Sure, Bali is famous for its smoothie bowls and avocado on toast. But if you haven’t slurped down on a bowl bakso in Bali, are you even experiencing the island?
This legendary meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food – flavorful broth, springy meatballs, and a mix of noodles. Whether from a beachside food stall or a family-owned warung, bakso is cheap, satisfying, and packed with flavours.
From my hundreds of bowls I’ve devoured over the years, here is a professional’s guide to finding and eating the best bakso in Bali during your holiday.
What is Bakso?
At its core, Bakso is a rich, steaming bowl of beef broth filled with juicy meatballs made from minced beef (sometimes chicken, fish or pork), start, and spices. In three words, it’s Indonesian meatball soup.
Your typical bakso recipe includes minced meat, tapioca flour, garlic, salt, and white pepper. The broth itself is made from beef bones, shallots, garlic, and spices – creating a rich, savory base. It’s usually served with rice noodles, tofu, friend wontons, and topped with sambal (spicy sauce) and sweet soy sauce.
Sometimes casually called “Baso,” you will find this warm soup is different varieties: beef (sapi), chicken (ayam), and pork (babi). Here are a few common types of bakso in Bali:
- Bakso Urat – has a more textured bite. Urat translates to tendon in Indonesian, which prefectly describes this meatball
- Bakso Halus – basically, the opposite of Urat with a smoother texture made from finely ground beef. These ones absorb the broth better.
- Bakso Telur – inside of your meatball will be a surprise: entire hard-boiled egg.
- Bakso Iga – usually a giant meatball served with fall-off-the-bone beef ribs (iga). It’s definitely a protein-packed meal.
- Bakso Malang – hails from the city of Malang in East Java – the O.G. spot where bakso has its roots. This style is very commonly found in Bali.
How to find Bakso in Bali?
Your hunt for bakso in Bali shouldn’t be too difficult. It is literally everywhere in Bali, on every part of the island. Here are the most common places where you will likely encounter bakso in Bali.
Streetside Carts
This is called a Gerobak (pronounced Gro-Bak). It’s a traditional Indonesian push-cart that sells food and drinks. Think of it as the Indonesian version of a food truck, but smaller and humbler. You can easily spot a bakso pushcart by the sound of a spoon tapping against an empty bottle.
Local Warung
Another common place to find a fresh bowl of bakso in Bali is at a local warung (small family-owned food spot). It’s usually a tiny roadside setup in front of their home with plastic chairs and wooden tables.
Night Markets
Night Markets in Bali are one of the best places to try bakso due to the fact that you’ll be fully immersed in the local food scene. Popular night markets in Denpasar like Badung Market and Kreneng Market are hotspots with bakso vendors.
Indonesian Restaurants
This is the least authentic option but if you won’t have another chance to try bakso in Bali then you might as well opt for it. The downside here is that it might be significantly more expensive than warungs and street stalls. The upside: it’s more comfortable and you’ll have ambiance and service.
Where to eat the best bakso in Bali
If you’re on the hunt for a proper bowl of bakso in Bali, here are some of my recommendations. These are among my favourite places to eat bakso or to take friends to try for the first time.
1. Bakso Mukbang Renon
Jl. Tantular Barat No.81 – Here’s your chance to try the trending Bakso Beranak, an oversized meatball stuffed with a bunch of smaller meatballs. This is the ultimate challenge for foodies. You will likely find many Youtubers and social media influencers filming their adventure here.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Tantular Barat No.81, Renon
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 9am – 10pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @baksomukbang
2. Bakso Subur
In the middle of Renon, just south of the Lapangan Puputan Renon park – home to the iconic Bajra Sandhi monument.
This is a great spot to try some of the best bakso in Bali if you’re staying near Sanur, Bali. Head here on a Sunday to enjoy both a walk in the park and a bowl of bakso. Note: they specialize in Pork meatballs.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Tukad Yeh Aya No.26, Denpasar
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10am – 9pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @subur.meatballs
3. Bakso Rudi
Located close to Pasar Semat just off of Berawa, this is probably the most popular spot to try bakso in Canggu. Arrive early evening as it’s a small spot and gets quite packed.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Karang Suwung No.1, Canggu
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 11am – 9pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @baksorudi
4. Badung Market
Badung Market (Pasar Badung) after 6:00 pm turns into a street food haven. It’s an authentic experience if you want to try bakso in Bali but you’ll also be able to try a wide range of local foods and sweets.
👉 Pro tip: You can try Bakso at Badung Market during our Denpasar Street Food Tour which takes you on a guided tour through one of the best night markets in Bali.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Sulawesi, Denpasar
- ⏱️ Opening hours: After 6pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: N/A
5. Bakso Solo
This is your chance to try bakso from Surakarta (commonly know as Solo), a city in Central Java that takes its Bakso seriously. Solo-style bakso (Bakso Khas Solo) is know for its clear, flavorful broth and smooth texture meatballs. They also use vermicelli noodles instead of egg noodles.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Letda Made Putra No.2A, Denpasar
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10:00am – 9:30pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: N/A
6. Bakso Nuklir
One of the most trending spots for Bakso in Bali. The name literally translates to “Nuclear Bakso.” They’re quite viral on TikTok and Instagram and their prices remain cheap – at IDR 10k – 20k a bowl.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Pulau Misol No.10, Denpasar
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @baksonuklir.official
7. Bakso Iga Canggu
Legendary spot in Canggu to try bakso with ribs (iga). Prices for these are slightly higher at around IDR 30-40k a bowl – still worth it and won’t break the bank. The restaurant is a nice open-concept, cozy place with some rice paddies in the back.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Raya Canggu, Tibubeneng
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @bakso_iga_canggu
8. Bakso Top Ngalam Kang Herman
Roadside warung on Jalan Teuku Umar that can get quite busy in the evening. Their bakso is popular for having loads of options to choose from with the most customizable bowls. Want more meatballs? More noodles? More tofu? Go for it.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Teuku Umar Barat, Denpasar
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @baksotopngalam
9. Bakso Balung Pak Rebo
One of the most famous spots for bakso in Bali in southern Sanur, and even though they’re quite frequently visited by foreigners, their prices remain local. A bowl of bakso ayam for IDR 15k? Can’t go wrong at all.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.444, Sanur
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 11am – 9pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: N/A
10. Bakso Malang 168
This bakso specialty takes you to the city of Malang in East Java, another famous city in Indonesia that makes some of the most legendary bakso in the country – Bakso Khas Malang. If you’re in the Legian / Kuta area, head here for a late night bowl.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Dewi Sri No.09, Legian
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon-Thurs), until midnight (Sat-Sun)
- 🔗 Instagram: @baksomalang168
11. Mie Ayam Bakso Pak Doel
If case you just hopped off your cruise shop in Benoa, this spot is just a short drive from the harbour. Mie Ayam Bakso Pak Doel is the place to slurp your way into local flavor without venturing too far inland. Juicy meatballs, garlicy broth, at a humble warung.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Kuruksetra, Benoa
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 9am – 9pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: N/A
12. Bakso Eso Jangkrik
If you’re making your way to North Bali, you will likely drive by here. Bakso Eso Jangkrik is one of the most popular spots in this area for bakso in Bali. You can also try Mie Ayam (noodles with chicken), and bubur bakso (meatball porridge).
- 📍 Location: Jl. Gunung Agung No.41, Baturiti
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 8am – 5pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @baksoeso.jangkrik
13. Kedai Bakso Aci
Uluwatu doesn’t have a great selection of places to try bakso in Bali. So if you’re staying in Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran), make your way Kedai Bakso Aci try try a unique twist on the bakso recipe – meatballs made from tapioca flour instead of the usually meat mix.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Perum Pasraman Unud no.125, Jimbaran
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 12pm – 9pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: @kedaibaksoaci_jimbaran
14. Warung Bakso Herman
Go for some bakso sapi (made from beef). If you’re in this area of Denpasar (in Panjer, close to Renon), this is a fully authentic local experiece. You will likely be the only foreigner – and they will love it!
- 📍 Location: Jl. Tukad Pakerisan No.34, Denpasar
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10am – 9pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: N/A
15. Warung Bayu Hita
This is by far the best experience to enjoy a bowl of bakso in Bali – hence why I saved it for last.Nothing beats enjoying a hot bowl of bakso in the cold mountain air while overlooking Lake Buyan in North Bali.
This is just a short drive from Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. You can ask your driver to stop here during an Ulun Danu Beratan Temple tour or a North Bali Day Tour.
- 📍 Location: Jl. Raya Wanagiri
- ⏱️ Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm, daily
- 🔗 Instagram: N/A
Pro Tips for Trying Bakso in Bali
It’s a simple experience. After all, it’s just a meatball soup, right? You’d be surprised at how customizable Bakso is. After picking your choice of meatballs, you’ll usually be asked how you want it served – with noodles? just broth? extra boiled eggs? some tofu? It’s up to you!
- Trust the locals – If a Bakso vendor or warung has a long line of locals, you know it’s the real deal.
- Take it easy on spices – If you’re on of the unlucky ones with a sensitive stomach, a tiny spoon of sambal can burn in the morning. It might look light, but it’s best to do a taste test first.
- Embrace the street experience – Sure, some fancy Bakso restaurants exist. But if you want the most authentic Indonesian experience, nothing beats sitting on a plastic stool by the roadside, watching the world go by as you enjoy your soup.
- Get the ‘Complete’ – For the best (and filling) experience, order the “Bakso Komplit” which is basically a little bit of everything.
- Tastes better in cooler areas – In the mountainous areas of Bali where the temperature is significantly cooler, (like Kintamani or Bedugul), the bakso flavours hit better.
- Bring cash – Yes, cash remains king. Most bakso vendors on the street or warungs will not have card machines. You’ll need to have some small IDR bills handy.
How much does Bakso cost in Bali?
From a street cart (gerobak) or a night market, expect to pay somewhere around IDR 10,000 to 15,000 for a fresh steaming bowl of bakso. Yes, USD $0.60 / AUD $1.00 – it’s that cheap!
At a local warung or small family-owned spot, a bowl of bakso can range from IDR 12,000 to 20,000. You will have a bigger menu with more options here.
At a restaurant (as in, sit-down, air-conditioned, waiting staff) you’ll pay much higher – around IDR 40,000 to 60,000. Even though it’s more expensive, it’s still just a few bucks for a hefty meal.
Denpasar Street Food Tour
If you’re craving to try bakso in Bali, book a Denpasar Food Tour to get a fully immersive experience. You’ll be exploring the street food scene of Badung Market where you’ll encounter a wide variety of mouthwatering food.
This is a private street food tour that includes a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV with an English-speaking driver who will be your local tour guide. You can also continue exploring the rest of the area including the Kumbasari Art Market.
Brief History of Bakso
Bakso has a rich history that traces its origins back to Chinese culinary traditions. The name “Bakso” itself is derived from the Hokkien word “bah-so,” meaning minced meat. Pretty straight forward stuff.
The dish was brought to Indonesian by Chinese immigrants who arrived in waves over centuries, bringing their culinary techniques and flavours along with them. The receipt has since been adapted (over hundreds of years) to fit an Indonesian taste.
Even though you’ll find thousands of vendors selling bakso in Bali, it actually first gained popularity in the the island of Java, more particularly in the city of Malang in East Java. Malang, to this day, remains one of the most famous regions in Indonesia for Bakso.
The dish quickly spread to other cities in Java like Jakarta and Solo, where different styles of bakso emerged. You’ll find them identified on the warungs as “Bakso Khas Solo” or Bakso Khas Jakarta“
Fun Facts about Bakso in Bali
- From Java to Bali – Most of vendors selling bakso in Bali, with the exception of bakso babi (pork), are actually Javanese migrants who brought their culinary traditions and techniques with them.
- Obama’s favorite dish – When former US President Barack Obama visited Indonesia, he recalled his childhood love for Bakso, taking the dish to international fame.
- Bakso Mukbang – In recent years, with the rise of Tik Tok, several places became trending for serving massive Bakso as big as a bowling ball (bakso beranak), stuffed with smaller meatballs inside. It’s quite a challenge.
- Bakso comes in many forms – The classic version is the beef (Bakso Sapi), but you can also find Bakso made from chicken, fish, shrimp, and sometimes with cheese inside.
- Late-night favorite – In Bali and many other cities in Indonesia, it’s not uncommon to see people slurping down a bowl of Bakso at 3:00 am after a night of partying. It’s the ultimate way to end off the night!
- Meatballs aren’t the same thing – Since the word ‘bakso’ is reserved specifically for the Indonesian style of meatball, western meatballs (as in spaghetti and meatballs) is called “bola daging” – which literally translates to meat ball.
- The “tok-tok” sound – Street cart (Gerobak) vendors will push the cart and hit on the metal frame or a glass bottle to make the famous “tok-tok-tok” sound to let people know they’re nearby. It’s basically Indonesian’s version of an ice cream truck jingle.
Final Thoughts about Bakso
Like you’ll find with most local food, having a bowl of bakso in Bali isn’t just having a meal – it’s a cultural experience. It’s the kind of dish that connects people across all walks of life – whether you’re a surfer refueling after a long day on the waves, or just finished a long, hard night of partying at a beach club.
Selamat Makan!
Here are some useful resources for your time in Bali
- Bali Belly: Expert tips and treatments
- Book a private car and driver
- Best Scooter Rental
- WISE Debit Card for Bali
FAQs about Bakso in Bali
What is Bakso and why is it popular in Bali?
Bakso is Indonesia’s answer to the meatball – but make it tropical. These springy, bouncy meatballs (usually beef-based) are served in a savory broth with noodles, fried shallots, tofu, and sometimes a boiled egg. It’s quick, cheap, and ridiculously satisfying.
What does Bakso taste like?
Imagine if ramen, pho, and grandma’s meatball soup had a spicy Indonesian baby. That’s Bakso. The broth is rich, often enhanced with garlic, celery, and a fiery dash of sambal. The meatballs are firm and chewy. The overall flavor is comforting and a little peppery.
Will I get Bali Belly with Bakso in Bali?
Bakso from clean, busy warungs or food stalls with high turnover is usually safe. But if the vendor looks like they haven’t changed their oil since the first season of Survivor, maybe skip it. Stick to places with a crowd, trust your gut (literally), and maybe pack some charcoal tablets—just in case your adventurous side goes overboard.
Is Bakso halal in Bali?
Yes, most Bakso in Bali is halal, especially if it’s made by Muslim vendors, which is quite common. Just double-check if you’re strict about it, especially when eating at non-Muslim-owned warungs or fusion restaurants. Look for the halal sticker!
How much does Bakso cost in Bali?
Prices vary, but Bakso is budget-friendly. From a roadside cart, you can score a full bowl for around 10,000–20,000 IDR. In a nicer warung or cafe-style spot, you might pay 30,000–50,000 IDR—still way cheaper than your last Uber Eats fail.
Are there vegetarian or vegan Bakso options in Bali?
Yes, but kind of rare. Some plant-based warungs and health-conscious cafés offer vegan Bakso using mushrooms, tofu, tempeh, or mock meats. Ubud’s your best bet to find these.
What is the best time to eat Bakso in Bali?
There are no rules to eating Bakso in Bali. It’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or 3 a.m. fuel after a night out in Seminyak. That said, locals often enjoy it in the late afternoon or early evening – especially when the sun starts to dip and your stomach starts to wonder what’s next.
What is a Warung?
A warung is a small, usually family-run eatery where you can eat local dishes for cheap. It’s authentic food but nothing fancy. Think basic wooden tables and plastic stools.
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Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about Bali’s rich culture.
