On recommendation of contacts, this was another place tried in the evening context and although I was surprised about the absence of any atmosphere or charm (the restaurant is set within a shopping mall andalmost feels a bit like one inside), there were some very satisfying Asian dishes here that were easily superior to anything you would not normally get in an average Asian restaurant in the UK (as should be the case).  Particular favrouites included the sensationally sweet and soy pork, the wonderful lamb with cumin sauce and chicken popcorn with honey (although this was pretty much deep fried calories on a plate).  The duck green curry was a litle dissapointing (set thick and a little cloggy) but there really wasn’t that much not to like.  Perfect for dining at in an admin context before hitting the nightlife scene – not very warm or conducive as an environment for cosy occasions needed by couples.

Food Grade: 67%

Location

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Happy Chappy is a delivery service for Chinese food in Bali with their flagship restaurant itself located in Seminyak.  Thankfully this option turned out to be very good for a Dim Sum brunch (only served on Sundays) as the highlight of the week which we did and showed a good array of fried and steamed options brought to the table.  Most notible were the prawn and sesame bites served with a beautifully softened horseradish sauce (not done that before) and home made hoi sin sauce to go with the obligatory Peking duck.  Another surprise was the wonderful diced pork to go in to lettuce leaves and the only low moment was the chicken skin which I was most looking forward to (and somehow managed to not take a pic of) as this turned out to be tough and more batter than anything else.

However, this was a great option for a Sunday outing, particularly for brunch with just above an average Chinese food option with caring service and a very good vibe to the restaurant.  Beware of crazy Australians that may wish to spontaneously start dancing in the bar area reminding me that I love them….. in a way…… 😉

Food Grade: 64%

Location

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I am sucker for Anthony Bourdain as he is one of my primary food compasses whenever I go to a new environment so it made absolutely no sense whatsoever to not come to Bali and not do this venue which Bourdain had some of the finest pig produce ever.  This turned out to being the third installment of the Ibu Oka brand in Ubud, Bali.  Same format, just bigger, the pigs are slaughtered and spit-roasted every day and then ‘painted’ with coconut water throughout their 5 hours of spit-roasting.  This causes the coconut juice to caramelise on the pig skin giving a coconut / sugary glaze to the skin which was very good to have although I found this a little faint when having the skin at lunch.  The owner kindly showed me around the roasting areas and the array of spices and herbs that went physically in to the meat prior to roasting which was great to see.  A great place to enjoy with Bintang beer and even if Bourdain hadn’t been here, I still would have been as curious to try the skin above everything else – a lovely thing to try.

Food Grade: 58%

Location

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This was undeniably the nicest restaurant of four that I visited on my trip to Bali.  There is vegetation everywhere to decorate a snazzy restaurant with a delightful garden terrace dining area as well.  The food explosions of the braised and pulled lamb with garlic and chilli to go in the perfectly fluffy pancake with a sweet sesame sauce was superb and a brilliant change from the normal Peking duck version with hoi sin, the signature pork was heavenly as was the butter chicken.  There was only one low moment (lamb with duck egg) that with too much egg white remaining on the yolk but overall this place generated some very happy people.  The cabernet sauvignon red we had was gorgeous to accompany and there were genuinely delightful dishes here.  This is definitely one to go to if you are anywhere near Seminyak and would be excellent for couples and larger, celebration groups alike.

Food Grade: 77%

Location

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