Bali - a short yet satisfying culinary journey.
Visit Indonesia Year 2008
SingaporeSights Exclusive writeup

Bali -a short yet satisfying culinary journey.

“Fuyong-Hai!! Ha! That’s funny!!” exclaimed my traveling companion as I pointed out certain peculiarities of food in Bali. What to a Balinese is basically egg fuyong (Chinese egg omelet) drowning in a ketchup based sauce can sound rude to certain Chinese dialects. As I sit waiting for the plane to come to a stop I ponder upon my return to Bali, having worked and lived there for a short period of time.

As we stepped out of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport into the waiting transport of our driver, Gusti, the comforting breeze blowing through brings a warm fuzzy feeling as we make our way to Ubud. An hour’s journey away from the airport, Ubud is considered one of the major arts and cultural centres in Bali. You can’t help but be amazed at the amount of art galleries and the quality of art work and handicrafts as one walks through the streets of Ubud. And it transcends into the food.

I’m often asked what is the one thing to eat when in Bali. What personifies the food and people of Bali. Babi Guling is the answer. A beautifully spit-roasted suckling pig marinated with traditional bambu and slow-cooked till tender and the skin super crispy. And in Ubud you’ll find one of the best at Ibu Oka located at Ubud Center. A generous serving of pulled meat, crispy skin, blood sausage, lawar vegetables sitting on top warm rice. All that’s needed is a tall glass of Es Jeruk (local tangerine juice served cold) to help wash it all down.

While in Ubud, one should also not miss Naughty Nuri’s Warung. Over time this has become somewhat of a local institution. Famous for it’s ribs, burger and martinis Nuri’s feels just like your local neighborhood joint where it’s not difficult to ease in and feel right at home.

While walking through Ubud do drop in on Murni’s Warung for some light refreshments. Located on the slopes of a valley overlooking the Petanu River this restaurant is build over three levels descending into the valley. Relax in the lush environment with the sound of the river rushing through down below with a cup of Balinese coffee and warm banana fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Or head on down to Bebek Bengil, also known as Dirty Duck Diner. As the sun sets and the breeze blows gently through the padi fields, soak in the atmosphere with the restaurant’s signature dish of bebek bengil, a half-duck fried till crispy. Or a plate of nasi campur, rice served with an assortment of daily traditional dishes from the kitchen.