BALI PACKAGES
Balinese Cuisine · MAINS · BALI

Pepes Ikan

Spiced fish grilled in a fragrant banana-leaf parcel

Explore the Dish 
Pepes Ikan — a classic Balinese dish
Meal time Lunch or dinner
Origin Indonesia / Bali coastal
Street price 20,000–45,000 IDR (≈₹110–₹250)
Spice level Medium
Vegetarian No (meat/fish)

What Is Pepes Ikan?

Pepes ikan is fish — often mackerel, tuna or snapper — smothered in a fresh spice paste of turmeric, chilli, lemongrass, tomato and basil, wrapped tightly in banana leaf, then steamed and grilled. The leaf steams the fish in its own aromatic juices and lends a gentle smoky perfume. Unwrapping the parcel at the table releases an incredible fragrance.

Because the fish cooks sealed in the leaf, it stays moist and absorbs every bit of the spice paste. It is lighter than fried fish and showcases Bali’s love of fresh aromatics.

A natural fit for Bali’s coastal areas, pepes ikan is served at seafood warungs and Balinese restaurants, usually with rice, sambal and vegetables.

History & Origins

Pepes is a classic Indonesian banana-leaf cooking technique used across the archipelago, especially in Sundanese and Balinese kitchens. Bali’s coastal abundance of fish made pepes ikan a natural island favourite.

  • Tradition Banana-leaf steaming-grilling technique used across Indonesia
  • Coastal Bali Adopted for the island’s fresh fish at seaside warungs
  • Today A lighter, aromatic seafood classic on Balinese menus

How to Eat It

  1. Unwrap the banana-leaf parcel at the table for the aroma
  2. Eat the moist fish with steamed rice
  3. Add sambal for extra heat
  4. Pair with vegetables or urab

When Ordering

  • “Pepes ikan” (fish); “pepes tahu” (tofu, vegetarian)
  • Ask which fish is used that day
  • Often served with rice and sambal as a set

Where to Eat It

Top Spots

Coastal seafood warungs

📍 Jimbaran / Sanur / Lovina

Fresh fish pepes near the sea — the most authentic setting.

₹180–₹380 warung ★ Authentic

Traditional Balinese restaurants

📍 Ubud / Seminyak

Pepes ikan plated with rice, sambal and vegetables.

₹250–₹450 restaurant ★ Recommended

Warung Mak Beng-style fish spots

📍 Sanur

Famous Sanur fish warungs are great for fresh, simply cooked seafood.

₹200–₹400 local ★ Iconic

Price Guide

Venue Type IDR USD (approx.) INR (approx.)
Street cart / warung 20,000–45,000 IDR $1.2–$2.8 ₹110–₹250
Local warung (sit-down) 54,000–81,000 IDR $3.4–$5.1 ₹300–₹450
Mid-range restaurant 90,000–144,000 IDR $5.6–$9.0 ₹500–₹800
Hotel / tourist restaurant 157,000–270,000 IDR $9.8–$16.9 ₹870–₹1500

Vegetarian & Dietary Notes

Pepes is a method, not just a fish dish — pepes tahu (tofu) and pepes jamur (mushroom) are tasty vegetarian versions cooked the same way.

“Pepes tahu” or “pepes jamur” for vegetarian

Jain note: Balinese cooking uses garlic, shallots and shrimp paste (terasi) widely. Jain travellers should ask for dishes without onion, garlic and terasi — easiest at vegetarian warungs in Ubud.

Tips for Eating Pepes Ikan

  • Unwrap the parcel at the table — the aroma is half the experience.
  • A lighter, healthier alternative to fried fish.
  • Best in coastal areas where the fish is freshest.
  • Pepes tahu or jamur are good vegetarian versions of the same dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fish coated in fresh spice paste, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed then grilled, so it cooks moist and aromatic.

Medium — aromatic and gently spiced, with sambal on the side for more heat.

Yes — pepes is a technique. Pepes tahu (tofu) and pepes jamur (mushroom) are vegetarian versions.

Coastal areas like Jimbaran, Sanur and Lovina, where the fish is freshest.

Around ₹180–₹450 depending on the venue and fish.

Ready to eat your way through Bali?

Our specialists plan food-focused itineraries around what you want to eat.

Plan My Food Trip