In general Ubud is incredibly well supplied with fine
restaurants, cafes and foodstalls of almost every variety, from
Mexican to Japanese to German to Italian and so on ad infinitum.
Standards of hygeine are generally excellent in all restaurant, and
even in the foodstalls. Water served if always either bottled or
sterlised by boiling, and the ice is safe, too. So don't worry too
much, just drive right in and eat whatever and whenever you feel
like it.
Where to Find Balinese Food. Of course you will
want to try Balinese food, which most people find absolutely
delicious. The best and most authentic Balinese food is prepared in
houses, palaces and warungs every day. Let your hotel or guesthouse
know you're interested in trying normal Balinese food, and an
oppurtunity is sure to come up. During special ceremonies and
celebrations, Ubud families do food in a big way. There's usually a
buffet with dozens of dishes, which family and friends have worked
for few days to prepare. Again, ask at your accommodation, or
inquire among the Balinese friends you're sure to make in Ubud. You
can also get Balinese food in some restaurant, notably those listed
here.
Cafe Wayan, Monkey Forest Road. There are Balinese dishes on the
menu every day, but on Sunday nights they do a huge buffet that's a
real feast. Get plenty of exercise beforehand to whet your appetite.
Ketut's Place, Jalan Suweta, just north of the
centre of Ubud. Ketut provides a Balinese banquetevery Thursday
night, in a traditional setting, with explanations, Balinese music,
and (rather potent) Balinese alcoholic beverages. Stop by or call to
book (tel. 975 304).
"Insider" Tips and Local Favourites
Cafe Tutmak - Hip espresso place with excellent
foods and desserts, all day long.
Ary's Warung - An Ubud classic in a great location.
Ryoshi - Sushi and a vast Japanese menu in air
conditioned spendour.
Bebek Bengil - A great restaurant which is also a
favorite hangout for locals and expats.
The Chedi - The Korean/American chef turns out
beautifully presented international cuisine.
Amandari - Fine dining in a fine hotel with a
stunning view.
Cafe ARMA - Italian and Indonesian food in a
sophisticated setting, plus great desserts and good wine.
Apakabar - Italian/Indonesian cafe that visiting
Italians give their unequivocal seal of approval.
For the most exotic rice terrace views, drive up to
Kampung Cafe. In north Tegallallang. A big, open restaurant
with an ambitiously-large and well-equipped kitchen, located in one
of the most scenic areas north of Ubud. The menu and kitchen staff
were put together by the former executive chef from the world-famous
Amandari hotel in Sayan, and they certainly know how to bake.
Sometimes holds special events with live music at night. Look for
flyers around Ubud.
Take a scenic walk to a clean cafe in charming village
setting. Walk along a paved path over grassy hills to Klub
Kokos in Bangkiang Sidem village. Artist, Tjok Kris and his
Australian wife, Cathy have a very peaceful hideway, just a
stunningly beautiful few minute's walk up the hills form Pura
Campuan. Bungalows are also available. The location, and the
personality of the owners make this place magic. Turn into the Ibah
hotel driveway, follow signs saying "Going to the Hill" and walk
north along a scenic ridge high up between two river valleys. About
ten or fifteen minutes later you will find Klub Kokos nestled among
the tall palm trees. Have lunch and continue your walk, or stay a
while and meet Kris and Cathy. You can also get there by driving
north from Sayan, then taking the road which branches off to the
east before you reach Payangan. Take a right at the T-junction in
the middle of a simple village, then continue south a few kilometers
to Bangkian Sidem. Most of the road is paved.
Personal Decadent Favorites of the Editor.
Coffee at Cafe Tutmak--the best coffee in the town universe, and
this comes from a Seattleite who invested in Starbucks. Cinnamon
rolls and chocolate cake at Cafe Tutmak. Organic salads at Cafe
Tutmak. Rose petal ice cream at Bumbu. Chai at Ary's or Bebek Bengil.
Sushi and sashimi at Ryoshi. Cakes at Ayu's kitchen. Coffee cake,
bagels, scones, cookies, jam, mustrad, herbal teas, meusli and
Chinese medicines at Bali Buddha. Pasta and breads at Kampung Cafe
in Tegallalang, north of Ubud. The fine presentation at the Chedi.
The wine list at the Chedi. Gin and tonic at the elegant little
evening enclave called Studio 22k. Apple pie, tiramisu and Caesar
salads at Cafe ARMA. Fresh natural yogurt, and multi-grain bread at
Casa Luna. (The bread looks like a cannonball. If you're staying at
a hotel that gives you flavorless white bread, buy some of this and
ask them to serve it to you instead.) Wall's Magnum ice cream
bars--indisputably the best, with lots of Belgian chocolate and real
vanilla,--available almost anywhere there's electricity, and from
street vendors.