One of the must-try foods is Babi Guling Buk Ari Ubud, a lesser-known and not-so-famous ‘Warung’ that sells this popular Balinese pork dish. This is something you must try for first-timers to Bali, as it is truly a unique dish.
This is a pure pork dish, which is not suitable for Muslims or vegans. However, for the meat-eater, Babi Guling, or suckling pig, is a Balinese tradition of spit-roasting a whole suckling pig, originating as a ceremonial offering to the Hindu gods.
Babi Guling Buk Ari Ubud
Regulars of the Island of Gods may have heard about Babi Guling in Bali, which is super famous here in Ubud. However, many others offer a different experience with this mouth-watering Balinese dish.
During one of my trips to visit a friend in Ubud, he brought me to Babi Guling Buk Ari (or Bu Ari as one of the banners says), which was about 100 metres from his place, Passaddhi Bistro, and according to his wife, this place is more authentic, compared to the tourist-famous places like Babi Guling Ibu Oka.
I asked her why, and her answer was simple: when a place becomes famous, it tends to lose its passion for creating good food, as money seems to be the driving inspiration. Therefore, many local Balinese or even Indonesians prefer to eat at more laid-back ‘warungs’ like this place.
I think I can vouch for that statement, as this is the same thing that is happening in Malaysia; when a place becomes famous, the locals tend to avoid it, and they somehow lose their original passion, regardless of what the owners or even new KOLs or foodie bloggers have to say.
Anyway, Babi Guling Buk Ari’s overall appearance doesn’t shout tourist, as it is more welcoming as a local food joint. Bikes and local cars are parked outside, and there’s no warm tourist welcome when you walk in. You order from the main counter and find a seat.
After ordering our meals, we followed up with the standard Teh Botol drink and waited for the food to be served. The food came within a few minutes, as it was not peak hour.
What captivated me is how they love to display the entire roasted suckling pig on the warong counter, showing patrons that it’s fresh. And just so you know, locals love to eat every part of the Babi Guling, from head to tail.
No two are alike, as some may say, but each person has their preferences regarding taste. For me, Buk Ari catered to a more local taste where the ‘sambal’ sauce was really spicy, unlike the touristy places where they make the ‘sambal’ less spicy so visitors can enjoy the babi guling.
The pork was succulent with a nice crispy touch to the skin part, and the meat was well-cooked, almost to an easily chewable experience. But when you mix the ‘sambal‘ into your rice, you need to have the local fire department on quick dial on your phone! Lol.
And always remember, a local experience comes complete with a bottle of ‘Teh Botol’, or tea in a bottle, an all-time Indonesian favourite drink. The bottle is small, so if you’re a big drinker, order at least two Teh Botol on standby.
Where is Babi Guling Buk Ari Ubud?
This warung is located along Jalan Raya Andong, about a 15-minute ride or drive from the main Monkey Forest area in Ubud. Jalan Raya Andong is also one of the main roads leading to the famous Bali Swings area in Tegalaland.
As you head north, the warung is on the right side of the road, and one prominent landmark is the Pertamina Petrol Station on the left. Once you see the gas station, Babi Guling Bu Ari is on the right, just 50 meters up the road. Click the link for the Google Map directions.
Conclusion
I must admit that Babi Guling Buk Ari Ubud was genuinely unexpected, as the taste was very different from that of other famous places. It is a more local experience that does not shout for tourists to come. They are happy with anyone who walks in.
The restaurant or warung is non-air conditioned but casually comfortable, with proper dining tables and chairs. If you sweat a lot, make sure you sit near or under a fan. Otherwise, stand by with several bottles of Teh Botol or Bintang.