While being slightly less tacky than Desapatr or Seminyak, Sanur definitely still falls overmuch within the whole Eat, Prey, Qief scene. This was that, while vegan, Mexican and oat milk semi skimmed no fat lattes are everywhere, the Street Food Sanur scene is a bit lacking.
Lacking though does not mean non existent, and there are some gems if you go looking hard enough. Chief among them for The Street Food Guy is the main market.
Click to read my Sanur Guide.
Table of Contents
What the Sanur?
Sanur is a quiet long beachfront town on Bali’s southeast coast. Compared to Kuta or Seminyak it is calm, less chaotic and slightly old school. The crowd is mostly retirees, families, expats and the odd backpacker who is here for sunrises rather than sunsets. Beachfront resorts line the coast, bicycles are the main transport and the atmosphere is relaxed. It is not a party town. People come here to chill, have a decent meal and ride along the paved beach path without the chaos of the southern tourist traps.
Street Food Sanur
The street food scene in Sanur is sparse. It is dominated by tacky westernised restaurants, smoothie bars and cafés pretending to be exotic while charging triple for nothing. True local food exists but is hard to find if you are not looking. Expect the odd warung selling fried snacks, satay and noodles, plus some fresh fruit juices. The flavours are decent but inconsistent. You will find some gems, but mostly it is Western breakfast options, overpriced coffee and a lot of empty promises.
Top of my list was Sanur Market, which was mostly local food omitted, but with a few western takes on things. Good juices and a solid place to hang out at least.
Amphibia Seafood, along the beach past all the pretentious cafés, was also extremely good. Proper Indonesian style seafood for ultra cheap, spiced with sambal. Crazily, these places get to exist with few customers, while shit like Bubba Gump Shrimp in the mall is standing room only. I will truly never understand people.
Street Food Sanur Spots
- Sanur Market Mostly local food omitted, but worth it for fresh juices and a few street style snacks
- Amphibia Seafood Authentic Indonesian seafood by the beach, cheap, spicy and good
- Warung Little Bird Hidden off the main road, serves nasi campur and traditional breakfasts at tiny prices
- Pasar Sindu Evening market with fried snacks, satay and grilled corn. Quick, cheap and mostly local
- Warung Mak Beng Fish soup and fried fish. Locals love it, portions huge, prices minimal
Conclusion
Indonesian street food is not that great, and Sanur is bad by Indonesian standards, but you will not starve here. It is better than much of Bali, and if you dig a bit you can still find a few proper local bites.
Click to see my Indonesia Tours.