I originally traveled to Bali with two main goals: to explore its unique food culture and practice yoga, though my focus quickly shifted more towards the culinary side. As a broke backpacker, I spent my days bikepacking around the island, weaving through rice fields and vibrant villages, but it was the local food that really captured my attention. Bali’s cuisine, rooted in simplicity yet rich in flavor, is largely vegetarian, with tempeh, rice, vegetables, and eggs forming the backbone of many meals.

I never grew tired of the endless variations of nasi goreng or the way Balinese cooking turns a few ingredients into something special. Every meal was an experience, with street vendors and local eateries offering up dishes that reflected the island’s culture and deep connection to food. While yoga brought moments of peace, it was the food that truly made Bali unforgettable for me.