for Indonesian food with huge garden in back beyond the bamboo bridge."
— u/kulukster, r/bali · 6 upvotes
"Warung pulau kelapa and murnis warung 10/10 both good Indonesian food with large menus and nice locations/ambience."
— r/bali · 8 upvotes
tabiji verdict: The rare warung that nails both food AND atmosphere. The bamboo bridge to the hidden garden feels like discovering a secret — which is exactly the kind of Ubud experience you came for.
💰 Rp 50,000–120,000 ($3.20–$7.80)
📍 Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: The nasi campur or any traditional Balinese dish. Request the lower terrace seating overlooking the river gorge — it's one of the best dining views in Ubud.
"Murni is Ubud's first Warung. Love the down area over the cliff looking over the river stream."
— u/smile_politely, r/bali · 3 upvotes
"Murni's Warung had some excellent dishes."
— u/Solanadelfina, r/bali · 2 upvotes
tabiji verdict: Ubud's original warung — open since 1974. Pricier than hole-in-the-wall spots, but the cliff-side terrace overlooking the Campuhan river gorge is worth every rupiah. A piece of Ubud history.
What to order: Nasi goreng or mie goreng — both pack more flavor punch than the tourist-friendly versions. The sambal is the real deal.
"Warung Krisna on Jl Sandat is the best Indonesian Warung I've found. Way better than Sun Sun or In Da Compound."
— r/bali · Ubud restaurant thread
tabiji verdict: The bold-flavor warung that Redditors recommend when visitors complain Ubud food is too bland. If you like your food with real kick, start here.
What to order: Everything. Seriously — one Redditor described it as the warung that "set up what I thought traditional Indonesian food taste like." Try the full nasi campur spread.
"Warung Kemulan — located on the outskirts, but actually all the food was so bomb it kind of set up what I thought traditional Indonesian food taste like."
— r/bali · Ubud restaurant thread
tabiji verdict: A little outside central Ubud, but the kind of warung that recalibrates your expectations for Balinese food. Worth the scooter ride for the most authentic flavors on this list.
What to order: The babi guling plate — same concept as Ibu Oka but in a tiny family setting. Arrive before noon; they sell out fast.
"Babi Guling Gung Cung (Ubud). Its a very small family establishment."
— r/bali · 8 upvotes
tabiji verdict: The local's alternative to Ibu Oka. Tiny, family-run, sells out by early afternoon. This is the babi guling experience for people who want to eat with Balinese families, not tour groups.
What to order: Any of the traditional Balinese dishes — nasi campur, gado-gado, or the daily special. Profits fund local healthcare programs.
"Check out Fair Warung Bale, just off the main road. Some of the best local food you'll find in Bali. Also a charitable cause as their profits go towards local healthcare."
— r/bali · 5 upvotes
tabiji verdict: Great food AND your money funds healthcare for local Balinese families. One of the rare spots where eating well and doing good are the same thing. The food stands on its own merit regardless.
💰 Rp 40,000–85,000 ($2.60–$5.50)
📍 Off Jl. Gootama, central Ubud
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: The pork ribs nasi goreng — the ribs are fall-off-the-bone and perfectly marinated. Skip the spring rolls.
"The pork ribs in the nasi goreng was amazing, fall off the bone, perfectly marinated."
— r/bali · Ubud restaurant thread
"We loved Compound Warung, off Jl Gootama in central Ubud."
— r/bali · 5 upvotes on post
tabiji verdict: Divisive on Reddit — some love it, others find it too toned-down. The pork ribs are universally praised though. Order those and the nasi goreng, skip the Western-influenced items.
What to order: Nasi campur — their version is loaded with a generous spread of traditional Balinese sides.
"Mangga Madu, Warung Mang Indro, Nasi Campur Ibu Mangku in Kedewatan, Kayana for pork ribs, and of course any Babi Guling place you see... all pretty good."
— r/bali · Ubud warungs thread
tabiji verdict: Part of the "Ubud warung starter pack" that locals recommend. Simple, honest, well-priced Balinese food without any pretense.
What to order: Whatever's on the day's menu — this is the kind of warung where you point at what looks good behind the glass.
tabiji verdict: Rock-bottom prices and zero tourist polish. This is the kind of warung where you eat elbow-to-elbow with Balinese locals on their lunch break. Exactly what you came for.
💰 Rp 45,000–100,000 ($2.90–$6.50)
📍 Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Nasi campur or nasi goreng. The garden setting is beautiful for a lingering lunch.
"I'd recommend this place, we tried Nasi Campur and Nasi Goreng for the first time and it was beautiful and staff was great."
— u/Jalckxy, r/bali · 2 upvotes
tabiji verdict: A solid introduction to Balinese cuisine if it's your first warung experience. Slightly more polished than the ultra-local spots, with a lovely garden. Good for easing in.
What to order: The pork ribs — it's what Kayana is known for. Slow-cooked, tender, with a sweet-savory Balinese glaze.
tabiji verdict: Bali is Hindu, which means pork is king here — unlike most of Indonesia. Kayana's ribs are the perfect example of why Balinese pork culture deserves its reputation.
What to order: The nasi campur or any of the daily Balinese specials. Simple, fresh, properly seasoned.
tabiji verdict: The name says it all. Unpretentious, well-priced, and the food tastes like someone's Balinese grandmother made it. Which, in all likelihood, she did.
What to order: Nasi goreng or mie goreng. A solid everyday warung that's popular with budget travelers.
"Warung Krisna on Jl Sandat is the best Indonesian Warung I've found. Way better than Sun Sun or In Da Compound."
— r/bali · Ubud restaurant thread
tabiji verdict: Honest assessment: Sun Sun is popular with tourists and gets mentioned a lot, but seasoned Bali visitors often find it toned-down. Good for beginners, but if you want real flavor, try Warung Krisna (#6) instead.
💰 Rp 20,000–40,000 ($1.30–$2.60)
📍 Various locations around Ubud
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Rendang (slow-braised coconut beef), ayam pop (soft fried chicken), gulai (curry), and sambal hijau (green chili). They pile plates of dishes on your table — you only pay for what you eat.
"For Sumatra Padang food any of them are pretty good."
— u/kulukster, r/bali · 6 upvotes
tabiji verdict: Not Balinese food — it's Sumatran — but the Padang warungs in Ubud are some of the cheapest, most flavorful meals you'll find. The rendang alone is worth seeking one out. Look for "Rumah Makan Padang" signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a warung in Bali?
A warung is a small, family-run eatery — Bali's version of a local restaurant. They range from roadside stalls with plastic chairs to slightly more polished spots with garden seating. The food is typically home-cooked Balinese or Indonesian cuisine at very affordable prices (Rp 20,000–60,000 / $1.30–$4 per meal).
How much does a meal at a warung in Ubud cost?
A typical warung meal in Ubud costs Rp 25,000–60,000 ($1.60–$4 USD). A plate of nasi campur averages Rp 30,000–40,000, while babi guling runs Rp 50,000–80,000. You can eat three excellent meals a day for under $10 if you stick to local warungs.
What should I order at an Ubud warung?
Start with nasi campur (mixed rice plate) — it's the quintessential Balinese meal. Try babi guling (spit-roasted suckling pig) for lunch at a dedicated stall. Ayam betutu (slow-cooked spiced chicken) and mie goreng (fried noodles) are also essential. For dessert, look for dadar gulung (pandan crepes with coconut).
Are warungs in Ubud safe to eat at?
Generally yes — millions of tourists eat at warungs every year. Stick to busy places with high turnover. Avoid cut fruit from street vendors and drink bottled water. Some travelers do get 'Bali belly' so bring basic stomach medication. The busier the warung, the safer it typically is.
What is babi guling and where should I try it?
Babi guling is Bali's signature dish — whole suckling pig stuffed with spices and spit-roasted until the skin is impossibly crispy. Ibu Oka near Ubud Palace is the most famous, but locals recommend smaller family-run spots like Babi Guling Gung Cung. It's a lunch dish — most places sell out by 1-2 PM.
What's the difference between tourist and local warungs?
Tourist warungs have English menus, Instagram-friendly decor, higher prices (Rp 60,000–120,000), and toned-down spice levels. Local warungs have simpler setups, bolder flavors, and prices under Rp 40,000. Both can be good, but for authentic Balinese flavors, the local spots win. As Redditors note, the warungs with the most online reviews often aren't the most authentic.
