Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali 80571
If you’re walking the streets of Ubud searching for the best babi guling Ubud has to offer, make sure you don’t walk past Spice, where tradition meets taste in the heart of Bali’s cultural capital. Babi guling is more than just a dish – it’s a culinary ritual that reflects the island’s rich heritage. At Blake Thornley’s Spice, it’s cooked with care, passion, and authenticity. Spice by Blake offers a modern interpretation of Bali’s iconic babi guling, crafted with flavours and techniques inspired by the island’s culinary heritage
Babi guling, or Balinese suckling pig, is a whole roasted pig that has been marinated in a fragrant mix of traditional spices and slow-roasted over an open flame until the skin is perfectly crispy and the meat falls off the bone. The stuffing typically includes turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, galangal, and a rich blend of Balinese herbs and spices, giving it a bold and unforgettable flavour. This dish is usually served in portions alongside rice, crispy pork skin, spicy vegetables, and sometimes fried blood sausage, making for a complete, traditional and delicious Balinese meal. Finding this dish outside of Bali is nigh on impossible so you shouldnt pass up th opportunity of indulging in one of the island’s finest culinary treats whilst you’re visiting.
Traditionally, babi guling was reserved for religious ceremonies and special family gatherings. It was once a sacred dish served only during temple offerings and rites of passage. Over time, as Bali’s culinary culture opened up to visitors, babi guling made its way from ceremonial tables to restaurant menus, without losing its deep cultural roots.
At Spice, we honour the legacy of babi guling while elevating it to a new level of culinary excellence. Our chefs stay true to traditional preparation methods – roasting the pig slowly over coconut husk embers for hours – while paying close attention to flavour, texture, and balance.
What sets our babi guling apart is the quality of our ingredients and the care with which we prepare and cook the dish. The pork is locally sourced and free-range. While we honour the flavour profile of traditional babi guling, what we serve at Spice by Blake is a modern interpretation. This keeps the essence of the dish intact while presenting it in a contemporary style that fits the restaurant’s approach to Indonesian cuisine. The spice paste, or bumbu Bali, is ground fresh daily. Every element on your plate – from the crackling skin to the ribs to the sambal – reflects our dedication to the dish.
When you eat babi guling at Spice, you’re not just having a meal – you’re experiencing a part of Bali’s soul. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, every bite tells a story of community, celebration, and centuries-old tradition.
Join us at Spice, Ubud’s premier destination for babi guling, and taste why this legendary dish has become a must-try for food lovers around the world.
Visit Spice and experience the best babi guling Ubud has to offer.
1. Does Spice serve traditional babi guling?
We don’t serve the whole roasted version. Instead, we reinterpret its flavours into a modern pork ribs dish inspired by Bali’s signature spices.
2. Is the modern babi guling spicy?
Our version balances heat, aromatics, and sweetness — inspired by traditional bumbu but made more contemporary and accessible.
3. Can I try both modern and traditional babi guling in Ubud?
Yes. Many traditional warungs serve classic versions, while Spice by Blake offers a modern interpretation for guests who want a new take on the iconic dish.
4. Is this dish available every day?
The menu is one of our signature dish which is why it is available every day for you to enjoy.
