Hunting for Balinese "Babi Guling"

Pork lover said that Bali is one of the heaven to find especially roasted suckling pig, or Babi Guling [or I used to say it, Bagul].  Its a whole pork rubbed down and stuffed with mixture of Balinese spices including shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, galangal, pepper coriander, candlenuts, chilies, and lemongrass before being roasted over an open fire for up to five hours. 

So as requested by my hubby on his birthday's wish, we went to Bali this week. Just to find this best Bagul in town. Some of our friends recommended to find it in Ubud. They said that one of Bali best rated for suckling pig is Babi Guling Ibu Oka. And while staying in Bali, we found that most of the Balinese people will ussually mention this place when they are being asked where to find best babi guling in town.  After driving about 1.5 hours from Kuta area, we finally arrived at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka. Its easy to find. We just need to find Ubud local traditional market, about 200 meters you will find Puri Ubud, and Warung Ibu Oka's located in front of the Puri. 

A portion of Nasi Babi Guling Special will cost you about Rp. 25 thousand. It consists of steaming hot rice, with a huge chunk of tender, succulent, melt in your mouth pork, along with its crunchy skin with other accompanying side dishes on a wax paper lined wicker basket.  I honestly not really think something so special about this Ibu Oka's. I feel its too much oily, and not too crunchy as I liked. But still I quite enjoyed this meal, especially after we asked for extra sambal matah, a Balinese chili,  I can see my hubby, sista and in law are enjoying their food. 

Hunting for food, that's our theme during this Bali's visit. So the next day we were continuing our suckling pig hunting. This time to Denpasar area, where you can find Babi Guling Chandra. Their stall is located at Jl. Teuku Umar, Denpasar, nearby the Dunkin Donuts around the roundabout. Its easy to miss it if you are not familiar with the areas as its quite hidden, with a few tables with outdoor umbrellas on the outside only. Unlike Ibu Oka's, the trademark roasted pig is not displayed as they have already chopped it up and plates of pork, skin and other condiments can be seen behind the glass cabinets. 

While the waitress were preparing the main platter, soto soup, along with a plate of white rice is first served. The hearty broth is redolent with garlic, and turmeric and bits of ribs and friend shallots floating in it. Yeacch...tummy warning indeed ! 

At this warung, they served their babi guling special separated from the dishes. And I really like it ! Their pork satay was excellent ! oya, the price is similar with Ibu Oka. A must to try for those pork lover, especially for suckling pig hunter :)