Babi Guling in Bali is one of the must-try local Balinese foods, especially if you are a first-timer to the island. Having been around for many years, the suckling pork dish is found throughout the island, and some are great, and some are considered edible.

Babi Guling in Bali

During my last three trips to Bali in 2012 and 2013, I managed to savor a few different restaurants and according to my taste buds, some of them serve some super spicy hot sauces which were a horrible experience for my mouth.

Babi Guling before cutting it

What is Babi Guling? It is a local Balinese dish served with rice, pieces of roasted pork meat, crispy pork skin, some fried innards, and a special chilli-vegetable gravy. The beauty of this dish (if you are a pork lover) is the marriage of all the abovementioned ingredients into one savoury dish.

Some people cannot seem to get enough crispy pork skin, so they order a side plate of this, too. The prices, however, are a little higher if you have been to other local restaurants here, but rest assured, you are getting premium-quality food here.One of the unique things to catch when you are here is how they deliver the suckling pigs—on motorbikes, with the rider carrying an entire pig on his shoulder while riding a bike. For photographers, it is best to come here early, around 11 a.m., to capture this and also see how the staff cuts up the fresh-roasted suckling pig.

Left – Ibu Oka, Right – Sending the Babi Guling

Who Is Ibu Oka?

So, who is this Ibu Oka? She started the business in 2000, but it had been doing this way before the famous dish was introduced as a mainstream business.

Her family had been preparing babi guling for the Ubud royal family many years back, and then they were given leave to sell their delicious dish to local Balinese. Eventually, the family set up a babi guling stall in the Ubud market, which ultimately led to a small restaurant in the prime area of Ubud.

They now operate three restaurants under the name Ibu Oka here. The best part is that you can only find the brand here in Ubud as a homegrown product, which also made worldwide news when Anthony Bourdain covered this restaurant in one of his shows.

Babi Guling dish

babi-guling-ibu-oka-ubud Babi Guling in Bali — Customers at Ibu Oka Restaurant

Is Babi Guling Worth Trying?

It is a must-try. If you have not tried this, you have not visited Bali. Overall, some may find it a little salty, while others give it two thumbs up. Our verdict: Yes, it was a little salty, but that was the sauce. So, if you dislike saltiness, just let them know you want the sauce separate.

The pork is tender, and the crispy skin is fantastic. While you are here, order the famous Indonesian Teh Botol or tea in a bottle. It is like a national drink for the country.

Ibu Oka Menu

Ibu Oka Babi Guling Address in Bali
Jl Suweta/ Tegal Sari No.2
Ubud, Bali,
Indonesia
Time: 11.00 am till about 3.00 pm

Front of the shop in Ubud

Conclusion

Also, the best time to visit Ibu Oka is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon before the lunch crowd. The place can get very crowded, and you will have to wait outside. There is no system here, so it is first come, first serve.

So, the next time you visit the Island of Gods and have that extra time, make it a point to try the famous Ibu Oka Babi Guling in Bali for a unique feast. Have you tried this? If you have, I would love to hear your comments below.

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