What Do the Oceans 5 Staff Really Eat?
Discover the Favorite Local Foods on Gili Air!
Visitors often ask us where they should eat on Gili Air. While the island has plenty of international restaurants and cafés, the real flavors of Gili Air are found in the local warungs where island residents eat every day.
So we asked some of the Oceans 5 staff a simple question:
“What is your favorite local meal on Gili Air?”
The answers show just how diverse and delicious the local food scene really is.
Yunus: Ayam Geprek at Warung Muslim
Yunus doesn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite meal. For him, it’s the famous Ayam Geprek at Warung Muslim.
What makes it special? The crispy fried chicken is covered with a spicy sambal that will definitely wake up your taste buds. Add plenty of fresh vegetables and delicious fried eggplant, and you have the perfect Indonesian meal.
“The spicier, the better!” says Yunus.
Yani: Nasi Campur at Warung Parida
Yani’s favorite is Nasi Campur from Warung Parida.
The beauty of Nasi Campur is the variety. Every plate can be different, with a selection of vegetables, meats, fish, tempeh, tofu, and other Indonesian specialties.
Yani loves having so many choices and appreciates the large selection of vegetables available every day.
Ziki: Nasi Goreng at ZzZ Warung
For Ziki, nothing beats a giant plate of Nasi Goreng from ZzZ Warung.
The portions are big, the flavors are rich, and the spice level is exactly how he likes it. After a long day of diving around the Gili Islands, a large plate of fried rice is the perfect reward.
Yudi: Nasi Puyung at Warung Muslim
Yudi’s favorite meal is another Lombok classic: Nasi Puyung from Warung Muslim.
This traditional Lombok dish combines rice with spicy shredded chicken, peanuts, and sambal. Simple ingredients, but packed with flavor.
If you want to try authentic Lombok cuisine, Nasi Puyung is a great place to start.
Dul: Bakso at Warung Pong
For Dul, comfort food means one thing: Bakso from Warung Pong, located right in front of Oceans 5.
This Indonesian meatball soup is a national favorite, and according to Dul, Warung Pong serves one of the best versions on Gili Air.
Warm, filling, affordable, and perfect after a dive.
Sander: Nasi Kuning at the Harbor
For Oceans 5 owner Sander, the winner is Nasi Kuning at the harbor near the jetty.
Served fresh every morning, this Indonesian yellow rice dish is packed with flavor and accompanied by a variety of side dishes. Watching the boats arrive and depart while enjoying breakfast at the harbor is one of the simple pleasures of island life.
According to Sander:
“The best Nasi Kuning on Gili Air is found right at the harbor.”
One Island, Many Flavors
What’s interesting is that no two staff members chose exactly the same meal.
Some prefer spicy chicken, others fried rice, meatball soup, Nasi Campur, Nasi Puyung, or Nasi Kuning. Different dishes, different warungs, different flavors.
And that is exactly what makes Gili Air special.
Whether you’re staying at Oceans 5, learning to dive, joining a Divemaster internship, or completing your SSI Instructor Course, take some time to explore the local warungs. The island may be small, but its food scene is surprisingly diverse.
Gili Air is not only a paradise for diving—it is also a paradise for local food. 🌶️🍛🏝️🍜🇮🇩