From Pasta to Nasi Goreng: How Moving to Bali Transformed Our Family's Kitchen

September 5, 2025

One of the unexpected joys of moving to Bali has been watching how our home cooking has changed. When we first arrived, the kids were still asking for all their usual western meals — pastas, toasties, the classics from home. But slowly, something shifted. These days the requests sound more like, “Can we have chicken and rice?” or “Mum, can you make that dish we tried at the market?” Cooking here just feels different. Yes, you can buy spices back in Australia, but somehow the smells and flavors are richer, more alive here. Maybe it’s the lovely ladies at the markets letting you sniff their spice blends, maybe it’s friends suggesting new recipes, or maybe it’s just the inspiration that comes from being surrounded by a culture so deeply connected to its food. Either way, I’ve fallen in love with the process — from choosing the freshest produce to experimenting with recipes that make the whole family sit down and eat with happy faces. Food here doesn’t just fill our bellies; it’s an experience. The photo with this post is extra special — it’s from Lola’s very first cooking class at Warung Nia. She was so proud to be hands-on, learning traditional Balinese dishes right where they come from. And if you’re planning your own Bali trip, this is one experience I’d recommend again and again. Best part? Warung Nia is a Bali Family Finds partner, so you’ll find an exclusive discount waiting for you inside the BFF app. Cooking, learning, eating, and sharing — it’s all part of the adventure. #BaliFamilyFinds #BaliCooking #WarungNia #BaliWithKids #FamilyTravelBali #BaliHoliday #BaliEats #BaliFamilyAdventures #BFFPass

One of the most unexpected joys of moving to Bali has been how our family’s food habits have transformed. When we first touched down, our meals still leaned heavily on the comfort classics: creamy pastas, toasties, and everything familiar from home. But Bali has a gentle way of creeping into your senses — and soon, our kitchen began to smell and taste very different. These days, the kids beg for ayam goreng (fried chicken) with rice, or ask if we can recreate that spicy sambal-laced dish we sampled at a local night market. Cooking here has become more than just making meals — it’s now a cultural adventure. Wandering through the markets is half the fun. The vibrant displays, the fragrant spice blends, the chats with smiling stall owners who encourage you to sniff and sample – it all inspires us. It’s as if the ingredients themselves are inviting you to create something special. Add to that a few friendly recipe tips from local friends, and suddenly, our weekly meal plan is packed with Balinese flair. One of our favorite memories? Lola’s very first cooking class at Warung Nia. Watching her crush garlic, stir bubbling pots, and proudly plate her own creation was pure magic. If your family is headed to Bali, this hands-on experience is a must. Warung Nia, a cherished partner of Bali Family Finds, even offers exclusive discounts inside the BFF app — just another reason to make it part of your holiday. In Bali, food is more than fuel — it’s a way to explore, connect, and celebrate together. And for us, every meal now carries a little bit of that island magic. #BaliFamilyFinds #BaliWithKids #BalineseFood #WarungNia #FamilyTravelBali #BaliCooking #BFFPass