When most people think of eating in Bali, they picture beachfront seafood feasts or smoothie bowls styled for Instagram. But if you really want to taste Bali, you need to hit the streets. More specifically, you need to find a gerobak.
A gerobak is a humble street food cart, usually pushed by hand, often a little squeaky, and always serving up something delicious. They’re cheap, fast, and full of local flavor—both literally and culturally. From steaming bowls of bakso to crispy fried gorengan that’ll ruin you for regular chips, these carts are the unsung heroes of Bali’s food scene.
This guide breaks it all down: what a gerobak is, how to order like a pro, what to eat, where to find them, and how not to end up with Bali Belly as your souvenir. Let’s dig in.
What is a Gerobak?
A gerobak is a street food cart found all over Indonesia. It’s usually pushed by hand and works like a mobile kitchen. You’ll see them selling everything from noodles and rice dishes to fried snacks and drinks.
In Bali and many parts of of Indonesia, this street food cart is a part of everyday life. They park along busy streets, outside schools, and near markets, serving cheap and tasty food to locals on the go.
Unlike warungs, which are small restaurants with walls, gerobaks bring the food straight to you – and fresh! They come in several types. The most popular ones are either parked on the roadside or in a parking lot, or moving on the road (sometimes causing traffic).
Tourists often overlook them, but they’re a great way to try authentic local food—and usually for just a few thousand rupiah.
Hint: It’s usually pronounced Gro-bak.
What can you get from a Gerobak?
I’ll jump right into the delicious details. You’re not just getting food – you’re getting years of trial, error, and flavor refinement packed into a bowl or wrapped in brown paper.
Each gerobak vendor usually focuses on one or two items, perfecting a specific dish rather than offering a big menu. This means you’re getting something they’ve probably been cooking for years—maybe even generations.
Here are some popular dishes you can find at a gerobak:
- Bakso: Indonesian meatball soup. Bakso is one of the most popular items sold by gerobaks. If street food isn’t your thing, see my list of place to find the best bakso in Bali.
- Mie Ayam: A delicious, savory bowl of chicken noodles served with tender, marinated chicken, greens, and a tasty broth that’ll warm you right up.
- Tipat Tahu: Or Tahu Tipat. This dish features fried tofu, rice cakes, and a rich, peanut sauce that makes it the perfect combination of crispy and creamy.
- Sate Ayam / Sate Kambing: Skewers of marinated chicken (ayam) or goat (kambing) grilled to perfection and served with a sweet and savory peanut sauce.
- Es Doger: A sweet, colorful dessert drink made with coconut, condensed milk, and shaved ice—perfect for cooling off in the Bali heat.
- Es Kelapa Muda: Fresh, icy-cold coconut water straight from the shell—nature’s own thirst-quencher, served with a straw and the ultimate tropical refreshment.
- Gorengan: A variety of crispy, deep-fried treats like tofu, tempeh, and vegetables that are perfect for snacking while you’re on the go. Simple, satisfying, and crunchy!
Where to find a Gerobak
Gerobaks aren’t hiding, but you won’t be able to find them on Google Maps. These mobile street food carts pop up wherever hungry people gather.
Here’s where you’re most likely to stumble across one:
Night Markets (Pasar Malam)
These are gerobak central. From Denpasar to Gianyar, once the sun sets, the carts roll out and transform these markets into sizzling, slurping, deep-fried wonderlands. Some of the best night markets in Bali are home to dozens of gerobak.
Busy Intersections and Street Corners
Especially in towns and cities, you’ll find gerobaks parked under the shade of a tree or near traffic lights where people are more likely to stop and grab a quick bite.
Outside Schools and Offices:
During lunch breaks or after school hours, these spots become feeding frenzies. Students and office workers know the best vendors—follow the crowd.
Beach Town Backstreets
Places like Sanur, Canggu, and Kuta might have them cruising quieter roads away from the main tourist drag, often feeding local workers or surfers finishing a session.
Listen for the Bell
Many gerobaks make their presence known with a signature ding, clank, or the rhythmic creak of wheels. It’s basically the Indonesian version of the ice cream truck jingle—if ice cream came with sambal.
How to Order from a Gerobak
Ordering from a gerobak might seem intimidating if you’re new to street food culture, but it’s honestly part of the charm.
These carts aren’t trying to be fancy—they’re fast, friendly, and built for the hungry. Even if your Bahasa Indonesia is basically just “terima kasih” (thank you) and a hopeful smile, most vendors are used to tourists and will work with what you’ve got.
Here’s a few common Indonesian phrases to help you out (hint: they’re all pretty phonetic):
- “Satu porsi, berapa?” – One portion, how much?
- “Satu lagi” – One more.
- “Di bungkus” – Take away.
- “Makan di sini”– Eat here (if they have stools).
- “Tanpa gula” – Without sugar.
- “Kurang Pedas” – Less spicy.
- “Tidak Pedas” – Not spicy.
- “Enak Banget!” – Very delicious!
- “Terima kasih” or “Makasih” – Thank you or Thanks.
Keep in mind that most gerobak vendors don’t carry menus, photos, or laminated options with checkboxes (with the exception of a few modern ones).
You’ll often need to point at the ingredients or dishes other people are eating. They usually serve one or two options anyway so it won’t be too complicated.
How to Spot a Good Gerobak
Let’s face it—not all street food is created equal. Some gerobak dishes are absolute flavor bombs that’ll have you considering a second stomach. Others… well, let’s just say they’re more “character-building experiences.”
Follow the Locals
If you see a crowd of ojeks (scooter taxi), office workers, or school kids swarming a cart, take that as a glowing five-star review. Locals know what’s up, and they don’t queue for mediocrity. No crowd? Could be a red flag—or it just means the vendor’s new or it’s a slow day. Use your other senses.
Trust the Smell Test
Street food should stop you in your tracks. If you catch the scent of garlic hitting hot oil, skewers sizzling over coals, or rich broth bubbling in a giant pot—it’s probably worth trying. If it smells like old fryer grease and regret, keep walking.
Check the Ingredients
A quick glance can tell you a lot. Do the veggies look crisp and colorful? Are the meats and noodles sitting in a clean tray or looking a little… questionable? And that oil—if it looks dark brown and smells like last week’s snacks, skip it. You’re not here to audition for an episode of Bali Belly:
Watch the Turnover
Busy carts mean food gets cooked and served constantly, so what you’re eating hasn’t been sitting around since sunrise. A fresh batch every few minutes is a very good sign. If the food looks like it’s been doing a slow roast under the sun all day? Pass.
Don’t Judge by the Paint Job
This one’s a pro tip. Some of the best meals in Bali come out of the shabbiest, rustiest-looking carts you’ve ever seen. No branding, no Instagram. Just pure, street-certified food that’s been feeding locals for decades. In fact, the older and wobblier the cart, the higher the chance it’s serving something legendary.
Pro tips for ordering from a Gerobak
- Smile and be polite – locals really appreciate the effort, even if your accent is “creative.”
- Bring cash – In most parts of Bali, vendors operate as cash-only. Although in some parts of Renon you will find some with card machines.
- Have small bills ready – vendors rarely carry enough change for an IDR 100,000 note.
- Eat it there – If they have a bench or stool, have a seat right there for a full-on roadside cultural experience.
- Ask for a sample – Depending on the type of food being served, some vendors will gladly give you a tiny piece to try before you order.
- Take photos – Because the ‘gram needs to know.
Denpasar Street Food Tour
If the thought of navigating Bali’s street food scene solo has you sweating more than the sambal, don’t worry—we’ve got you. Our Denpasar Street Food Tour is the easiest (and tastiest) way to dive into the real-deal local eats without playing culinary roulette.
We’ll take you off the tourist track and straight into the heart of Denpasar to Badung Market, where the gerobak game is strong. Think bubbling bakso carts, sizzling sate stands, and market stalls dishing out flavors you won’t find in any guidebook. You’ll snack like a local, learn what’s what, and—most importantly—eat really, really well.
Bali Street Food Carts: Why You Should Try
In a place where upscale beach clubs and fancy cafes often steal the spotlight, the gerobak offers a refreshing dose of authenticity. These humble food carts let you experience Bali the way locals do—simple, honest, and full of flavor. You’re not just grabbing a quick bite; you’re immersing yourself in the heart of Bali’s street food culture, where every dish is a testament to tradition, skill, and creativity.
Eating street food from a gerobak isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. For just a few thousand rupiah, you can savor a steaming bowl of mie ayam, crispy fried tofu, or succulent satay, all while supporting small businesses that have been a cornerstone of Indonesian food culture for generations.
What’s more, eating at a Bali street food cart means you’ll likely walk away with a story or two. These little moments, these connections, are what make the experience truly memorable—something no high-end restaurant can replicate.
So, the next time you hear the clink of a cart’s bell or spot a waft of sizzling food in the air, don’t hesitate. Trust your instincts and follow the trail to that humble, delicious gerobak. You might just find the best meal of your entire Bali trip. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite dish you never expected.
FAQs about Gerobak in Bali
Is Street Food from a Gerobak Safe to Eat?
A valid question – The Bali Belly question, every traveler’s nightmare.
The short answer: mostly yes—if you’re smart about it. Thousands of locals eat from Bali street food carts every day without a problem. The key is knowing what to look for and what to skip. Here’s your street food safety cheat sheet:
How Much Does Food from a Gerobak Cost?
Food from a Bali street food cart is incredibly affordable—prices typically range from Rp 10,000 to Rp 30,000 ($0.65 to $2 USD) per dish. This makes it a great option for travelers looking to try local food on a budget.
Are Gerobaks Only in Bali?
Nope! While the gerobak street food cart is a major part of the food scene in Bali, you’ll find them all over Indonesia. Every region has its own specialties and favorite dishes served from these street carts. But in Bali, they’re especially common, often parked outside markets, schools, or popular spots.
Can I Take Gerobak Food to Go?
Yes, absolutely! Most gerobak vendors will happily pack your food for takeaway. You’ll hear the phrase “bungkus, ya” (takeaway, please) often. Many tourists prefer to eat on the go, taking their food to the beach or their hotel.
Is Gerobak Food Spicy?
Street food from a gerobak can be as spicy as you want it to be. Many dishes come with chili-based sauces or sambal on the side. If you’re not used to spicy food, you can always ask for “tidak pedas” (no chili) or “pedas sedikit” (a little spicy).
Is Gerobak Food Healthy?
Depends on your idea of what’s healthy. When compared to fast food franchises, it’s definitely a healthier option. Many dishes use fresh veggies and lean proteins. However, as with any street food in Bali, it’s important to watch for overuse of oil and heavy sauces.
Useful Stuff for your Bali Holiday
Learn more about Bali Culture
The Subak System: Bali’s Genius Water Network
Balinese Hinduism: Traditions, Beliefs & What Makes It Unique
Galungan and Kuningan in Bali: What Tourists Should Know
Who are the Pecalang? Bali’s Traditional Security Explained
Ogoh-Ogoh – 15 Best Places to see Ogoh-Ogoh Parades in Bali
Canang Sari – Beautiful Facts about Bali’s Daily Offerings
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.
