The tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil ensure that Bali is abundant with vegetables, fruits, rice, spices, and flowers. This and the colonial past is reflected in the traditional cuisine. The settlers brought spinach, cabbage, soya beans, and soya sprouts from Indochina. The Chinese introduced soya sauce, noodles, and wontons (filled dough snacks). Chilli peppers, peanuts, tomatoes, and corn are a reminder of the Spanish explorers. The Portuguese settlers in East Timor brought the manioc (cassava) and sweet potatoes. The Balinese can thank the East Indian traders for aubergine, mango, and the numerous curry spices.

The aforementioned ingredients are often combined with meat, poultry, fish, or seafood as well as spices like shallot, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and chilli. All this gives traditional Balinese dishes their unique flavour.

Even if you are a vegetarian, you can still indulge in Balinese cuisine because tofu and tempeh are often used. 

Lovers of exotic fruit will be in paradise in Bali. Taste native fruits such as jackfruit, salak, rambutan, snake fruit, durian, pineapple, watermelon, papaya, mango, and passion fruit. And don’t forget the 17 types of bananas!

Even coffee lovers will enjoy Bali. The most famous is the world’s most expensive coffee, “Kopi Luwak”. This coffee is produced in small family businesses in Bali. You can plan a day trip to watch the process and, of course, enjoy a taste.

Kadek and Nila are amazing cooks and are at home with both Eastern and Western cuisine. Taste their delicious Soto Ayam (Indonesian chicken soup), Pepes Ikan (fish grilled in a banana leaf), and Sapi Rendang (beef stew) as well as traditional satays and curries, which are not to be missed. They also enjoy making delicious pancakes, pasta, and salads as well as refreshing smoothies, milkshakes, and home-made sorbets.

Because our chefs only work with fresh products, we recommend that you request your desired menu one day in advance. Groceries and beverages will be charged at cost.

For those who want to take the Balinese cuisine home, Kadek and Nila also organise cooking workshops. With practical tips and flavour combinations, they bring the recipes to life. Would you like to visit a local market? No problem. Kadek will take you along to the pasar (market) early in the morning and introduce you to the various tropical fruits as well as local spices and herbs.

If you would like to host a large (maximum 20 people) dinner, lunch, or party during your stay in Asmara, please discuss this with the staff in advance. We can quote you a price for specific needs such as table settings, centrepieces, linens, and silverware. For livening up your party with a traditional gamelan orchestra and Balinese dancers, please also first check availability and price.