If I could pack one dish from Bali in my suitcase to take back home, it would undoubtedly be Mie Goreng. These savory, smoky, sweet, and spicy stir-fried noodles are more than just food—they’re Bali on a plate. This simple yet magical dish quickly became my go-to meal during our two-month stay in Ubud, Bali. From small warungs to boutique cafés, I embarked on a Mie Goreng marathon, trying it at over 20 different spots (yes, 20!) before finally declaring it my favorite Balinese dish.
I loved it so much that I found myself craving it more and more with each bite, and now, I want to share this passion with you. Whether you’ve been lucky enough to visit Bali or dream of island adventures, join me as I take you on a flavorful journey through Mie Goreng’s history, charm, and most delicious recipe.
My First Mie Goreng: Falling in Love at Juice Ja Cafe Ubud
Every love story has a beginning, and mine with Mie Goreng started at a cozy Ubud café called Juice Ja Cafe Ubud. After a long day of wandering Ubud’s lush rice paddies, we stopped in for dinner, figuring we’d try something local. Their Mie Goreng came recommended by a fellow traveler, so I figured—why not?
What arrived at my table was life-changing: a fragrant plate of stir-fried noodles piled with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a perfectly fried egg on top, with crispy shallots and tangy sambal (chili sauce) on the side. I distinctly remember taking my first bite and thinking, where have these noodles been all my life?
Juice Ja Cafe Ubud’s version had the perfect balance of smoky sweetness, spicy heat, and tangy umami. Every bite felt like Bali itself—warm, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.
What is Mie Goreng?
For those unfamiliar, the name Mie Goreng literally translates to “fried noodles” in Indonesian. While it’s a staple across Indonesia, Bali puts its own charming spin on this dish. You’ll often find it served with a fried egg, crispy shallots, fresh lime, and sambal (a spicy chili condiment that levels up every bite).
What makes Mie Goreng genuinely exceptional? It’s all about the combination of flavors:
- Sweet: Thanks to Indonesia’s famous kecap manis (a thick, sweet soy sauce).
- Smoky: This is achieved by stir-frying the noodles at high heat.
- Savory: Courtesy of garlic, shallots, and an optional protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Fresh: Packed with crunchy veggies like cabbage, carrots, or bean sprouts.
- Spicy: With a touch of sambal or chili paste for that fantastic kick.
Mie Goreng is comfort food and a flavor explosion all at once. It’s a dish you can enjoy any time of the day, whether at lunch alongside a steaming cup of Bali coffee or for dinner under Bali’s twinkling stars.
Chasing the Perfect Plate Across Ubud
Once Mie Goreng had won my heart, I made it my mission to taste as many variations as possible across Ubud (because you know… research!). And let me tell you, Mie Goreng is like a fingerprint; no two plates are exactly the same. Each warung (local eatery) and restaurant added its own unique flair to the dish, making every tasting feel like a new adventure.
Some highlights from my “noodle quest” included:
- Warung Biah Biah: This is a traditional, no-frills warung where the Mie Goreng is earthy and smoky. It is served with an extra-spicy sambal that had me tearing up (in the best way).
- Clear Café: Their version was modern yet rooted in tradition, featuring a mix of colorful veggies and perfectly cooked tempeh for a plant-based twist.
- Bukit Warung: Here, I fell in love with Mie Goreng, served with satay chicken skewers on the side, a perfectly indulgent combo.
Still, Juice Ja Cafe Ubud remained one of my absolute favorite spots. There’s just something about returning to the place that started it all.
Make It Yourself: The Best Authentic Mie Goreng Recipe
While nothing beats eating Mie Goreng in Bali, you can bring its magic into your own kitchen! After scouring the depths of authentic recipes, I found one that stays true to its Indonesian roots.
Here’s how you can recreate Mie Goreng at home:
Ingredients:
For the noodles:
- 200g (about 7 oz) egg noodles (or your favorite stir-fry noodles)
For the stir-fry:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (sunflower or vegetable oil works best)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- ½ cup shredded cabbage
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 egg (fried, sunny-side-up for topping)
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp kecap manis (sweet soy sauce; you can find this at Asian stores or online)
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sambal oelek or chili paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- Juice from ½ a lime
Optional Proteins:
- 150g (5 oz) chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Crispy shallots and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a small drop of oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine kecap manis, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sambal, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Stir-fry magic: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shallots, stir-frying until fragrant (about 1 minute). If using chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it now and cook until golden.
- Add veggies: Toss in carrots, cabbage, and spring onions, cooking for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Combine it all: Add the cooked noodles and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly. Stir-fry on high heat for about 1 minute for that signature smoky flavor.
- Top it off: Serve your Mie Goreng with a sunny-side-up egg, crispy shallots, and lime wedges for garnish. Pair with sambal for extra heat.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Bali to Your Plate
Mie Goreng isn’t just food; it’s a connection to Bali’s soul. Each noodle carries the warmth and vibrancy of the island’s flavors and culture, and now, I can’t imagine going without it.
If you’re dreaming of rice paddies and tropical sunsets or want to bring a taste of Bali into your life, try making Mie Goreng at home. It’s the perfect dish to transport you (and your taste buds) to this magical island.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to fall in love with Bali’s favorite noodle dish like I did? Let me know if you try this recipe—and if you ever find yourself in Ubud, stop by Juice Ja Cafe Ubud for their unforgettable take on Mie Goreng. Trust me, you won’t regret it.