The Indonesian island of Bali has secured a firm reputation as a premier visitor destination attracting a steady stream of visitors from around the world. The appealing beaches, cultural attractions and exciting nightlife of Bali will always delight the traveller irrespective of age, nationality or preferences. However no visit to Bali would be complete without sampling the distinctive and delectable cuisine of this mesmerizing island.
The cuisine of this fascinating island demonstrates many different elements including indigenous traditions as well as influences from the cookery of other parts of Indonesia and regional specialties such as Indian and Chinese cuisine. However it features many distinctive characteristics which give it a special identity of its own.
Rice has an important place in the gastronomic traditions of the island. It is consumed as the staple food, accompanied by different dishes of vegetables, seafood and meats. A great variety may be seen in the different dishes of the island. One of these is lawar, which consists of shredded coconut, chilli and garlic with chicken or pork and blood. Another interesting dish is bebek betutu, which is a delectable treat made with duck filled with spices, enveloped in coconut husks and banana leaves, roasted in a pit full of embers. On the other hand babi guling is a delicious roasted whole pig filled with turmeric, chilli, ginger and garlic.
A popular local specialty is the well-known mixed rice which is made with a variety of ingredients like fried tofu, grilled tuna, spinach, cucumber, beef, tempe, corn, vegetable curry and a variety of sauces.
Visitors should also take the opportunity to sample the treats offered by the local street vendors. Popular treats include noodle soup, skewered meats, meatball soup, sticky rice and spring rolls. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy delicacies like rice pudding, fried bananas, coconut confectioneries and sugared peanuts.
With so much to try out and savour visitors will be delighted by the diverse pleasures offered by the delectable foods available in the magical island of Bali.
If you would like to stay at a quality Nusa Dua resort an excellent choice would be The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali. This fine luxury resort Bali offers provides appealing accommodations and attentive hospitality.
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+