Gianyar’s Babi Guling Obsession

I still remember the first time I had babi guling in Gianyar. It was love at first bite. The crispy skin, the tender meat, the aromatic spices – it was a flavor explosion that left me hooked. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find the best babi guling spots in Gianyar, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.

As a local, I’ve had the privilege of trying countless babi guling stalls and restaurants, and I’ve developed a keen sense of what makes a truly exceptional one. So, without further ado, let’s dive into my top picks for authentic babi guling in Gianyar.

The Spots

Pujung Village is home to some of Gianyar’s best-kept secrets when it comes to babi guling. One of my favorite stalls is Warung Babi Guling Pak Kere (Jl. Raya Kawan, Pujung, Gianyar). For a mere IDR 15,000 (around $1 USD), you can indulge in a mouth-watering plate of babi guling that’s cooked to perfection.

Another standout is Warung Babi Guling Ibu Kadek (Jl. Raya Kawan, Pujung, Gianyar), which serves up some of the crispiest skin I’ve ever had. Their babi guling is made with love and care, and it shows in every bite. Expect to pay around IDR 20,000 (around $1.50 USD) per plate.

Kamasan is another village that’s not to be missed when it comes to babi guling. Warung Babi Guling Ibu Made (Jl. Raya Kamasan, Kamasan, Gianyar) is a local favorite that serves up some of the most tender and flavorful babi guling in town. Prices start at IDR 18,000 (around $1.25 USD) per plate.

What’s Overrated?

While Gianyar is known for its babi guling, not all stalls are created equal. In my opinion, Warung Babi Guling Sate Kambing (Jl. Raya Gianyar, Gianyar) is a bit of a disappointment. Their babi guling is overcooked and lacks the crispy skin that I’ve come to expect from a truly great stall.

Another overrated spot is Warung Babi Guling Bumi Ayu (Jl. Raya Gianyar, Gianyar), which serves up babi guling that’s more like a sad, limp mess than a crispy, flavorful delight. Save your money and head to one of the stalls I mentioned earlier.

Practical Tips

• Be adventurous and try new things: Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and try new stalls or restaurants. You never know what hidden gems you might discover.
• Ask locals for recommendations: The locals know best when it comes to babi guling in Gianyar. Ask your hotel staff, taxi drivers, or fellow travelers for recommendations.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle: At some stalls, you can negotiate the price of your babi guling. Don’t be afraid to haggle and see what kind of deal you can get.
• Try it with a side of sambal matah: Sambal matah is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. It’s the perfect accompaniment to babi guling and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

My Take

For me, the best babi guling in Gianyar is all about the combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and aromatic spices. It’s a flavor experience like no other, and one that I always look forward to when I’m in Gianyar.

While there are plenty of great babi guling spots in Gianyar, I think the key to finding the best one is to be adventurous and try new things. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore the local villages, where you’ll find some of the most authentic and delicious babi guling in town.