Upon visiting Bali, one often wonder where should we go to get the authentic Balinese flavor. There’s so many reference online that can sometimes be misleading and confusing to first-timer in Bali. With this in mind, and with the spirit of preserving and promoting Indonesian culinary heritage, we prepare the shortlisted ones for you. Prepare to be drooled.
Best Betutu in Bali
BETUTU PAK SANUR
Where: Jl. Arjuna, Ubud
First opened in Ubud Market in 1987, Mr. Wayan Sutama is a painter who often delivers his paintings to Sanur, giving him the nickname Pak Sanur. His wife recipe for Chicken Betutu is so famous that people started lining up to get them. A couple of years ago, Ubud Market burnt down, so they moved their place to Jalan Arjuna, a couple of meters away.
Betutu is a Balinese traditional recipe that people often eats in ceremony of big event. The chicken is seasoned well and then wrapped in banana leaves, and then slow cooked for 12-24 hours in paddy chaff ember, making the chicken so juicy, tender and flavorful, Besides that, their specialty also lies in their bird nest’s style egg dish. It’s spicy and tasty. A great first start to our culinary tour.
Ayam Kedewatan
Address: F7V6+886, Peliatan, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
https://www.facebook.com/BetutuAyamPakSanur/
NASI AYAM KEDEWATAN BU MANGKU
Where: Ubud • Renon • Seminyak • Jimbaran (now they have 4 outlets)
Ibu Ayu Ketut Metri is now 75 years old, and her all-chicken rice dish is still as delicious as it is 52 years ago. A plate of Nasi Ayam consists of a chunk of chicken betutu, crispy chicken slices, minced chicken satay, fried chicken liver, fried gizzard, boiled egg, lawar ayam (minced chicken with mix vegetables) and super hot sambal. Don’t forget to eat it with the delicious chicken broth and a portion of chicken skin crackers. Yum.
When we visit the place, we can experience first hand the traditional Balinese housing that holds the Tri Hita Karana principles, creating space for human, nature and Gods in a perfect balance. Not only will you taste a traditional Balinese food, but experience how they live as well.
Warung Murni
Spicy Balinese dishes such as chicken & rice served in a lofty space with traditional decor.
Original Address: Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.18, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Ubud • Renon • Seminyak • Jimbaran (now they have 4 outlets)
nasiayamkedewatanibumangku.com
https://www.instagram.com/nasiayamkedewatan/?hl=en
MURNI’S WARUNG
Where: Jl. Raya Campuan, Ubud
Our last stop is another restaurant that sells betutu duck so tasty and tender the meat literally fell off the bones. It’s so good, people sometimes have to pre-order the Nasi Tutu Murni because it will be the first one to finish.
Bu Murni started off selling sarong in Kuta, before she finally moved to Ubud and opened this restaurant in 1974. It is Ubud’s first-ever fine restaurant that is located in a three-storey building overlooking lush green scenery. It’s so close to nature that the staff’s routine is to feed the biawak or big lizard that passes by near the river. Indonesian food served in Indonesia’s beautiful setting is what makes this restaurant legendary.
Popular traditional Balinese eatery featuring 4 open-air levels & scenic hillside views.
Address: Ubud Main Road, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
- Call Murni’s Warung +62 361 975233
- Call Murni’s Warung on Whats App +62 812 391 69648
Menu: murnis.com
We end our culinary adventure with a portion of Balinese Caramel Cake with homemade coconut ice cream. This traditional cake is what the locals always make as part of their daily offerings. But this one is not your typical cake. It’s fluffy and sweet from the caramel that goes perfectly with the ice cream. The size is pretty big, but it’s not too heavy. It is simply perfect to end the day.
That day we only visited some places that highlight the betutu recipe that reek Balinese spices and flavors. It is so interesting hearing all the stories and tasting all of the menus. However, in a typical tour, you will be tasting 7-8 eateries, making it a complete guide to Balinese authentic cuisine. If you are a foodie too, go visit their website www.goodindonesianfood.com and check out what culinary tour you want to try.
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