Are There Any Food Allergies That I Should Be Aware Of When Dining Out?

Dining out in Bali is a delicious experience, but certain common food allergens require special attention:

Peanuts and Tree Nuts are frequent in Balinese cuisine, especially in peanut sauces for dishes like satay and gado-gado. Always notify staff of any nut allergies before ordering.

Seafood and Shellfish are widely used, particularly at coastal restaurants and in soups, curries, and sambal. Shellfish allergies should be clearly declared.

Traditional Balinese dishes are mostly rice-based and naturally gluten-free. However, gluten can still be found in wheat-based noodles, batters for fried foods, and soy sauce in fusion or tourist-oriented restaurants. If you are highly sensitive, always check recipes or request gluten-free options.

Dairy is almost absent in traditional Balinese meals but may appear in Western-style desserts, coffee drinks, and international dishes.

Spices and Unfamiliar Herbs are key components of Balinese food. Some blends may trigger sensitivities for people not accustomed to tropical spices.

What to Do:

• Learn and use key phrases like “Saya alergi kacang” (I’m allergic to peanuts) and “Saya alergi udang” (I’m allergic to shrimp).
• Clearly inform servers about your allergies before ordering. Tourist-oriented restaurants are generally aware of common allergies and more accommodating, but small local warungs may have limited understanding of food allergies and higher risks of cross-contamination.
• If you have severe allergies, consider carrying an allergy card written in Bahasa Indonesia.
• When in doubt, seek venues catering to international visitors, as they are more aware of dietary restrictions and cross-contamination risks.

Taking these precautions will help you enjoy Bali’s culinary scene safely.