6 Best Warungs in Canggu for Authentic Balinese Food
When you’re in Canggu, finding amazing food is never a challenge. From beachside cafes serving all-day brunch to trendy fusion dining spots, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But if you’re keen to experience authentic Balinese flavours, while giving back to the locals, there’s nowhere better to eat than at a warung.
If you’ve never visited a warung before, prepare for a local culinary experience like no other. These family-run restaurants serve some of the most authentic, delicious, and affordable meals you’ll find.
On our last trip to Canggu, we visited as many warungs as we could squeeze into a week, exploring the back streets and soaking up the charm and mouthwatering dishes. With nasi goreng overload (in the best way possible), we’ve put together this list of the best warungs in Canggu that are worth your visit.
Not sure what a warung is? Keep reading to learn what makes each warung special and why they’re absolutely worth your time (and taste buds!).
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What Is A Warung?
A warung (pronounced wah-roong) is the beating heart of Indonesia’s food culture. Typically a small, Balinese family-owned spot, warungs range from open-air street stalls to cozy restaurants. They act as a window into the everyday cooking traditions passed down through generations.
Why eat at a warung? Aside from the mouthwatering dishes, warungs offer unbeatable value for money. They’re where you’ll find some of the most flavorful nasi goreng, spicy sambal, and tender sate skewers – often for less than $5 AUD. Plus, dining in a warung lets you support local families and experience the warmth of genuine Indonesian hospitality.
Now, on to the best warungs Canggu has to offer.
6 Best Warungs in Canggu, Bali
Warung Yess
Location: Jl. Pantai Pererenan
Price: 50k – 70k IDR
Best For: Garden vibes and variety
Favourite Meal: Nasi Campur with sambal matah
Walking into Warung Yess feels like entering a secret garden. The restaurant opens up into a lush green oasis once you pass through the tiny shop front, with plenty of seating options to choose from.
Along with the ready-made dishes at the front counter, Warung Yess has an extensive menu, offering everything from hearty vegetarian options to classic Balinese dishes.
Their nasi campur, a traditional mixed rice dish, comes loaded with fresh vegetables, meats, and the best sambal matah we’ve had in Bali. While the prices are slightly higher compared to other warungs, the portion sizes and presentation make it well worth it.
We loved the relaxed ambience here, which made it a great spot to enjoy a slow, lazy meal paired with fresh coconut water.
Warung Sika
Location: JI. Tanah Barak
Price: 30k – 60k IDR
Best For: Huge plates for cheap and friendly service
Favourite Meal: Satay chicken skewers and corn fritters (Balinese equivalent)
Warung Sika is a favourite among both locals and expats, and it’s easy to see why. On our first visit, it was so busy we couldn’t even get a table, but we’re glad we gave it another shot – this time for lunch, which was a bit quieter!
While they do have a menu of staples you can order from, the real highlight of Warung Sika is their display cabinet, overflowing with mouthwatering aromas and an incredible variety of dishes to choose from. For just $6 AUD, we piled a huge plate to share with sautéed veggies, corn fritters, chicken skewers, and more – and left feeling completely satisfied.
Alongside incredibly delicious and authentic Balinese cuisine, the service and atmosphere are just as genuine. The happy, friendly staff make sure you leave feeling full, satisfied, and content.
Varuna Warung
Location: JI. Pantai Batu Bolong
Price: 25k – 50k IDR
Best For: Budget-friendly, quick bites
Favourite Meal: Nasi Goreng
Situated right on one of Canggu’s liveliest streets, Varuna Warung is perfect for anyone looking for a quintessential warung experience. It’s got a no-frills setup, with an open kitchen and a display cabinet where you can pick and choose what you want on your plate.
If buffet style meals aren’t your thing, you can also order from their small but tasty menu. We loved their nasi goreng, which was simple yet full of smoky, wok-fried goodness. The welcoming atmosphere and affordable menu make it a regular go-to spot for both expats and budget travellers. You’ll leave full, satisfied, and still have change to spare for a bintang by the beach.
Warung Pojok
Location: Canggu Beach
Price: 25k – 50k IDR
Best For: Beachside relaxation with fresh coconuts
Favourite Meal: Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng
For a taste of Canggu’s unhurried beachside charm, Warung Pojok is the place to go. It’s located on Canggu Beach, making for the ideal pit stop after a surf session or day of exploring.
The menu offers a blend of Western and Indonesian dishes, but we recommend sticking to the classics like Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng – they’re simple, tasty, and budget-friendly.
While the food may not steal the spotlight, the genuinely friendly vibe and unbeatable beachfront location make Warung Pojok worth a visit. Even if you simply stop by for a refreshing coconut or a cold Bintang and a friendly chat.
Warung Bu Mi
Location: JI. Pantai Batu Bolong
Price: 30 – 60k IDR
Best For: Quick, budget-friendly meals
Favourite Meal: Build your own nasi campur
Warung Bu Mi keeps things simple yet satisfying. The cabinet-style setup lets you pick and mix your meal from a variety of meats, vegetables, and side dishes – they also provide little name tags so you know what you’re ordering! The servings are incredibly generous for the price, making it a great value option for budget-conscious travellers.
Warung Bu Mi feels a bit more fast-paced than other warungs like Warung Sika, but this makes it an excellent choice for those in need of a quick, affordable meal without sacrificing quality.
Papi Chulo (formerly Warung Bamboo Mai)
Location: Echo Beach
Price: 45k – 80k IDR + 16% service charge
Best For: Laid-back beach vibes with good food
Favourite Meal: Gado gado and satay chicken skewers
If you’re craving a laid-back beachside meal, Papi Chulo’s got you covered. Previously known as Warung Bamboo Mai, this spot is a mix of chill vibes and classic Indonesian dishes with some Western-inspired options thrown in.
The highlights of our meal here were the gado gado, a hearty salad of veggies topped with a rich peanut sauce, and their juicy satay chicken skewers. While it’s slightly pricier compared to more traditional warungs, the stunning ocean views more than make up for it. You can enjoy your meal on cushioned benches or on bean bags by the sand, all while soaking in the sunset magic.
Note: Based on the additional service charge, this restaurant may not be completely Balinese owned anymore. However, we’ve kept it on the list as it was our favourite place to eat on the beach.
Tips for Visiting Warungs in Canggu
To make the most of your warung-hopping adventures, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind:
- Check peak hours: Some warungs can get packed during lunch and dinner, so try to visit during quieter times to grab a seat more easily.
- Stick to local dishes: Warungs excel at traditional Indonesian food. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask the staff for recommendations!
- Bring cash: Some warungs don’t accept cards, so it’s best to carry cash.
- Be patient: Warungs tend to have smaller kitchens and their meals are made to order, so you might need to wait a little longer. Relax and enjoy the vibe.
- Don’t Skimp on Sambal: If you love spice, the sambal is a must-have. Beware, it packs a punch!
Final Thoughts
Canggu’s warungs are more than just places to grab a meal, they’re an invitation to experience Bali’s rich culinary traditions. From garden hideaways to beachside dining, each warung on this list offers something special. Whether you’re sipping coconuts at Warung Pojok or tucking into your nasi campur creation at Warung Sika, you’re in for a treat.
If you’re heading to Canggu soon, make sure to save this list and give these warungs a try. Got a favourite warung we missed? Drop your recommendations in the comments below.
Happy eating 🙂
