Where Locals Eat in Ubud: 15 Authentic Warungs for Real Indonesian Food
Ubud’s food scene has exploded with health cafés, vegan brunches, and smoothie bowls- but what if you’re looking to dive deeper into Indonesian culture and try some authentic local cuisine? After all, Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands all with their own culinary traditions. From spicy West Sumatran Padang dishes to fire cooked Balinese desserts, Ubud’s warungs offer a culinary map of the archipelago. So let’s put the instagrammable fusion fare aside to highlight where locals actually eat in Ubud.
NOTE: These are legit local eateries; they’re not Westernized versions of Indonesian food (that list will be coming soon!).
What makes a true local Warung?
These aren’t polished tourist traps with TripAdvisor signs out front. They’re humble, sometimes hidden, but always packed with flavor. Expect sambals that aren’t prepared for tourists (i.e. you might feel like your tongue is about to fall off, but in a delicious kind of way), and dishes you can’t even recognize. Majority of local warung’s prepare food in batches throughout the day, and keep them in display cabinets- so even if you can’t speak the language you can select from a buffet of delicious dishes by simply pointing to what entices you! Keep reading for some key Indonesian phrases that might help you navigate your options. Warungs are generally family-run, full of character, and serve dishes from across Indonesia—not just Bali. Eating our way through town is a hard task, but we’ve done it so we could select some of our absolute favourites to share with you! And if you're after more elevated dining experiences, our Best Restaurants in Ubud guide covers over 50 curated spots for lunch, dinner, and date nights.
THE BEST Warungs IN UBUD- that Locals Actually Eat At
PUTERI MINANG PADANG
Padang food is a staple of the Indonesian diet, and these legendary warung brings West Sumatran spice to Ubud. You’ll find Padang Warungs all over Bali, but Puteri Minang Padang is possibly the most famous in town. Formerly in central Ubud, Puteri Minang now operates out of a permanent location in Peliatan. Step up to the display case and point; you’ll be tempted by rendang, spicy eggplant, curried jackfruit, corn fritters, tempe, chicken, fish and more. It’s fast, flavorful, and always busy for a reason.
📍Jl. Cok Gede Rai (near the intersection by the big Banyan Tree)
Warung Bahagia
A lunch-hour favorite for locals working in the area, Warung Bahagia serves up legit Balinese Nasi Campur, not the softened-down tourist version. Expect a full plate with chicken, tempeh, perkedel (corn fritters), sautéed greens, jackfruit, sate, and sambal (if you like some spice). If you're vegetarian, just let them know, they'll swap in more veg or tempe, no problem.
📍Jl. Pengosekan (about 100m south of the gas station)
WARUNG SURABAYA ANDONG
A standout for East Javanese-style home cooking, Warung Surabaya wins hearts with fresh, flavorful food and a smoky twist. They grill chicken, tempe, and other sides over a Weber-style barbecue, giving each bite a rich, charred flavor. Dishes are fresh, not overly oily, and MSG is used sparingly, if at all. There’s a wide variety on offer, making this a warung you’ll want to return to again and again to try it all.
📍Jl. Andong (a few doors down from ‘The Medical’ 24 hour clinic)
WARUNG MEK JUWEL
This humble, hidden gem in the back streets of Penestanan has been serving Ubud locals since the 1970s. It’s famed for one dish: Balinese-style nasi campur ayam; rice with a selection of vegetables, egg and chicken dishes. The vibe is unpretentious, the flavors are bold, and a plate will only set you back about 35,000 IDR, a perfect example of Ubud’s quiet culinary excellence.
📍Jl. Melati (near Moksa Restaurant)
WAROENG ADJI
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem in central Ubud. Don’t let the modest façade fool you, Waroeng Adji is beloved for its nasi bakar: rice seasoned with herbs, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled until infused with smoky flavor. Choose your toppings (veggies, egg, tofu, tempe, chicken etc.). It’s a unique dish you’ll rarely find outside Indonesia, and here, it’s done right!
📍Jl. Raya Ubud (diagonally opposite Eiger)
LALAPAN CAK NOMIN
Lalapan Cak Nomin is a no-frills local favorite on Jl. Raya Ubud, serving lalapan-style plates with fried or grilled chicken, catfish, tofu, tempeh, eggplant, and various fish, all with rice, sambal, and veggies. A full meal like ayam lalapan with rice and iced tea costs around 37K. Popular with locals and night owls alike, it’s open daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM and available on GoFood for easy late-night delivery.
📍Jl. Raya Ubud (near Samsonite store)
WARUNG MAKAN PAK SEDAN
Located next to the gas station in Peliatan, is a no-fuss local favorite serving authentic Balinese-style nasi campur ayam for decades. Each portion features tender shredded chicken, vegetables, egg, and sate lilit, served over rice with sambal. The spice level is milder than most, making it a great choice for spice-shy visitors looking to ease into local flavors. With generous portions for just 20,000 IDR- this humble spot delivers excellent value and a true taste of everyday Bali.
📍Jl. Made Lebah (next to the petrol station).
KEDAI BUBUH
Tucked beside peaceful rice paddies, Kedai Bubuh serves up comforting local favorites like Bubuh Bali (vegetable porridge with chicken and egg) and Tipat Blayag (rice cake in coconut gravy with shredded chicken). Don’t miss the sweets; lak-lak pancakes (cooked in wood fired clay pots), Jaje Lukis, and spicy Rujak, or a refreshing Daluman drink. It’s incredibly affordable, feast on multiple meals ranging from IDR 5k upwards.
📍Jl. Tirta Tawar (12-min drive north of central Ubud).
Rumah Makan KAYANA
Kayana is a great entry point for travelers wanting to try local Indonesian flavors in a low-key, approachable setting. Located in central Ubud within easy walking distance of most main spots, this warung offers a make-your-own nasi campur experience with a wide variety of beef, chicken, egg, vegetable sides, and sambals to choose from. You can even pick your rice; yellow, red, or white. With quick service, generous portions, and prices are around 30K for a full plate, it’s a crowd pleaser in the hood!
📍Jl. Pengosekan
NASI AYAM KEDEWATAN - ibu mangku
Operating since 1970, Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku is a Ubud institution that still serves its original recipe: Nasi Ayam (Balinese chicken rice). Available in three variations; Special (IDR 35K), Regular (30K), and Vegetarian (25K). Each plate features a perfectly balanced mix of tender chicken, spicy sambal, egg, vegetables, peanuts, and satay lilit. You can choose to dine in the simple roadside warung or in the serene Balinese garden compound out back.
📍Jl. Raya Kedewatan
WARUNG MAKAN TEGES
Warung Teges is a long-standing eatery in Peliatan known for authentic Balinese nasi campur, with options like pork, chicken, vegetarian, or a mix of both. Each plate includes rice, sambal matah, satay lilit, lawar, egg, and a savory broth drizzle. Operating since the 1970s, this family-run spot offers hearty flavors, fast service, and a traditional setting with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s especially busy in the mornings. Portions are generous, prices range from 25K to 35K, and it's cash only.
📍Jl. Cok Rai Pudak (the main Rd in Mas)
PARAS PAROS
A laid-back local warung known for its Balinese-style dishes and relaxed vibe. Their signature rujak, a spicy, tangy fruit salad, comes in several variations, including rujak kuah pindang and rujak gula, each bursting with bold flavor. Other favorites include tipat santok (rice cakes with peanut sauce), tahu sayur, and kolang kaling (sweet palm fruit). Cool off with a glass of es daluman, a green grass jelly drink that’s perfect on a hot day.
📍Jl. Cok Gede Rai (close to Holland Bakery).
WARUNG MAK BENG UBUD
A satellite of the legendary Sanur warung that’s been around since 1941, Warung Mak Beng in Ubud offers just one iconic set menu: crispy fried sea fish, rich fish head soup, and steamed rice, all for just IDR 55K. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and there are no substitutions; a testament to their confidence in doing one thing extremely well. The interior features classic Balinese design, complete with a koi pond, and guests can choose to sit inside or outside on the breezy terrace. While it gets busy during breakfast and lunch, service remains quick and efficient.
📍Jl. Cok Rai Pudak (the main road in Mas, next to M Mart).
A couple of popular local warungs for vegetarians and vegans:
SAI PREMA WARUNG
Sai Prema is a peaceful, family-run warung set between the rice fields on the northern side of Ubud. Entirely vegetarian (and mostly vegan), it serves up flavorful Indonesian-style meals in a serene, open-air setting. Their affordable nasi campur, just 15K per plate, features vegetables, tempeh, and a rotating selection of house-made meat substitutes crafted from soy or seitan. You’ll also find plant-based versions of Indonesian favorites like lawar, rawon, bakso, and nasi or mie goreng. Surrounded by nature and the occasional flock of ducks, this humble spot is a perfect stop on your way to or from Tegalalang or Kintamani.
📍Jl. Cinta (about a 15 minute drive north of central Ubud).
MINANG VEGAN
Warung Minang in Nyuh Kuning is a great spot for gluten-free, vegan Indonesian food, with no garlic, onion, or MSG. Choose from ready-made nasi campur with rice, corn fritters, jackfruit, and eggplant, or order à la carte dishes like nasi goreng, mie goreng, and bihun goreng. Dine in or grab a quick takeaway. Portions are generous, flavors are clean, and it’s a favorite for health-conscious locals and travelers. Nasi campur is affordably priced at just 35K.
📍Nyuh Kuning Rd (not far from Outpost)
HELPFUL PHRASES FOR EATING AT LOCAL WARUNGS
Mau makan di sini = I want to dine in
Mau bungkus = I want takeaway
Permisi, mau bayar = Excuse me, I’d like to pay
Tanpa daging = Without meat
Tidak pedas = Not spicy
Tanpa sambal = Without sambal
Terima kasih = Thank you
Tips for Eating LocalLY in Bali (Without Being *That* Tourist)
Don't expect English menus (Google Translate is your friend), or sometimes there are no menus are all (just point to what you’d like to eat).
Pay at the counter after eating, unless they come to you.
Expect to spend anywhere from 15k - 50k per meal.
Say thank you: 'Terima kasih banyak!' goes a long way.
These warungs might not have a social media presence, but they have something far more valuable, local loyalty. Eat with respect, support small businesses, and you’ll discover that the heart of Ubud lives not just in its temples, but in its kitchens. Not every dining experience in Ubud has to be local, if you’re looking for romantic dinners, cocktails, or Ubud’s most celebrated restaurants, check out our full Best Restaurants in Ubud guide.
