"Bali's ceremonial whole roast pig — spice-pasted inside and out, rotated over wood fire for five hours — has the most intensely flavoured crackling of any roast tradition on earth."
About Babi Guling
Bali's ceremonial roast pig — a whole pig stuffed with a spice paste of shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, chilli, candlenut and bumbu Bali, then slowly rotated over a wood fire for four to five hours until the skin cracks into the most intensely spiced crackling on earth; served at every Balinese Hindu ceremony and at Ibu Oka's famous Ubud warung.
Babi Guling — a staple of Indonesia's cuisine
A whole pig stuffed with a spice paste of shallots, garlic, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, chilli, candlenut and bumbu Bali — then slowly rotated over a wood fire for four to five hours until the skin transforms into the most intensely spiced crackling on earth. Served at every Balinese Hindu ceremony and at Ibu Oka's warung in Ubud.
The crackling on babi guling is the goal. The spice paste rubbed into and under the skin caramelises during the long slow rotation and creates a flavour depth that plain roast pork skin cannot approach.
What to Expect
At Ibu Oka in Ubud the babi guling is carved to order. The skin comes off in large crackling sheets. The flesh beneath is tender and fragrant with turmeric and lemongrass. Everything arrives on a rice plate.
Why Try It
Babi guling is Balinese Hindu ceremony food made available to visitors — the context of the island's religious tradition adds a layer of meaning to what is already an extraordinary dish.
Insider Tips
Ibu Oka warung in Ubud (open mornings until sold out) is the most famous address.
Arrive early — babi guling sells out by noon at the best warungs.
The crackling (kulit) is the priority. Ask for an extra portion.
