BALINESE (Hindu) community in Bali does not only prepare food like roast pig for its consumption but also presents it to God. It serves as an expression of profound gratitude for the blessing bestowed through their daily utmost activities.
Related to this delicacy, there is a village in Karangasem (East Bali) organizing a unique annual ritual named usabha sumbu or guling siyu (thousand roast pigs). In this ritual, each family will present an offering along with a roast pig. This tradition has been inherited from the ancestors from the sixteenth century.
For ritual need, people usually choose piglet of three month-old so as it is not too large for the content of offerings and after which it’s enough to be consumed by families, close relatives and friends. Meanwhile, Balinese roast pig for consumption tends to be bigger due to commercial consideration.
Prior to roasting, the pork skin is smeared with oil mixed with grated or chopped turmeric. After that, the pork is also filled with a mixture of various spices called basa gede which usually contains turmeric, coriander, lemongrass, shallots, galangal, chilies, garlic and shrimp paste.
Beyond ritual needs, the roasted (suckling) pig or babi guling has now also been offered for consumption at many roadside food stalls across the Island of the Gods. Almost the nine districts in Bali (including Denpasar City) have famous roasted pig food stalls (warungs). Moreover, you can easily find it at popular destinations like Denpasar, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Dua. So, when making a visit to Bali, do not worry about finding this delicacy.
Simply type ‘babi guling’ in Google search engine, you will find some references where you can buy the babi guling near you. By and large, people are interested in tasting the roasted suckling pig due to their curiosity with local foods. The food will satisfy your appetite while its delicacy relying on local flavor will enrich your experience.
Simply enjoy a plate of rice with shredded pork and crispy pork skin covered in sauces. It is delicious with its golden crispy skin so that it sells out quickly. Moreover, the meat is moist and tender with fantastic spices. It is fabulous and sold at very reasonable price. Please be acknowledged that you will not get any crispy skin as one of the favorite parts if you happen to come late.
