The What’s New Bali team had the distinct pleasure of experiencing the grand reopening of Rocka Restaurant & Bar at Six Senses Uluwatu. From the moment we stepped into the captivating venue, it was evident that Rocka was not just a dining spot but a gastronomic journey through the heart of Bali. Here's our story...
Indigenous Culinary Journey at The Reopened Rocka Bar & Restaurant, Six Senses Uluwatu
The Ambiance: Where Nature Meets Culinary Craftsmanship
Seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, Rocka Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience for the guest. The architecture harmonizes with the cliffside location, ensuring that whether you choose an indoor or outdoor setting, you're treated to the same breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The open-sky pavilion, where we savored the sunset mocktail 'Rocka Sky,' became our favorite spot – an ideal vantage point to witness the sky painted in hues of orange and pink. The pavilion will be available to host romantic dining and cocktail sipping occasions as well; providing an intimate and panoramic setting for the guest’s precious moments.
Megibung: A Feast for the Senses
The heart of our experience was the Megibung dining, an intimate communal feast that embodied the essence of Balinese culinary culture. The immersive experience began by hand-washing by Rocka staff for each Megibung dining participant. Fragrant fresh water poured from a decorated traditional jar, adding much to the immaculate 'dine like royal' experience. As the night unfolded, we found ourselves surrounded by the vivacity of Rocka's live-made sambals. Eight varieties, including the fiery 'mercon,' aromatic 'nyuh,' and flavorful 'teri,' showcased the diversity of Indonesian flavors. Guests even had the opportunity to participate in the 'ngulek' process, grinding their own sambal if they wished – a hands-on engagement that deepened our connection to culinary artistry.
A Culinary Tapestry: Authentic Nusantara Flavors
Rocka's commitment to sustainability is palpable in every dish. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Indra and Chef Arsa, celebrates the rich tapestry of Nusantara flavors. From the aromatic 'Kuah Siap' chicken broth to the succulent 'Sate Lilit' (skewered grilled fish meat) and the flavorful 'Udang Pelalah,' spicy prawn, each dish is a symphony of locally sourced ingredients. In terms of flavor, all of the dishes compliment each other perfectly; sweet, savory and spicy, creating a delightful blend that epresents the goodness of Indonesian indigenous cuisine perfectly. The dedication to using 80% Bali-sourced produce not only ensures freshness but also supports the local economy – a philosophy that resonates with the sustainable ethos of Six Senses.
Rocka's Culinary Symphony: A Menu Overview
The Megibung menu of Rocka is a grand combination of culinary masterpiece, reflecting the authenticity of Balinese cuisine. From the tantalizing 'Sate Lilit Ikan' to the vibrant 'Jukut Lalasan' and the sweet 'Tempe Manis,' each dish tells a story of indigenous tradition and innovation. The 'Nasi' (rice) options – merah, kuning, putih – served alongside the crisp Emping Crackers, created a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. The grand finale was the Fresh Fruit Platter, a refreshing conclusion to a gastronomic journey.
In conclusion, the reopened and revamped Rocka Restaurant & Bar stands as a beacon of sustainable dining in Bali. Beyond its delectable offerings, the restaurant is a testament to community support, sourcing ingredients locally, and preserving the rich culinary heritage of the region. The Megibung experience, with its communal spirit and flavorful offerings, left a memorable mark on our palate. As we left Rocka, our taste buds still tingling with the flavors of Bali, we couldn't help but look forward to the next chapter of culinary exploration in this vibrant Southern corner of the island.
Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali
Jl. Goa Lempeh, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Phone: +62 361 209 0300
Website