Bali Babi Guling A Traditional Balinese Pork Dish
The island of Bali inherited its influences on food preparation from other parts of the Indonesian kingdom. Being an island of varied cultures and religious beliefs, pork is not always easy to find but if you do enjoy digging your fangs in meat, don’t forget to try the BABI GULING, a specialty amongst Bali natives and a must have for everyone.
Because the Hindu Balinese dominate the island nation, pork is found abundantly in meals and the special dish being Babi Guling is a delicacy one must try. Also known as “spit roasted suckling pig”, the dish has herbs and spices that make it mouth watering. Ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, laos, coriander, lemon grass, chilies, lime leaves, salam leaves and even black pepper is added to make this a gastronomical treat.
Eat the prepared dish with a generous amount of steamed rice but don’t forget to add a dollop of cooked young jack fruit immersed in the tasty delights of coconut cream. Many food stalls across Bali would sell this item or delicacy on their menu. If you are on the island do not forget visit Iba Oka located in Ubud or Pak Malen located in Kuta and be assured that Babi Guling is what you have for lunch or dinner.
With a mix of spices and herbs added to the roasted piglet’s meat, it is also known to be used as an offering for religious purposes by the inhabitants of Bali. Custom says that when Babi Guling is served, the deities are pleased. After the offering is made, the roasted piglet is sliced and served to the devotees who come to worship. Every Balinese love to eat the crispy golden skin of the piglet.
In Bali, most make a living selling the Babi Guling to enthusiastic tourists who want to try something spicy and tasty. With the dish in high demand, the delicacy is sometimes ordered weeks in advance. However do make sure you do not forget to enjoy it with rice. The pores on the skin of the piglet which is roasted and the meat which is juicy beneath, add flavors to the steamed rice and one should eat the dish when it is still hot full of taste.
Once you are finished filling your belly with the delicacy, which is quite spicy, you can gush it down with a pint or two of Bintang beer or a sweet Balinese tea. The choice is yours; so BON APPETIT and munch on as much as you want.
