No matter if you’re a budget traveler or just a Balinese food lover, when visiting Bali, local warungs are hands down the best way to enjoy mouth-watering, authentic Balinese and Indonesian food, usually for less than $5 a plate.
While living in Ubud and trying to save money, I’m not afraid to admit I hit a warung at least once a day. Safe to say, I’ve ended up with a pretty solid list of the best warungs in Ubud — the kind of places that keep you coming back.
That’s precisely what I’m sharing in this blog post: my favorite spots to eat in Ubud without breaking the bank, and the Balinese and Indonesian dishes you have to try while you’re here.
Hope you’ve already had lunch, because this post might make you hungry.
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What’s a Warung?
In Bali, warungs are small, often family-run local eateries that serve traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes at highly affordable prices, typically ranging from IDR 35,000 to IDR 50,000 (approximately $2–$3.50).
While some warungs have adopted a more modern design and vibe to attract tourists (with pop music and colorful art on the walls), many still hold on to their original charm. Some truly feel like you’re stepping into someone’s home kitchen. Others are tucked inside beautiful traditional compounds, offering an authentic taste of Balinese culture, not just its cuisine.
You’ll find warungs all around Ubud, including some hidden in the rice terraces. Whether you’re after a rustic experience or a slightly trendier spot with Western options on the menu, Ubud has it all, at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere.
Balinese Specialties You Have To Try
Sometimes I look at the menu and really want to try something new… but for some reason, I always end up going back to my favorites. What can I say? When you find something that’s so good, it’s hard to resist.
1. Gado Gado
A go-to for the vegetarian folks — and not only. I discovered Gado-Gado only on my second trip to Bali and couldn’t believe I’d missed it the first time around.
It’s now my favorite when I want to have plenty of veggies without sacrificing flavor. Every place has its version of Gado-Gado, but the concept is always the same: a mix of vegetables (often including kale, soybeans, tomatoes, potatoes…) and some form of protein — usually eggs, tempeh, or tofu (or all three, if you’re lucky).
The whole dish is then coated in the most delicious, crunchy peanut sauce, either drizzled on top or hidden underneath. My favorite Gado-Gado to date (in the picture above) is actually from a café I work from (Littletalks).
2. Nasi Campur
When I don’t know what to order, I always end up going for Nasi Campur (pronounced “Champur,” not “Kampur”). It’s the perfect way to enjoy a little bit of everything: a mix of small portions like tempeh, chicken, fried corn, eggs, and vegetables, all served with either plain or red rice.
It’s one of those dishes that’s just fun to eat — your plate is so full of different things that you don’t even know where to start. Just a heads-up: the vegetables are often spicy, so be prepared!
In the more traditional warungs, Nasi Campur is usually served as a single plate, with a bed of rice and all the goodness piled on top. In others, each component comes separately, so you can mix and match as you like.
3. Chicken & Tempeh Satay
I could honestly eat chicken or tempeh satay (pronounced “satee”) every single day without getting bored. Tempeh is the vegetarian version, but both are coated in that iconic Balinese-style sauce — peanut-based (of course!), mixed with soy sauce, garlic, salt, coconut, chili, onion, and a splash of lemon.
The result is juicy, flavorful bites of meat or tempeh that are just so good!
Satay is usually served with a side of rice, and if you’re lucky, some vegetables too. Most dishes come with around six skewers — enough to satisfy, but always leaving you wanting just one more.
4. Dadar Gulung
Finishing strong with dessert: I had my first Dadar Gulung without even knowing it was a Dadar Gulung.
One of my first mornings in Ubud, I went to Sweet Orange Warung for a cappuccino, and with the coffee came this green-ish, crepe-like, spring-roll-looking thing. I took a bite and thought, hmm… this is different — but in the best way. I ended up loving it, asked for the name, and now I order it whenever a sugar craving hits.
Dadar Gulung is a bright green folded pancake made with rice flour and filled with grated coconut and palm sugar. While the green color might seem a little intimidating at first, trust me — it’s delicious.
5. Pisang Goreng
Another Indonesian specialty that can hit the spot when a sugar craving kicks in: Pisang Goreng — fried banana. It’s often served with ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup or other toppings… but only if you’re lucky.
I had the one in the photo at a tiny eatery called Mie Bakso on Jl Sukma, and it was so satisfying. I’ve tried it elsewhere since, but nothing quite beats that first one.
Pisang Goreng feels like a bit of a sugar bomb — or at least it did for me after a few days of tempeh and greens. If you’re looking for a super chocolatey dessert, this isn’t it. But it’s the perfect finish after a light meal: sweet, warm, comforting, and just enough to leave you feeling full without feeling heavy.
There are so many other dishes you can (and should) try — from Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles) to Babi Guling (Balinese-style stuffed pork) and all the delicious variations in between.
But now, let’s get to the good stuff — my list of the best warungs in Ubud, all tried and tested by a real foodie (aka me).
1. Mama’s Warung
📍Jl. Sukma
During my first week in Ubud, I stayed at Dipa Homestay, and while exploring nearby warungs and cafés for dinner, I stumbled upon Mama’s Warung. I had walked past it several times without paying much attention, but sometimes, the most underrated places turn out to be the best.
What made me stop that night was the sight of three older ladies sitting at the tables, chatting and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. And I thought to myself: Grandma’s food is always good. The rest is history — I ended up coming back for dinner many more times that week.
Mama’s Warung serves some of the most authentic, homemade Balinese dishes I’ve tried, with prices ranging from IDR 30,000 to IDR 50,000. If you go, definitely try the Nasi Campur — honestly, one of the best I’ve ever had. The Nasi Goreng is also good.
The setting is very simple, maybe even too low-key to notice… but now that you know, don’t miss it if you’re in the area. You won’t regret it.
2. Nikuna Warung
📍Jl. Jembawan
A very different vibe, but the same warung prices.
Nikuna is a tourist favorite — and one of the few places where I’ve seen people being told to come back later because there were no seats available (go early if you’re a big group). It looks more like a modern restaurant than a traditional warung (it even doubles as an art gallery, apparently).
There’s a main dining room with a few tables and a larger upstairs area I’ve never seen — as a solo traveler, I always manage to get a seat downstairs.
The menu includes a few higher-priced options (around IDR 80,000–90,000), but there are also plenty of dishes under IDR 60,000. I recommend the Nasi Raja — a super filling and flavorful version of Nasi Campur — and the chicken or tempeh satay. That’s actually what I ordered both times I went.
(Yes, I’m that person who always ends up ordering the same thing.)
3. Warung Makan Bu Rus
📍Jl. Kajeng
The first thing that hit me about Warung Makan Bu Rus was the stunning traditional home compound that surrounds the eating area.
I’m talking statues, large floor plants, potted greenery hanging from the walls, tiny fountains, lanterns… It’s so rich in detail and decoration that it practically begs you to take pictures. I remember rushing to snap a few shots before it got dark — it was just too beautiful not to capture.
The warung has multiple seating areas scattered across the entire compound, including tables tucked under the traditional Balinese pavilions you often see in temples. It’s peaceful and a lovely place for a slow, relaxing dinner.
Here, I had a delicious Gado-Gado with tons of veggies, crunchy crackers, and tempeh (just how I like it). I also tried Tempeh Mendoan — lightly fried tempeh served with a spicy dipping sauce. Highly recommend both!
5. Sweet Orange Warung
📍Sweet Orange Trail
Sweet Orange Warung is one of my favorite spots in Ubud, especially for breakfast or lunch. It’s located right at the beginning of the Juwuk Manis Walk if you’re coming from the main road, or just after the detour if you’re arriving via Jl. Kajeng Art Market.
Since my first cappuccino with Dadar Gulung, I’ve come back here more times than I can count.
It’s one of those lively, feel-good places, full of smiling guests, and home to two lovely white cats often snuggled up on the low chairs.
The food is simple, flavorful, and very affordable. I usually go for the vegetarian options like Gado-Gado or anything with tempeh and tofu (no surprise there). Last time, I tried the sweet potato fries and… chef’s kiss. If you’re planning on going for breakfast, definitely try one of their filling smoothie bowls.
And then there’s the view. Sweet Orange Warung has one of the best rice terrace views in Ubud. It overlooks a stunning green garden, dotted with violet flowers and towering palm trees.
6. Warung Gauri
📍Jl. Bisma
I’ve been back to Warung Gauri so many times — not just because it’s close to where I live, but because it’s one of the most peaceful warungs I’ve found. It’s the kind of place where I love to write and journal in front of my lunch.
And right now, they have a seasonal avocado menu — all things avocado — and I’m obsessed.
To reach Warung Gauri, you need to take a small side path on the left, near the stream that irrigates the rice fields. Turn left and it’s just there, hidden like a secret. The warung is hosted in a tiny home compound with just a few tables, and they’re usually all taken.
The food is simply cooked, but always delicious. But what makes this place special is the atmosphere. You’ll often smell incense wafting through the air, and soft Indonesian spiritual music playing in the background, creating an incredibly relaxing, almost meditative vibe.
It’s one of those places where everything you try is good. But if you happen to be there during avocado season, try one of the rice bowls — and don’t miss the thick avocado juice. It’s more like a smoothie than a drink, and it’s so, so good.
7. Compound Warung
📍Jl. Goutama
Apparently, I’m the only one who didn’t read the guide that featured Compound Warung — because it seems like everyone else did.
It’s the only warung where I’ve seen people (lots of them) waiting 15–20 minutes for a seat. And not just once — it seems to be the norm here.
As the name suggests, Compound is hosted inside a family home compound. Before reaching the actual dining area, you pass through what feels like everyday life: kids playing, families having dinner, and even the small homestay office (yes, it’s also a homestay).
The food is good — as it is in most warungs — but what probably makes this place so popular is the price. Unlike most places where taxes and service charges are added at the end, everything is included here. And the prices are lower than many other warungs offering the same dishes.
I had the Nasi Campur (only IDR 50K!) and (surprise!) my beloved Dadar Gulung. I tried to go back again, but the line was just too long. I’ll try another day and report back with more dishes — if I manage to get a seat!
8. Adi’s Warung
📍Jl. Goutama
If you don’t get a seat at Compound Warung — or don’t feel like waiting in line — you can walk just a few steps and find Adi’s Warung.
Same setup: home compound, family-run, and part of the same homestay. However, the vibe here is much calmer — there are no queues, and no one is waiting for you to finish your meal.
I found Adi’s during one of my random dinner-hunting walks along Jl. Goutama. I checked the reviews, walked in, and instantly felt like I’d discovered a hidden gem.
The food is once again delicious and incredibly affordable. Mains are around 30K, like the Tempeh Satay I had, and the avocado salad I ordered was only 17K (!). It’s low-key, local, and kind of the perfect secret spot — especially when everywhere else is full.
9. Rus Kitchen Warung
📍Jl. Bisma
I discovered Rus Kitchen Warung after walking past it countless times (it’s literally on the street where I live) and never stopping. One day I finally did — and I’m glad I gave it a chance.
At first, I thought “Rus” meant it only served Russian food, but that’s not the case at all. The menu is quite mixed: Indonesian classics, rice bowls, a few Russian dishes, and even gyoza.
It’s another low-key spot — ideal for budget travelers or those looking for a quick bite without queues or long waits. The atmosphere is quiet, the service is fast, and the food is good for the price.
I recommend the rice bowls — filling, tasty, and great value. The gado-gado, on the other hand, was relatively small and not particularly satisfying, so you might want to skip that one.
10. Ning Warung
📍Jl. Bisma
I think I’ve discovered one of the most local experiences on the street where I live. So local that for weeks I didn’t even realize it was a warung — I thought it was just a family-run snack shop. You know the kind: selling everything from chips and SIM cards to cigarettes. The first time I paid, the owner used the POS machine from one of the nearby electronics shops!
From the road, you’ll spot a sign saying Ning Warung, but you’ll probably ask yourself the same thing I did: Where’s the actual warung? One day I saw a couple of tourists eating in the back, hidden behind the shopfront — and that’s when I realized.
Stepping into Ning Warung feels like walking into a family kitchen. All the family members are around, smiling, calling the young woman who cooks to let her know a guest has arrived. It’s not fancy, but it’s warm and authentic.
It’s my go-to when I feel like I’m too lazy to walk around to grab lunch. The food is simple, home-cooked, prepared right in front of you, and super affordable. Exactly the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Bali.
11. Oka’s Warung
📍Jl. Kajeng
I think I’ve found one of the best warungs in Ubud for budget travelers. At this point, whenever I see mains priced at IDR 25K–30K, I have to try it — because you never know, it might just be the best cheap warung in Ubud.
Oka’s Warung isn’t the best, but it’s fantastic value for money. It’s a tiny spot tucked between two shops on Jalan Kajeng. The atmosphere isn’t exactly peaceful — you’ll be staring straight at a row of souvenir stalls — but it’s great for a bit of people-watching while you eat.
As a French guy sitting there today told, “The pictures on the menu aren’t the best.” I laughed and replied, “True, but the food’s pretty good.” I had the chicken satay with rice and gado-gado — not the best I’ve ever had, but tasty and filling. I paid just 75K total for two mains and a bottle of water.
For that price? Definitely worth it.
And here it is… the 11 best warungs in Ubud. If I’m being honest, in Ubud you really can’t go wrong — the food is always so good. But if you’re a paranoid foodie looking for tried-and-tested recommendations, I’ve got you covered. You can find the location of all these warungs on the map below (in red)!
And hey, if you’ve already been to Ubud and are dreaming of a warung that’s not on this list, please let me know in the comments. I’m always on the hunt for new spots to try!
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