Bali Dining, Bars and Pubs

Dining in Bali often kindles a desire for cultural immersion. Food aside, one should consider the crowd, setting and atmosphere for a truly exotic experience. Furthermore, the variety of spices and different methods of food preparation reflect the richness of the Balinese culinary heritage.

Among the island's traditional delights, the roast suckling pig ranks as the most far-famed. Known as guling celeng or babi guling, this delicacy is prepared by stuffing a young pig with chopped herbs and ground spices before putting it on a spit. Betutu bebek, another flagship dish, also proves popular with foreign taste buds. The locals, however, generally reserve this spicy broiled duck for ritual feasts.

Kuta, Legian and Seminyak

Kuta and the surrounding areas provide plenteous opportunities to graze the world via the bold palate. Sample Japanese fare at Ryoshi or Take, excellent vegetarian food in lush surroundings at Aromas, authentic Indian flavors at Gateway of India, top-notch Thai cuisine at Kin Khao, and Chinese kitchen at Bale-Bali. The menu at TJ's leans toward California-style Mexican food, while Mamma Lucia Ristorante whips up good Italian meals in an old-world atmosphere.

To play it safe, visit Ku De Ta for their diverse selections from around the world or Bali Qui for a less expensive alternative. The classy Kori Restaurant features a fusion of Western and Balinese cuisine. For Indonesian fare, few in the area can hold a candle to Made's Warung. Alternatively, venture into the smaller local eateries and strike a conversation with the natives while sampling everyday grub. One can easily recognize Padang food by the cooked dishes displayed in the window fronts. For light snacks over a good cup of coffee, drop by Moka Patisserie Francais, Krakatau or Kopi Pot in Kuta.

The Seminyak/Legian area has carved itself a name in Bali's night life, affording a more fashionable and vibrant scene than south Kuta. Teeming with flashy expatriates, Goa 2001 is a case in point. Cafe Luna and Cafe Del Mar, a psychedelic groove bar with a Latin accent, are among the highly-acclaimed drinking spots. Q Bar and Cafe, the island's alternative bar, are two of many watering holes concentrated along Jalan Double Six and Jalan Dhyana Pura (better known as Jalan Gado Gado). In Kuta, The Macaroni Club or the classy Nero nearby make for some good wine-sipping and people-watching.

The Beat, published biweekly and distributed free in bars and restaurants across South Bali, contains a treasure trove of information on dining and night entertainment.