BBQ Themed Dinner at SUKU Restaurant: Where Culture Meets Flavors in Bali

We had the pleasure of experiencing one of Bali’s most culturally immersive and flavor-rich dining events at SUKU Restaurant, nestled within the luxurious beachfront resort, Conrad Bali. Known for celebrating the richness of Indonesia's culinary and cultural heritage, SUKU’s BBQ-themed dinner was a vibrant fusion of tradition, storytelling, and incredible food. Here's how our enticing experience unfolded.

Known for celebrating the richness of Indonesia's culinary and cultural heritage, SUKU’s BBQ-themed dinner was a vibrant fusion of tradition, storytelling, and incredible food

A Dining Setting Straight Out of a Dream

The evening unfolded in SUKU’s open-air dining space, beautifully positioned beside the pool and framed by flickering live flames that adorned stone pillars. The ambiance was intimate yet dramatic, with the gentle sound of waves in the distance and a tropical breeze hinting at the sensory journey ahead. As we found our seats, the air was already thick with the aromas of spiced meats, grilled seafood, and wood smoke—a preview of the feast to come.

Buffet That Spans the Archipelago

The buffet menu was a true celebration of Indonesian cuisine, designed to take diners on a culinary voyage across the archipelago—from the bold, beefy flavors of Sumatran rendang to the earthy spices of Javanese stews. Highlights included grilled Buntut (oxtail), Nasi Goreng Bali, Bali-style pork ribs, and even a whole suckling pig roasted live on a grill station.

A spread of fresh salads, warming soups, and vibrant condiments rounded out the experience, while a table of traditional Balinese ‘jaje’ snacks like wajik and klepon added a sweet, nostalgic note to end the meal. To complement the robust flavors, SUKU’s signature ‘Coconut Tamarind’ mocktail and chilled sparkling water refreshed the palate beautifully.

The Hypnotic Power of Cultural Dance

The highlight of the evening, however, extended beyond the food. As we dined, an MC took to the stage to introduce us to the famed Kecak Dance, Bali’s most iconic performance art. With no musical instruments involved, the rhythm was created entirely by the synchronized chanting of the dancers—dozens of bare-chested Balinese men clad in traditional sarongs, seated in concentric circles and chanting “cak-cak-cak” in haunting, hypnotic cadence.

What followed was a live retelling of the Hindu epic Ramayana, centered around the love story of Rama and Shinta, and featuring characters such as Lakshmana, Hanoman, and Sugriwa. Their movements were theatrical and expressive, the fire-lit setting lending even more drama to the already electric performance.

Overall, the Kecak performance we witnessed was an immersive cultural highlight that transformed the dinner into something profoundly meaningful. The energy of the performers, the richness of the storyline, and the shared sense of awe among the diners created a sense of community and connection that lingered long after the final chant.

SUKU: A Tribute to the Tribal Roots

True to its name—SUKU, meaning “tribes” in Indonesian—the restaurant celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the world. Showcasing authentic flavors from across Indonesia’s archipelago alongside international favorites such as Western and Indian indigenous goodness, SUKU offers a dining experience that brings together global tastes in a relaxed, tropical setting.

SUKU hosts themed cultural dinners twice a week. On Tuesdays, “Nusantara Night” features a buffet of regional dishes accompanied by a thrilling fire dance performance, with fire breathing, spinning torches, and high-energy choreography that reflects the ceremonial spirit of Indonesian festivals. On Saturdays, the spotlight turns to the Kecak, making the night both a culinary and theatrical experience.

For us, the BBQ Themed Dinner of SUKU Restaurant wasn’t a mere feast. It was a rich journey into cultural heritage, a sensory celebration, and a vibrant tribute to the soulful spirit of Indonesian traditions.

Conrad Bali
Jl. Pratama No.168, Tanjung, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
Phone: +62 361 778 788
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