BALI RESTAURANT
Eating out in Bali can NOT be compared with the culinary delights you can expect in the great cities of this world, but the number of good or at least interesting restaurants and the choice of different cuisines is increasing every year.
Prices, style, food presentation, decoration and service vary and range from very basic to luxurious and from extremely cheap to quite expensive. You can still have a tasty meal at one of the many food stalls (warungs) for 4,000 or 5,000 Rupiah, and you can spend US$150 and more per person in one of the restaurants in Bali's 5-star hotels.
Most restaurants in Bali are open until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., and some eateries in tourist areas keep their kitchens open until 12:00, 1:00 a.m., or even around the clock.
Whether you long for an original Austrian Wiener Schnitzel, Chinese delicacies such as Hong Kong style Dim Sum, Smoked Duck from Szechuan or Scallops in Black Bean Sauce, German Wurst or Rindsrouladen, Greek Souvlaki, Indian Tandoori Chicken or Rogan Josh, Italian Lasagna or Pizza, Japanese Sushi, Yakitori, or Shabu-Shabu, Korean Bulgogi Beef and Kimchi, Mexican Enchiladas or Tacos, Spanish Tapas or Paella, Swiss Cheese or Beef Fondue, or a spicy Thai Tom Yam - you can get it in Bali.
Although based on original recipes, the preparation of the dishes is often adapted to the local taste and the availability of certain ingredients, and the results are not always predictable. However, if you don't insist on comparing the Balinese version of international delicacies with those prepared in the country they originate from, you can usually expect a rather enjoyable meal.
In addition to restaurants specializing in one type of cuisine you find many (usually not very trustworthy) places which offer a choice of Chinese, Indonesian and Western food, and others which specialize exclusively in fresh sea food which is either grilled, steamed or boiled according to your instructions. And for emergencies, there are also branches of KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN, MACDONALD'S, and PIZZA HUT, as well as a HARD ROCK CAFE at the beginning of the Beach Road in Kuta.
INDONESIAN FOOD AND COOKING
Indonesian home cooking can be excellent, but finding a restaurant serving good local Indonesian foods in pleasant and comfortable surroundings is very difficult. Some tiny food stalls and "Warungs" offer one or two excellently prepared local specialties but the primitive surroundings easily spoil the experience for many visitors. On the other hand, Indonesian food served in well-decorated and comfortable Western-style restaurants are often specially prepared for foreigners and have not much similarity with the delicious authentic version.
The centerpiece of any Indonesian meal is steamed or boiled rice. Accompanying dishes include various preparations of chicken, duck, beef, (in Bali also pork), goat, all kinds of seafood and vegetables, either steamed, boiled, braised, stir or deep fried, roasted or grilled over coconut husks. Other ingredients used to give Indonesian food its unique flavours are chillies, coconut, peanuts, garlic, ginger, saffron, basil, cardamon, lemon grass, lime, nutmeg, pepper, shallots, soy sauce, tamarind, turmeric and several kinds of shrimp paste. (They weren't called the Spice Islands for nothing, you know.) The result is usually very tasty but not unbearably hot - as long as you avoid the small green chillies and different kinds of 'Sambal' which are often served together with your meal.
Indonesian foods served in many restaurants and hotels include 'Sate' (charcoal-grilled skewers with small pieces of chicken, beef, pork or prawns) served with a peanut sauce, 'Gado-Gado' (a half-boiled combination of various vegetables with peanut sauce), and 'Nasi Goreng', tasty fried rice with either meat or shrimps.
BALINESE FOOD
There are two traditional Balinese foods you should not miss: It's a must to try the Babi Guling, the crispy skin and pieces of grilled suckling pig which is a specialty of the town of Gianyar, and the Bebek Betutu, a delicious duck specialty, slowly baked in banana leaves together with many different herbs and spices. To try "Babi Guling" watch out for signboards at small restaurants which specialize in this dish.
The best place to experience a whole range of authentic Balinese dishes including Sate Lilit made from minced prawns and fish, a delicious grilled marinated fish, and Nasi Kuning, yellow rice often served at celebrations, is the BUMBU BALI Restaurant in Tanjung Benoa adjacent to Nusa Dua (Jalan Pratama, Gang Nusa No. 5B). This unique and very comfortable restaurant was opened in December 1997 by Heinz von Holzen, the author (and photographer) of "The Food of Bali" - a book which is a must for everybody interested in exotic cuisines. Heinz is the former food guru of the Grand Hyatt Bali and the Ritz Carlton hotel, and his new restaurant is a temple devoted to traditional Balinese cuisine - and a Cooking School for visitors at the same time. Don't miss it!
BALI DRINKS
Most foreigners like the local BINTANG beer. Many restaurants and pubs also serve BINTANG "draft". Other locally produced beers are ANKER, CARLSBERG, SAN MIGUEL, and the less popular BALI HAI beer. In hotels and supermarkets you can also find well-known brands imported from Australia, Germany, Japan, and even China (Tsing Tao).
Five or 10 years ago a wide range of imported liqueur and a (somewhat limited selection of) wines was freely available in supermarkets and restaurants, although at relatively high prices. However, during the past years it has become sometimes difficult to get hold of a bottle of white wine, red wine, cognac, whisky, a real Vodka, etc - no matter what price you are prepared to pay.
Some religious (Moslem) groups are trying to make the consumption of alcoholic beverages illegal in Indonesia, and there is a possibility that in future alcoholic drinks will either not be available at all or can only be served in international hotels and only to foreigners.
This is really bad news for all Balinese who have enjoyed Arak, Tuak, and Brem as long as anybody can remember. It is a tradition that in all villages the men meet in the evening in "drinking clubs" where they discuss the news of the day and get slowly stoned on their rather potent home brews.
Tuak (about 5% alcohol) is a sweet palm wine made from the juice of the coconut palm flower which is stored for about one month for fermentation. Brem is made from black glutinous rice and coconut milk; the alcohol content is about 7% to 9% after three days fermentation. Most popular with foreigners is Arak: a colorless, sugarless spirit distilled from either Brem or Tuak with 20% to 50% alcohol content. and it is usually served 'on the rocks' as "Arak Attack" or "Arak Madu" (Arak, lemon or orange juice, and honey). You should try it at least once. There is no hang-over as long as you don't mix your drinks, and many visitors don't order anything else after they have discovered Arak
SUGESTION PLACES TO EAT
FINE DINING
1. Kafe warisan
Modern french Mediterranian cuisine in a classic rice terrace setting on Jl. Kerobokan. The duck confit is a must. A well deserved reputation as one of Bali's best and bookings essential.
Location : Kerobokan, Kuta
Ph. 361.731175
2. The Legian
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the pleasant dining area offers high standard of contemporary cuisine and service. Well worth to visit
Location : Kerobokan, Kuta
Ph. 361.730622
3. Ayung Terrace
The Menus has high quality cuisine and offer with magnificent views over the Ayung River Valley. Add impeccable service and comfortable surroundings to create a great dining experience.
Lovation : Sayan, Ubud
Ph. 361.977577
4. Kupu Kupu Barong
Offering international and classic indonesian cuisine to suit all taste.
Location : Ayung River, Ubud
Ph. 361.975478
5. Ibah
This resort restaurant closer to ubud offers a tranguil setting and fine food. Relax to the sounds of the forest as you enjoy a modern international menu from one of Bali's more exlusive boutique resort.
Location : Sanggingan, Ubud
Ph. 361.974466
ITALIAN FOOD
1. Fabio's
Fine Italian dining at this popular modern restaurant on jl. Raya Seminyak. All your Italian favourites including excelent coffees and dessert.
Location : Seminyak, Kuta
Ph. 361.730562
2. Salsa Verde
The Grand Hyatt's casual beachfront restaurant offers delectable Italian fare and great service. Including a wide selection of quality wine to accompany your meal in this relaxing setting.
Location : Nusa Dua
Ph. 361.771234
3. Teras
The large dining area on this top floor restaurant and bar gives the patron a huge selection of tantalizing Italian food options. Including fresh Pastas and 52 different type of pizzas to go with grilled imported meat.
Location : Legian, Kuta
Ph. 361.730492 or 361.763086
4. The Village
A stylish restaurant with great ambrance, excelent food, live music and lots of candle light. A complete fantasy on Sanur's main street.
Location : Sanur
Ph. 361.285025
GREEK/SPANISH/MEDITERRANIAN
1. The Balcony
Excellent Mediterranian cuisine in Kuta. Visit for the frozen Margaritas, Tapas and succulent Brochettes.
Location : Kuta
Ph. 361.757409
2. Pantarei
This restaurant serves authentic Greek cuisine at moderate prices. The Mousaka and Iman Bayildi are a must. Stylish surroundings, great atmosphere and quality coffe make this restaurant a favorite for all.
Location : Seminyak, Kuta
Ph. 361.732567
3. Nero
This classy Mediterranian bar is an oasis of style in central Kuta serving clean, well seasoned dishes. A great place to wine and dine the night away with a casual mediterranian vibe.
Location : Legian, Kuta
Ph. 361.750756
INTERNATIONAL
1. Kori.
This restaurant has great service, a large wine list and a wide range of western and Balinese dishes. The seafood selection are well worth trying.
Location : Kuta
Ph. 361.758.605
2. Poppies.
This long serving restaurant on Poppies lane 1 in Kuta is something of a landmark. Its mixed menu caters for all and diners get to relax under the shaded terrace making it popular for all.
Location : Kuta
Ph. 361.751059
3. La Maison.
New French restaurant and wine bar at the Villas in Seminyak. Authentic dishes and agood selection of vino.
Location : Seminyak, Kuta
Ph. 361.730840
4. Mezzanine.
This place is at the crossroads of International cuisine with their exciting eastern fare and delicious western specialties. With an open 2 story dining area and relaxing bar in the center of sanur.
Location : Sanur
Ph. 361.270624
CAFÉ
1. Planet Hollywood
Large portions, American favourites and lively atmosphere make this positive new addition to bali's nightlife.
Location : Mall Galeria. Jl. Baypass.
Ph. 361.757827
2. Hard Rock Café
The ever popular International café offers a large range of facilities including great food, poolside dining, modern bar and the latest music. Catering for any type of guest and open all day in its spectacular location.
Location : Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta
Ph. 361.755661
3. Kafe Batan Waru
This café serves an excellent variety of indonesian food and drinks at very affordable prices. Catering for all tastes and preferences make this a fun place to be at any time of the day.
Location : Ubud
Ph. 361.977528
4. The Jazz Café
One of Ubud's top night spots, this lively café also serves very good quality food at both lunch and dinner.
Location : Ubud
Ph. 361.976594
