Tastebuds Reign Supreme; Top Warungs to Stuff Your Face in Ubud, Bali!

I’ve been a frequent visitor to the Island of the Gods for over two decades and absolutely fell in love with Ubud the very first time I set foot here. It’s easy to do. The natural environment is simply irresistible. The culture, art, landscape, people and history are truly worth the visit alone. However, since my inaugural visit, life has gotten even better in Ubud — the food!!

Ubud is hands down the most sought-after tourist destination on Bali not located near the world-famous beaches. Ubud is at the epicenter of Balinese culture, craft, and art with shops to prove my point found on every corner. Hindu by religion, proud by nature, the average Ubudian lifestyle is one of balance, community, and happiness.

With the onslaught of global visitors seeking mental wellbeing in paradise. Ubud locals today continue to prosper both spiritually and monetarily from all us wonderful travelers in search of Utopia. And in true Balinese style, opportunity awaits in the way of wonderful new warungs popping up everywhere!

What is a Warung?
Balinese don't eat at restaurants, they eat at warungs! What is a warung you ask? Great question. A warung is a family owned and operated business traditionally set in a modest structure constructed of wood, bamboo or other organic materials.

“The warung is an extension of the home where the cooking is done by mothers and grandmothers, where the food is practical, and where the recipes have integrity and have been handed down through generations" says Janet De Neefe, the Australian-born author of the Indonesian cookbook Bali - The Food of My Island Home.

For travelers, one of the best locations to sample the paramount of true Balinese warungs is rich here in Ubud! So let’s get you started on the best of the best hidden hangouts Ubud has to offer.

Sweet Orange Warung
Life begins and ends at Sweet Orange Warung! This magnificent family owned warung is truly the Utopia of Utopias. An easy 15-minute walk from the main road of Ubud finds you at this rice field warung offering local Balinese dishes with contemporary flare and perhaps the best fresh juices in Bali. Simple, fresh and delicious is the concept as Putu (the owner/chef) uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients from her warung’s own private garden.

Sweet Orange Warung is a traditional warung where the concept is serenity, peace and love. Then it only gets better as the food arrives. The Mie Goreng was without a doubt the best in Ubud and Putu’s knack for developing flavors is magical. This outdoor setting overlooking the rice fields will leave you wanting to spend the afternoon sampling dishes, sipping juices and basking in a leisure Balinese lifestyle that will leave lasting impressions on your soul forever. Not to mention, the incredible location to watch the perfect sunset. Get a taste of real Balinese village life at Sweet Orange Warung.

Jalan Subak at Juuk Manis/Subak Juwuk Manis, Ubud
+62 813-3877-8689
putu@sweetorangecafe.com

Warung Saya
Located on the hip Gootama St. this pint sized warung only has a modest three tables. However, what Saya lacks in size, they make up for it with character and excellent cuisine. Amier, the owner, the chef, the server — all rolled together into one, whips up flavorful Thai, Indian and Balinese plates which include Thai noodles with heavy amounts of veggies, while your tastebuds will dance over the Coconut Curry Chicken. The food is worth the visit, but I know you’ll stay for Amier’s simple conversations and laid-back atmosphere.

Jalan Gootama #8, Ubud
+62 857 9259 1969
warungs.saya@yahoo.com

Warung Bintangbali
Bintangbali is a great option for those that want to get outside the main hub of Ubud and enjoy the village life. A short 3km drive north of town lands you at Warung Bintangbali where the fresh corn fritters pop and the Balinese slow-cooked pork ribs fall off the bone with ease.

One of my favorite spots in Ubud to relax with my wife over a few games of dominoes while drinking the coldest beer on the island. The staff are over the top friendly, offering fresh juices, young coconuts and wonderful smoothie options. Also, local music on Monday nights brings out the best in all of us.

Jl. Tirta Tawar, Junjungan, Ubud
+62 361 9000653
cakrasari_flowers@yahoo.com

Warung Made Becik
My heart warms when I think of Made Becik. The family operated warung is definitely a special spot worth a visit. You’ll find that most grilled items on the menu are terrific as they BBQ the Balinese way, over coconut husk. Satays, ribs, chicken are absolutely delicious and fresh every time.

The food is simple and tasty but it’s the smiles and the family that make my heart all fuzzy inside when I think of them. A must stop when in Ubud!

No 6 Jalan Tirta Tawar, Ubud
+62 812-3642-0072

Jalan Raya Bunutan, Ubud
+62 361 971265

Traveling abroad offers so many options for so many people. What kind of traveler are you? Some want luxury options while others get down and dirty with the locals and anyone that follows my adventures knows exactly the way I travel. If I’m not getting down and dirty with the locals then I might as well stay home and read a book. Same principle applies with my overseas dining options. I want to find the best local establishments possible to maximize my experience of a location. Always seeking something new and memorable and this is the backbone to my article. I’m always interested in feedback, comments or additions that can be made to my list of special warungs. There’s a wonderful world of unmasked warungs to be discovered. Can you join me in my quest to unearth these beautiful treasures to the world? It’s a rough life but someone has to live it!