'Food is life' - says every living soul
We came back with our happy tummies after stuffing ourselves with an assortment of delectable food items. I'm no food connoisseur but here's my take on some of the restaurants/cafes/bars that we've visited during our trip to Bali.
(I'm going down the list in alphabetical order just because I'm a little OCD)
I'll attempt giving scores for each food location just so you have a sense of how we felt about each place. Joel and I differ in taste preference, where I tend to be gravitate towards less oily and salty options and he tends to favor rich flavors.
1. BO$$MAN
Jalan Kayu Cendana No. 8B, Seminyak, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung,
Bali 80361, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
Me - 7/10, Joel - 8/10
I think meat lovers will really enjoy BO$$MAN, for its menu consists of a decent range of appealing meaty options. We ordered the Al Capone (IDR 85K), Loaded Fries (IDR 75K), Truffled Mac n' Triple Cheese Balls (IDR 35K) and Strawberry Smoothie (IDR 70K).
Pretty sure my shorts felt tighter after the meal - just look at that portion size! I was half expecting a small bowl of fries but as it turns out, it's bigger than the burger (though I'm not complaining if I get more bang for my buck ;))
Joel highly recommends visiting this place for its burger. For the Al Capone - the patty was juicy, the cheese melted just right and the whole burger delivered a good punch with all the flavors coming well together. I thought it was a little oily but that's just me.
The pulled pork from the Loaded Fries was yumz. I love pulled pork but more often than not, I find that restaurants/cafes aren't able to get the juiciness right - making them taste really dry. But BO$$MAN managed to deliver the right level of taste while keeping it 'moist'. It's definitely a good item for sharing.
The Truffled Mac n' Triple Cheese Balls was quite a letdown in my opinion. As you can see from the photo, the cheese came in the form of sprinkles instead of melted cheese so, you can't really taste much of the cheese (especially when the other dishes are so overwhelmingly flavorful). We ended up dipping the cheese balls (or rather, dough balls) into the available sauces for more of a stronger taste.
Overall Rating:
The Truffled Mac n' Triple Cheese Balls was quite a letdown in my opinion. As you can see from the photo, the cheese came in the form of sprinkles instead of melted cheese so, you can't really taste much of the cheese (especially when the other dishes are so overwhelmingly flavorful). We ended up dipping the cheese balls (or rather, dough balls) into the available sauces for more of a stronger taste.
2. Earth Cafe & Market
Jalan Lesmana No. 99, Seminyak, Kuta, Kerobokan Kelod, Badung, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
8/10
Earth Cafe is hands down my favorite cafe for many reasons - 1) The menu is so extensive that you really do need a few minutes to look through everything before deciding on your choice, 2) The dishes are fresh and healthy, yet at the same time, they satisfy my taste buds as well and 3) it's not only a cafe, but also a health food store - this means that you can do some shopping while waiting for your food to arrive
All in all, it's every health junkies' paradise
We (or rather I) ordered the Buckwheat Pancakes, (IDR 65K) which really was quite amazing. The pancakes were delicious and fluffy, especially when you pair it with the sauce (yumzzzz). The tastes were well-balanced, with a little sweetness from the sauce and a little sourness from the strawberries. I LOVED IT!
(That being said, Joel only ordered a beverage in which he downed in no time. However, the menu looked too 'healthy' for him and so, he only stole a few bites from my pancakes)
Overall Rating:
Hog Wild was one of those places that we knew we had to try just based on the rave reviews it has garnered. After trying the ribs out, I'd have to say that it was well worth the raves!
The Full Rack Pork Ribs (IDR 119K) weren't the MOST tender ones out there but it is still pretty good. The sauce definitely made the dish stand out. The way that the ribs were cooked really made all the difference in the taste. Some of the other pork ribs that we've tried were sub-par because the flavors didn't penetrate into the meat, but the ones at Hog Wild have been nicely marinated. Joel devoured the full rack in no time at all so, I'll take that as a stamp of approval.
The main dishes generally come with a side dish (you can choose between fries, sweet potato fries, mash potatoes etc.), making it quite worthwhile. I HIGHLY recommend the sweet potato fries (if you're a fan of sweet potatoes that is) because it's so delicious!
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Earth Cafe is hands down my favorite cafe for many reasons - 1) The menu is so extensive that you really do need a few minutes to look through everything before deciding on your choice, 2) The dishes are fresh and healthy, yet at the same time, they satisfy my taste buds as well and 3) it's not only a cafe, but also a health food store - this means that you can do some shopping while waiting for your food to arrive
All in all, it's every health junkies' paradise
We (or rather I) ordered the Buckwheat Pancakes, (IDR 65K) which really was quite amazing. The pancakes were delicious and fluffy, especially when you pair it with the sauce (yumzzzz). The tastes were well-balanced, with a little sweetness from the sauce and a little sourness from the strawberries. I LOVED IT!
(That being said, Joel only ordered a beverage in which he downed in no time. However, the menu looked too 'healthy' for him and so, he only stole a few bites from my pancakes)
3. Hog Wild (aka Naughty Nuris)
Jalan Batu Belig No.41, Kerobokan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
8.5/10
Hog Wild was one of those places that we knew we had to try just based on the rave reviews it has garnered. After trying the ribs out, I'd have to say that it was well worth the raves!
The Full Rack Pork Ribs (IDR 119K) weren't the MOST tender ones out there but it is still pretty good. The sauce definitely made the dish stand out. The way that the ribs were cooked really made all the difference in the taste. Some of the other pork ribs that we've tried were sub-par because the flavors didn't penetrate into the meat, but the ones at Hog Wild have been nicely marinated. Joel devoured the full rack in no time at all so, I'll take that as a stamp of approval.
The main dishes generally come with a side dish (you can choose between fries, sweet potato fries, mash potatoes etc.), making it quite worthwhile. I HIGHLY recommend the sweet potato fries (if you're a fan of sweet potatoes that is) because it's so delicious!
4. La Laguna
Jalan Pantai Kayu Putih, Berawa, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Bali, 80361, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
7.5/10
I would say that the food deserves a 6.5 because it's not that great as compared to other options available in Bali but the ambience is one-of-a-kind (come on, just look at it) - so, we gave it a 7.5 in the end.
We ordered the Grilled Shrimp Tapas, Chicken Skewer with Quinoa and Grilled Salmon with Potatoes. The portion was just right and the taste was decent. I wouldn't say that the food was bad but there are better food out there if taste is extremely important to you.
The price range goes from IDR 150K to IDR 250K for the main course, depending on the meat selection that you've chosen.
The setting was great and definitely sets the mood for the night. It's a great family hangout in my opinion if you're looking for a comfortable location to chill out and relax with your loved ones.
(Tip: Do make reservation to get the seats on the lawn)
I would say that the food deserves a 6.5 because it's not that great as compared to other options available in Bali but the ambience is one-of-a-kind (come on, just look at it) - so, we gave it a 7.5 in the end.
We ordered the Grilled Shrimp Tapas, Chicken Skewer with Quinoa and Grilled Salmon with Potatoes. The portion was just right and the taste was decent. I wouldn't say that the food was bad but there are better food out there if taste is extremely important to you.
The price range goes from IDR 150K to IDR 250K for the main course, depending on the meat selection that you've chosen.
The setting was great and definitely sets the mood for the night. It's a great family hangout in my opinion if you're looking for a comfortable location to chill out and relax with your loved ones.
(Tip: Do make reservation to get the seats on the lawn)
5. La Plancha
Jalan Mesari Beach, Seminyak, Kuta, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
7/10
If you're looking for a decent place to wind down, enjoy the music and appreciate the glorious sunset by the beach, La Plancha is quite a good choice. Adorned with rows of colourful bean bags, La Plancha can definitely make your day, especially in the evening when the sun sets and the paddle pop sky appears.
The food is not-too-bad but not extremely memorable as well. We ordered the Grilled Jumbo Prawns (IDR 150K) and Grilled Mahi Mahi with Spicy Oil (IDR 90K). I would say that you won't be disappointed by it but you won't be so smitten that you would die to come back again. We ordered seafood options (as deemed appropriate given the location) and we quite enjoyed the dishes.
The only downside I would have to say with the place would be your inability to change seats after placing your order so, be sure to choose a great chill-out spot :)
Also, there are actually other dining options along the same stretch that offer similar ambience and setting so, I would suggest that you walk around and choose the one where they offer an enticing menu for you!
If you're looking for a decent place to wind down, enjoy the music and appreciate the glorious sunset by the beach, La Plancha is quite a good choice. Adorned with rows of colourful bean bags, La Plancha can definitely make your day, especially in the evening when the sun sets and the paddle pop sky appears.
The food is not-too-bad but not extremely memorable as well. We ordered the Grilled Jumbo Prawns (IDR 150K) and Grilled Mahi Mahi with Spicy Oil (IDR 90K). I would say that you won't be disappointed by it but you won't be so smitten that you would die to come back again. We ordered seafood options (as deemed appropriate given the location) and we quite enjoyed the dishes.
The only downside I would have to say with the place would be your inability to change seats after placing your order so, be sure to choose a great chill-out spot :)
Also, there are actually other dining options along the same stretch that offer similar ambience and setting so, I would suggest that you walk around and choose the one where they offer an enticing menu for you!
6. Potato Head Beach Club
Jalan Petitenget No. 51B, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
8/10
Safe to say, I very much enjoyed my time at the Potato Head Beach Club. It offers the whole package and I can genuinely say that I can picture myself spending the whole day at this place.
The food was tasty and flavourful. We ordered the BBQ Bacon Burger (IDR 185K) and Lobster Roll (IDR 230K). Both of which made our tummies very happy! The portion is about right given that people would typically alternate between sun bathing and lounging in the pool. The Lobster Roll didn't turn out as expected (because I was hoping that it'll turn out like the one from London - fat hope) but I quickly grew fond of this edition.
And I'm sure you've all heard about how amazing the drinks are. I got myself the KoKo Loko (IDR 65K) and loved it (in fact, I'm seriously craving for it now). If you're a coconut fan, you've got to try it!
Safe to say, I very much enjoyed my time at the Potato Head Beach Club. It offers the whole package and I can genuinely say that I can picture myself spending the whole day at this place.
The food was tasty and flavourful. We ordered the BBQ Bacon Burger (IDR 185K) and Lobster Roll (IDR 230K). Both of which made our tummies very happy! The portion is about right given that people would typically alternate between sun bathing and lounging in the pool. The Lobster Roll didn't turn out as expected (because I was hoping that it'll turn out like the one from London - fat hope) but I quickly grew fond of this edition.
And I'm sure you've all heard about how amazing the drinks are. I got myself the KoKo Loko (IDR 65K) and loved it (in fact, I'm seriously craving for it now). If you're a coconut fan, you've got to try it!
7. Nalu Bowls
Jalan Drupadi 1 No. 2A, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Overall Rating:
8/10
I don't think I can write a food post on Bali without touching on Nalu Bowls.
Acai bowls have been all the rage over the past 2 years and it's no wonder. This bowl of goodness is the best snack/dessert (or even a meal) for your sweet tooth, especially if you're in the sweltering heat.
I ordered the Mavericks (IDR 85K) but really wanted to try the Pipeline (IDR 60K) because who doesn't love a good pina colada bowl?. The Mavericks is tarte with the berries and yet, sweet at the same time. I guess the good ol' Acai bowl doesn't disappoint!
Nalu Bowls offers a good selection of smoothie bowls served in cool little coconut husks (I think??). Definitely Instagram worthy. Coupled with its chic and hipster-looking cafe, it's an amazing hang-out spot. The only downside is that it's a little out of the way but it shouldn't pose too much of a problem with the inexpensive cabs around.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend checking this space out!
With that, I shall end this post here :)
I hope you find this helpful and let me know what you think of my ratings! I would love to hear from you if you have other recommendations because I will definitely visit Bali again!
I don't think I can write a food post on Bali without touching on Nalu Bowls.
Acai bowls have been all the rage over the past 2 years and it's no wonder. This bowl of goodness is the best snack/dessert (or even a meal) for your sweet tooth, especially if you're in the sweltering heat.
I ordered the Mavericks (IDR 85K) but really wanted to try the Pipeline (IDR 60K) because who doesn't love a good pina colada bowl?. The Mavericks is tarte with the berries and yet, sweet at the same time. I guess the good ol' Acai bowl doesn't disappoint!
Nalu Bowls offers a good selection of smoothie bowls served in cool little coconut husks (I think??). Definitely Instagram worthy. Coupled with its chic and hipster-looking cafe, it's an amazing hang-out spot. The only downside is that it's a little out of the way but it shouldn't pose too much of a problem with the inexpensive cabs around.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend checking this space out!
With that, I shall end this post here :)
I hope you find this helpful and let me know what you think of my ratings! I would love to hear from you if you have other recommendations because I will definitely visit Bali again!
Till Next Time,
Rachelle
