Everyone who has been to Bali, will recommend Babi Guling.
In Ubud, the ever popular Ibu Oka has throngs of people lining up to buy a plate of babi guling. Ibu Oka is acknoweldged by locals as having the best babi guling in Bali. It was a tall order to fill but the locals seem to agree. Many tourist will line up at the shops just to eat.
Business is so good that there are two shops that sell Ibu Oka Babi Guling.
The first shop is in Bali Central itself on Jl Tegal Sari. This is the most popular one with many tourists and travel agents stopping here to allow everyone to feast on the babi guling.
Do not heed the sign saying it opens at 11. Come here at 10 and try your luck. The place fills up quickly.
Babi Guling is essentially a whole roasted pig stuffed with different spices. The pig is stuffed and infused with a spices such as turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, black pepper and garlic, and traditionally pit-roasted. The whole pig is then carved and served with rice and fried vegetables. They also take the innards, chop them up and fry them to a crisp.
Being someone who enjoys pork, this was an awesome dish.
Before I devour the dish, here are some nice pictures.
Pork skin, crispy and well fried.
Some fatty meats also accompany your meal.
The meats are juciy and tender. The spices blend well with the entire dish. It is not overpowering and neither is it spicy. It is hard to explain the taste but I guess, it is something you must try to experience for yourself.
If the the restaurant in Jln Tegal Sari is packed, there usually is someone wearing an Ibu Oka shirt telling you to head up the road and go to where Ibu Oka stays and prepares the babi guling. Just walk up the road and there will be another staff at the junction telling you to turn right.
I am happy. Babi guling, babi guling.
I would eat this on our last day in Ubud too.
chasing320 