Babaghanoush, the latest endeavour of Bjorn Shen, a renowned chef and restaurateur - MasterChef Singapore judge, is set to open its doors in the heart of Bali. Chef Shen launches his second international venture after the success of his flagship restaurant Artichoke in Singapore and Nep! in Penang adding his signature playful and laidback dining experience to the island's vibrant culinary scene.
The restaurant name itself is a cheeky nod to the alphabetical order after the chef’s first restaurant with the letter “A”. It is also deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture. “Babaghanoush is a grilled aubergine dish, a staple that can be found across the Middle East, much like the beloved hummus. The name is reflected in our menu, laid out on our logo, and has a certain charm. We are excited to bring a fresh take on Middle Eastern cuisine and marry it with the diverse ingredients of Bali” added the MasterChef Singapore judge.
The decision to open in Bali comes after a successful 14 years of running his restaurant in Singapore and several consulting projects with Biko Group in Jakarta and Treasure Bay in Bintan. Chef Shen views Indonesia and the people to be very supportive and welcoming to new ideas. The rich agricultural heritage with a direct connection to local producers, fishermen, farmers, and diverse clientele also influenced Chef Shen's venture into Bali.
The soul of the menu is house made bread, local seafood, local market fruit and vegetables all cooked using Middle Eastern sensibilities. Envisioning a world where Bali and Beirut are side by side, the chef deftly combines Middle Eastern cooking with Balinese herbs & spices in creating unique dishes suchas native tabbouleh salad with kedondong fruit with kemangi. Another such dish barbecued oysters with an Egyptian garlic taklea.
The ambiance of Babaghanoush is designed to be relaxed and inviting, a place to escape the Bali heat, with a touch of eccentricity in the artwork made by Chef Bjorn himself. The interior is reminiscent of a cozy dark wood log cabin and based on the chef’s love of camping. Expect to enjoy upscaled versions of wood fired dishes.
Babaghanoush is set to become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike thanks to its creative menu, friendly service, and stylish ambiance.
Babaghanoush
Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Denpasar, Bali 80361
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