AsiaLIFE

With Bali Café having shut its doors, some of its staff decided to downsize and open this much smaller eatery. While prices have also gone down significantly, quality definitely has not. Indonesians come in flocks for meals here. Perhaps the best part of Indonesian cooking is its sweet soy sauce. Known as kecap manis, it comes in red ketchup-like bottles and can be found in many of the restaurant’s dishes. To best taste this special ingredient, order ayan makar keap/Bali (7,000 riel), with its tender pieces of chicken smothered in the sauce. While this dish is not the most photogenic looking (and as a result it is not pictured above), it is wonderful. Mie goreng (7,000 riel) is fried noodles with seafood, Indonesian style chicken, and plenty of vegetables in a mild but tasty sauce. Gado gado (6,000 riel) features steamed mixed vegetables with a hefty topping of peanut sauce. The peanut sauce has a subtle but definite kick. The restaurant has many more vegetable dishes, perfect for hungry vegetarians. The menu also features a range of interesting Indonesian beverages. The Warung Bali (6,000 riel) cooler, a drink with pineapple, orange juice, and coconut will have you feeling like you have been transported to an Indonesian island beachside hideaway. The kelapa mude (7,000 riel), young coconut with syrup and ice, is also very refreshing. Waiters are amiable and friendly and service is speedy. Much like any bargain bucket pick, Warung Bali has little to offer in the way of atmosphere. White tablecloths are adorned with a traditional Balinese black and white checkered cloth. Feeling inspired to plan a trip to Bali after such a good meal? A table just by the entrance offers a plethora of travel information on Indonesia.

Warung Bali, 25E Street 178, Tel: 012 967 480 – LIS MEYERS