Bebek Betutu
Slow-Cooked Spiced Duck
Main DishOne of Bali's grandest ceremonial dishes — a whole duck stuffed with a complex spice paste (base genep) of turmeric, galangal, ginger, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, chili, and shrimp paste, then tightly wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for up to 12 hours until the meat falls off the bone. The result is intensely aromatic, deeply spiced, and meltingly tender with a rich, earthy heat that builds with each bite.
Spice Level
Hot
Difficulty
Difficult
Prep Time
8-12 hours
Price Range
Moderate
Ingredients
Where to Try
Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) in Ubud is the most famous, though locals prefer Warung Betutu Liku in Gilimanuk for the most authentic version. Men Tempeh in Gianyar is beloved by Balinese families. Order in advance at traditional warungs since genuine betutu takes half a day to prepare.
Cultural Context
Bebek betutu is considered the most prestigious dish in Balinese cuisine, historically reserved for royalty and the highest ceremonial occasions such as Galungan, Kuningan, and important temple anniversaries. The elaborate preparation — which can take an entire day — is itself a devotional act. The chicken version (ayam betutu) is also common and more affordable, but the duck version remains the pinnacle of Balinese cooking.
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