Eating Together in Bali

Megibung -The Culture of Eating Together in Balinese Communities

Bali has so many cultures, maybe more than one hundred cultures. Balinese people always do their culture, because they don’t want Balinese culture vanished. Megibung is one of Balinese culture; Megibung is eating activity was did by some people in one big plate or banana leaves. Megibung comes from “Gibung”, it means the activities were carried out by many people and make activities easily finished. Megibung not only full stomach obtained from these activities while eating but we can exchange ideas with each other. Besides that Megibung can make us feel so close to each other, and feel like family.

The History of Megibung

Megibung was introduced by Karangasem King, I Gusti Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem in the 16th century. When Karangasem attack The Lombok Kingdom, The king asked the soldier to eat together. 

After we prepare the ceremony, we usually do Megibung. We usually served Balinese food; like Lawar, Sate Lilit, and suckling pig, chicken roast with Balinese ingredient when we do Megibung. All are eaten with the hand, not used a spoon and we usually drink the Tuak (palm wine) after Megibung activity. It is a very intimate and social way of sharing food, as well as being more economical and better for the environment: no plates, cutlery or plastic!. So, Mengibung is Balinese unique culture that you must try.