Client-side partition-aware batch insert operations are presented. For example, a server generates partition metadata, which is provided to a client. The client uses the partition metadata to determine the database nodes to which to send batch insert requests. For example, the client divides batch insert data, such as records for a partitioned table, among multiple database nodes having partitions of the table. The client issues batch insert requests to the respective database nodes for execution. When executed by the database nodes, batch insert operations can be performed in parallel.