“Pak Dobiel’s Babi Guling is made through a painstaking technique that results in juicy and tender meat and a glossy caramelised skin.”

Whilst doing my research on Balinese food prior to my visit to the island, I stumbled upon an article titled “Five traditional dishes to try in Bali” posted on a website set up by foreigners who claim to have spent a few years living on the Island of the Gods. The list went like this: Nasi Goreng, Satay, Martabak, Gado-gado, and Bubur Sumsum. Correct me if I’m wrong, but these are definitely not the sorts of food that constitute as authentic Balinese treats.

One dish that embodies the spirit of Balinese cuisine is Babi Guling (roast suckling pig). Most Balinese men practically grow up eating Babi Guling, and they are also primarily responsible for preparing Babi Guling for religious ceremonies. Thus it comes as no surprise when one has a multitude of options when it comes to Babi Guling places on the island. Standing tall in the midst of the many Babi Guling eateries is Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi, which is also known as Babi Guling Dobiel. Its popularity amongst both tourists and residents of Bali has not waned ever since founder Pak Dobiel began serving Babi Guling in 1990, after having first started out as a Soto-selling warung in 1975.

Customers should be well prepared to savour the most authentic of Babi Guling around. Served together with soup and lawar (Balinese mixed vegetables), Pak Dobiel’s Babi Guling is made through a painstaking technique that results in juicy and tender meat and a glossy caramelised skin. The lawar provides a stinging spicy flavour that food aficionados would recognise as the signature of Balinese cuisine, while the soup helps to balance all the elements that are put together. The cooking process is done under the watchful eye of the friendly Pak Dobiel.

If you have plans to visit Bali in the pipeline and could only afford a glimpse of its culinary world, skip past the places suggested in the other articles, and just make your way to Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi. It should be more than sufficient.

By Jessicha Valentina

Jl. Srikandi No. 9,
Nusa Dua, Bali
T: 0361 771 633
Open daily from 9am-4pm
Price: Rp.40,000/US$2.80