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Eat Like a Local in Sanur

Eat Like a Local in Sanur

Sheila Manalac
14 February 2023

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Not only does Sanur offer some of the best sunrise views, it also offers many underrated warungs which are loved by locals. Check them out.

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So, you’ve been to Bali and have always stayed either in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta or Ubud. These are the favorite spots for tourists, whether local or foreign. But have you really explored the quaint coastal town of Sanur? 

Some visitors think that Sanur may be a bit too “quiet” or even “boring”, especially for the younger crowd. But this Southeast coastal town offers a laidback atmosphere with a charming 7-kilometer beach path amidst the scenic backdrop of seaside restaurants, fishing boats, hotels, and little warungs or small eateries. On a clear day, the majestic Mount Agung is also in sight while walking along the beach path.

Yes, you may have taken a leisurely stroll by the beach, passed through Sanur while boarding a fast boat to the Nusa islands, or visited some of the luxury hotels — before you finally decided that there’s not much to do in Sanur. 

As they say, the best way to a person’s heart is through the stomach, so if you truly want to experience Sanur, consider exploring it’s many underrated eateries way locals do. Take a day or two to explore Sanur’s favorite local dining spots, and get a feel of the simple, low-key atmosphere ‘Sanurians’ talk about. 

This food trip might be spicy, and not so fancy, but that’s what local do! Enjoy these off-the-beaten-track food stops while you make a culinary visit to Sanur.

What to Eat in Sanur

Nasi Campur Ayam Khas Bali Men Weti

Many who visit Sanur enjoy the sunrise walks, not only because this side of the island is where the sun rises, but also for the newly-constructed beach path that makes it easier for people to reach 10,000 steps.

After catching the sunrise views, many locals head straight to Nasi Ayam Bu Weti. 

Conveniently located by the entrance of Pantai Segara Ayu, it a humble warung that has been serving their signature nasi ayam since 1976. 

Every day, you’ll find locals flocking to this little slice of heaven, lining up the sidewalk while sitting on plastic stools, enjoying morning conversation, or workers simply grabbing a quick and generous meal before going to work.

At IDR 30,000 a plate, you won’t go wrong with a heaping portion of the nasi ayam: a steaming mound of rice is topped with shredded chicken, boiled egg, sate lilit, betutu spices, crispy fried chicken skin, vegetables, and the extra spicy garlicy sambal, not to be missed is the small bowl of chicken broth. 

“There’s always a lot of people coming here in the morning, every day! It’s a really great place to have breakfast. It’s always busy!” said Ibu Ketut, a charming lady I met, who has been selling sarongs next door for over 10 years. 

Remember to come early as it does get quite busy and according to Ibu Ketut, food items run out by 9-10 am. If you’re an early riser and a big breakfast eater, this place is for you!

Address:
Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227

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Babi Guling Odah Sanur

Babi guling is a Balinese staple, and many tourists flock to the popular spots in Seminyak and Ubud. But Sanur has its fair share of good babi guling too.

Visit Babi Guling Odah Sanur, hidden within Sanur’s residential streets, on Jalan Pajang Sari Gang Tunjung. A quick turn from the familiar Jl. Batur Sari, you’ll find this hidden gem located on the west side of the By Pass Highway. 

Pak Putu, the owner, prepares the juicy spit-roasted suckling pig daily, doused in his grandparents’ secret marinade. A self-proclaimed foodie himself, Pak Putu prepares the babi guling every morning, just in front of his house where the warung is located. 

“We get about 60 to 70 orders a day, mostly take-out. For those wanting an interesting dinner experience, we prepare the megibung which means eating together. We set up a babi guling dinner for about 10 persons, and we show them how we prepare the babi guling. We’ve had some foreign guests come to us for magibung,” said Pak Putu, 

Odah means grandmother in Balinese, and this how Babi Guling Warung Odah is served — old style with banana leaves as plates, just food cooked right in front of the house. 

Address: 
Jalan Pajang Sari Gg. Tunjung No. Pojok, Sanur, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80225

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Mak Beng

Having been around since 1941, Warung Mak Beng is an extremely popular Sanur eatery that is known for its traditional Balinese fish soup. Their fish soup is made from freshly caught first, and flavored with Balinese spice mix or bumbu – also known as base gede or bese genep. The spice mix is composed of shallots, galangal, garlic, turmeric, candlenut, chilies, palm sugar, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

Open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, customers flock to Mak Beng at all times of the day. It usually gets busy during lunch, with a queue taking up space on the sidewalk of the Hang Tua beach entrance. It is conveniently located near the entrance of the Sanur Port to the Nusa islands. Warung Mak Beng only has one package on their menu: fish soup, fried fish, rice, and their special sambal terasi (shrimp paste), so ordering your food won’t be too hard. 

Visiting the place, you’d find plenty of framed pictures on the wall, all of the famous people who have visited Mak Beng. One of the servers, Ibu Dewi, said that they get over 120 people a day, making it a staple on the Sanur culinary map.

“We are visiting Bali for two weeks and it’s our second time here, we love the food that’s why we came back. The receptionist in our hotel recommended this place to us,” said Mrs. Tina, a Korean tourist who came to dine for lunch with her husband and her teenage boy. 

Address:
Jalan Hang Tuah No.45, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Jl. Hang Tuah No.51, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227

Warung Men Runtu

There are 16 different types of rujak sauces at this spot, making it a an interesting food destination for any foodie. 

Rujak is a mix of different fresh fruits and vegetables, served with a sweet, salty, nutty, or savory sauce, depending on your preference. At Warung Men Runtu, they have rujak buah (fruits) with a choice of your preferred sauce. 

A quick chat with one of Warung Men Runtu’s owners, Pak I.J. revealed that the business has been ongoing since the 90’s, but moved to their present location on Jalan Sekuta in 2015. 

He said it was his grandmother who started the business in their residence, until it became popular in the local community. 

For only IDR 15,000 of a heaping portion of rujak, and an array of other snack food choices, no wonder this is a favorite hangout spot for most Sanur locals. 

Address:
Jl. Sekuta No.32, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228

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Nasi Campur Options

It’s worth mentioning that Sanur is home to a number of simple and delicious nasi campur (mixed rice) meals. Nasi campur is a rice dish served with different meats or vegetables, and of course, an assortment of sambals.

Some popular local spots for nasi campur in Sanur are: Warung Kecil, Warung Dapur Sanur and Warung Dapoer Oma. These places also serve three types of rice: red rice, white rice, or yellow rice.

Diners get to choose a mix of different food variants from fish, chicken, meat dishes, various sauteed veggies, and fried vegetable, tofu and tempeh fritters. These are great options for a tasty and affordable lunch or early dinner. 

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