Exploring local morning markets in Ubud, Bali: For for those after a unique experience of local Balinese culture, head straight to the incredible Ubud morning markets – fresh produce, mouthwatering street food and a heartwarming culture await!
Exploring Local Morning Markets in Ubud, Bali
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Ubud lies nestled in the mountains of Bali, Indonesia, just a few hours drive north of Denpasar Airport. It’s a popular retreat for yoga enthusiasts and those who flock to see its picturesque rice fields, but don’t miss the morning markets!
The morning begins when the roosters crow and the sun crests the glistening treetops of Ubud, Bali. With most tourists still asleep, the backstreets are empty. Only a few other people are out and about, laden with woven baskets and heading in the same direction you are.
You round the corner and reach the main road – it’s a world away from last night’s tourist filled frenzy – and catch a glimpse of the real Ubud underneath. Trucks and scooters line the roadside in front of the actual markets, and it’s here you’ll find anything from fresh produce and market snacks (sweet colourful cakes and small bites known as jajan pasar) to kitchen utensils and everything in between.
Inside the market proper you’ll find woven baskets of the freshest, brightest veggies and fruits you’ve ever seen. If you’re a home cook, you’ll have fun bartering with locals for fresh chillies, garlic and shallots – everything you’d need to whip up Bali’s beloved spice paste known as Basa Genap. Keep an eye out for snakeskin fruit, mangosteen or a bunch of small sweet tropical bananas for healthy snacks to see you through the day.
Ubud Bali Markets
For the adventurous foodie, Ubud’s morning markets are a goldmine for breakfast. You’ll find endless variations of freshly prepared dishes like:
- Nasi campur – steamed rice wrapped in a banana leaf, usually topped with spicy chicken and crunchy veggies
- Bubur ayam – Balinese style chicken congee flavoured with ginger, coconut and lime
- Sate lilit – minced chicken, pork or beef satays sizzling away on fiery charcoal barbecues
- Jajan pasar – otherwise known as market sweets! We recommend going for one (or two!) of the tightly rolled green pandan pancakes; they’re packed with shredded coconut and local sugar known as gula bali
Around the corner and down a steep set of concrete steps you’ll find the heart of the Ubud market. Here you’ll find local clothes, perfume, incense, and those colourful woven shopping baskets you see on the arm of every local market goer. These are a bargain at around $3 each (but you could pay less if you’re prepared to barter).
This is the perfect time of day to experience true Balinese culture. Amongst the riotous color and bustling pace of the marketplace, there’ll be friendly faces and new experiences everywhere you look. Take time to smile, say hello, and you’ll no doubt form a new connection to this beautiful part of the world.
Make sure to arrive bright and early, because all of this will be gone by once the locals have finished shopping. After around 7.30-8am, the markets are transformed, the fresh produce and mouthwatering street food stalls replaced with colorful trinkets and artworks for the tourist market.
Ready for your own foodie market adventure?
Here are some helpful phrases in Indonesian to help you on your way:
Good morning! / Selamat pagi!
How are you? / Apa kabar?
How much? / Berapa harganya?
Please can I have… / Boleh saya minta…
One / Satu
Two / Dua
Three / Tiga
Thank you / Terima kasih (or matar suksma in Balinese language)
Find the Ubud Morning Markets every morning at Jalan Raya Ubud No.35. After 8am, it becomes the Ubud Traditional Art Market.
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