Bali's cuisine scene is heavily Indonesian, with Chinese and Indian influences. Most dishes include rice, vegetables, meat and fish – and plenty of spice. Many meals feature base gede – a spice paste that usually consists of garlic, red chili peppers, shallots, nutmeg, turmeric, coriander, ginger, shrimp paste, coconut oil and bay leaves. With that many ingredients, you can be sure that dishes featuring this spice blend are flavorful. Fish, chicken and pork are often rubbed or stuffed with the spice paste, cooked with coconut milk and served with rice and veggies.

There are several standout dishes that travelers should sample. Order babi guling (turning pig) and you'll get a plate of tender roasted meat that's also crispy and caramelized. Bebek betutu is a spice-rubbed, slow-roasted duck often cooked in banana leaves. The satay (or sate) in Bali includes strips of chicken, pork, fish or tofu placed on skewers and grilled over a hot flame; accompanying sauces vary, but peanut and shrimp paste-based sauces are common. When it comes to restaurants, experts and travelers recommend trying a variety. Many of the resorts feature upscale dining, the markets throughout Bali offer up fresh, local fare and the eateries along the coast dish out casual meals (with beautiful beach views).

There are hundreds of thousands of dining establishments spread across the island, in which travelers can sample the local cuisine, along with other cuisines from around the world. In Ubud, Abe Do earns high marks from travelers for its fresh juices and raw, organic plates. For a fine dining experience, consider Lamak Restaurant & Bar, a hit with past visitors for its steak dinners and inventive martinis. Another splurge-worthy restaurant in Ubud, Mozaic is an award-winning Asian restaurant with tasting menus that highlight the region's best ingredients, such as Indian Ocean octopus and Javanese pigeon, along with a bevy of local fruits, vegetables and herbs. Outside of Ubud, Warung Padang Kecag in Candidasa is popular for its seafood dishes while the trendy Mamasan  in Kerobokan is a hit for its blend of Asian cuisines and stunning decor.