Bali Asli Traditional Restaurant

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Bali Asli restaurant is becoming increasingly popular with visitors to Bali searching for an authentic dining experience. They don’t find burgers and pasta here. Not even hot chips. Everything here is basically what local Balinese people choose to eat on a daily basis.



Located in a small village called Gelumpang, in Karangasem Regency, the Bali Asli building itself is traditional Joglo style with lots of chunky timber and ornately carved panels. A large balcony and huge windows afford views over verdant rice fields towards the majestic Agung mountain. The vista is stunning.



I started my visit to Bali Asli with a delicious Pineapple Margarita made with fresh juice, coconut cream and the traditional Balinese spirit, Arak. I sipped while enjoying the view and contemplating the menu. The friendly staff explained that the menu is inspired by what is growing locally or sourced from the local market.



The menu itself was written on lontar leaves and presented in the ancient style of a palm leaf manuscript. Diners choose either the ‘Megibung’ menu or the ‘Nasi Campur’. The first comprises steamed rice with six accompaniments and the second, four accompaniments. Accompanying dishes can be chosen in a mix-and-match fashion. I opted for moderation and chose four accompaniments while my lunch partner eagerly ordered the full complement. Naturally, I was happy about this since he is good at sharing and I knew I’d have the chance to taste everything.



We were presented with a starter of delicious pastes to spread on house-made crackers and wafers. Each paste had its own distinct flavour derived from herbs and spices grown in the Bali Asli garden. We are Bali-cuisine savvy and therefore used to very spicy food. These pastes, although full of flavour, were not particularly spicy which, I’m sure, pleases many visitors here.



Our Megibung and Nasi Campur dishes were beautifully presented on banana leaves and our waiter explained each individual item. The Megibung comprised a soup, vegetables tossed in a peanut sauce, fish sates, a palm leaf parcel filled with vegetables, spices and coconut curd, sweet grilled tempe, minced chicken and my favourite, Urab.



Urab is a popular vegetable salad containing, among other ingredients, grated coconut, green beans and bean sprouts. I can’t get enough of it in Bali.



Needless to say, all flavours were fresh and delicious. Portions were generous and we enjoyed every mouthful. We were surprised with a dessert plate comprising four traditional Balinese ‘jajan’ (sweets). We had no room for coffee.

In addition to dining experiences, Bali Asli offers hands-on cooking classes with a difference. Find out more here: [LINK https://www.baliasli.com.au]
Facebook: Bali Asli restaurant


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