Cookook Review: “A Traveler’s Guide to Balinese Street Food” by David Barratt and I. Wayan Budiasa

More than just a cookbook, A Traveler’s Guide to Balinese Street Food takes you on a journey through the tropical island of Bali via way of food sold by street vendors. This book is a love letter to the food and culture of Bali, written by a many-times visitor and a local Bali-Hindu cultural guide.

Summary of A Traveler’s Guide to Balinese Street Food

Part traveler’s guide, part cookbook and part cultural primer, A Traveler’s Guide to Balinese Street Food provides you with some basic information about Bali and its unique street cuisine, as well as recipes for the most common dishes served by street vendors. The book is filled with candid photography taken by David Barratt on his many travels to the island.

What Worked for Me

The recipes are in large type and easy to read. I also like the travel photos that show Balinese people doing what they do in regards to food. All are smiling, so it makes Bali look like a friendly place.

What Didn’t Work for Me

There is no table of contents, which makes it hard to understand the organization without flipping through all the pages. However, there is a limited index, so I guess you’ll be able to find what you want.

What I’d Love to See in the Second Edition

A table of contents and a clearer organization.

Recommendation

If you’ve been to Bali, A Traveler’s Guide to Balinese Street Food could be a fun walk down memory lane. If you haven’t, it could be an introduction to a new favorite cuisine.

Rating for A Traveler’s Guide to Balinese Street Food

Pick up your copy on Amazon.com here.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past book reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to read or not read the book, even if you disagree with my opinion.