Food has always played a great role in many communities, and it is often seen that societies opt for local crops that are cultivated with ease in the vicinity through which the traditional dishes and specialities have arisen. In modern times, such traditional food is revered and is a true testament to one’s heritage, culture and way of life. Many believe that the way to one’s heart is through their stomach, and for those that travel ceaselessly, this is undoubtedly a reality. Therefore, while people travel for a myriad of reasons, one common thread is often the fondness for local delicacies and cuisines and indeed, an exploration of the culture and heritage of a different country is incomplete without sampling the local flavours. This sentiment rings true for anyone staying in a Balinese hotel such as The Laguna Resort & Spa Bali as well as Balinese cuisine is inherently unique. Given the abundant availability of restaurants in Nusa Dua, one of the most popular areas of Bali, sampling the local dishes is a breeze.
While Balinese cuisine is an integral component of Indonesia cuisine, it has also been influenced by Chinese and Indian cuisines as well. Like many Asian countries, rice remains a staple in Bali and is often consumed alongside side dishes of vegetables and meat. Given the popularity of Balinese cuisine, many tourists find it an intriguing experience to learn some of the most well known dishes and a number of cooking schools in Bali offer courses to the curious traveller.
For those who have little patience, however, the Balinese night markets and food stalls offer an adequate alternative to indulge in some authentic Balinese food. A feature of this cuisine is often the use of a number of spices, seasonings and spice pastes that provide the dishes with a unique taste and a hit of spice. Without sampling the local delicacies, a trip to this Indonesian island is undoubtedly incomplete.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+