Bali Belly

Holiday Theory #2

A holiday's greatness is measured by the nosh sampled.

When I go away, I like to eat the destination. And this trip to Bali was no different! Sure you can count on Ku De Ta and all the other old faves, but I came across a few other stand out spots that quite literally made our trip.

Image: Kevin H.

La Luccciola

'La Looch' is a Seminyak institution that is made famous for its ocean view. What better way is there to start your day than by staring out at the wide blue yonder over a leisurely brunch of coconut bread and lychee and lime granitas? Heaven!

Jl. Petitinget - Seminyak, Tel: +62 361 730 838

Biku

Start your day on the sunny side with a visit to Biku! This charming tea house/bookstore/antique shop is housed in a 150 year old teak Joglo and serves up an all day breakfast that can give you a taste of home (eggs any style, fruit and bircher muesli, buttermilk pancakes) or away (nasi goreng, mee goreng or bubur ayam).

Jl. Petitinget, No. 888 - Seminyak, Tel: +62 361 857 0888

Image: Striatic

The Cornerstore/Tuck Shop

The Cornerstore/Tuck Shop is the perfect place to indulge in some unashamed people watching. Grab a perch at one of their large courtyard tables, chow down on a crusty baguette or yummy salad and watch the world whizz past. But, wait there's more! Make sure you also check out their eclectic mix of mens, womens and kidswear. Fashion and food - what more could you want?

Jl. Laksmana, No. 10A - Seminyak

Grocer and Grind

Keep your stamina up while shopping along Jl Laksmana by taking a pit stop at Grocer and Grind. This little deli consistently pumps out salads, paninis, great coffee and irresistible sweet treats - perfect shopping fuel really!

Jl. Kayu Jati, No. 3x - Petitenget Beach, Tel +62 361 737 321

Honourable Mention

While it is a little exxy, Breeze at The Samaya is worth a visit for its beachside location alone. Plus, they do a mean fresh tuna niçoise salad.

Image: Thomas Hawk

Sarong

Sarong simply gets it all right. With internationally renowned chef, Will Meyricks (ex Jimmy Liks, Longrain), at the helm we had big expectations. And they were well and truly knocked out of the park. With it's modern take on a hawker mix of Asian cuisine, Sarong is perfect for a Big Night Out.

Jl. Petitenget No. 19X, Kerobokan, Tel: +62 361 737 809

Chandi

Our one and only Bali regret was that we discovered Chandi on the last night of our trip. They bill it as haute Indonesian cuisine and while I'm a little confused as to what that means, one thing I'm clear on - it's bloody good! With the majority of ingredients sourced locally and organically grown, Chandi produces really creative flavours like crunchy tofu squares, slow roasted chicken breast in Balinese tomato sauce or grilled beef tenderloin with savoury onion jam and sour cherry mustard.

Jl. Laksmana, No. 72 - Seminyak, Tel: +62 0361 731 060

And lastly, if you're planning on making a night of it and having a few beverages, it's hard to go past Ku De Ta. But other spots worth a look in are Blossom at Sentosa Villas and Sunset on Six. Cheers!