Happy Chappy Express has opened its 1st outlet in Legian. Whilst it is located on Jln. Padma Utara it is a little difficult to find as it is just off the street in the centre of a line of small shops at the entrance-way to the Garden View Hotel. On offer is a full range of dim sum as well as a selection of the most popular dishes from the main menu at their so popular main restaurant in Jln. Braban; Kung Pao Chicken [pictured], Szechuan Beef, Sweet & Sour Pork, Firecracker Chicken, Salt & Pepper Squid, etc. as well as vegetarian, rice and noodle dishes. Eat there, take-away or order for home delivery. Legian is just the first of this rapidly expanding chain, there will soon be one near you!
Hibiscus is a surprise! It is found on Jl. Drupadi, and presents classic Indonesian but in a creative style, with a selection of international favourites. Even their Spring Rolls are different, minced chicken with pineapple and fresh mint in a crisp casing, so good. Many chicken mains including Lombok’s Taliwang, Bali’s Betutu and Rica-Rica, the fiery chicken from Manado in North Sulawesi. Other mains can be Bali’s Sweet Pork Belly with kecap manis or Sumatra’s Beef Rendang. Mie Goreng is served with chicken and Nasi Goreng is served wrapped in an omelette, Thai style [in a blanket]. For dessert; Black Rice Pudding or Klepon, cassava and coconut. Innovative and different, it is a pleasant experience.
Luca’s, Indonesia’s rapidly expanding pizza chain is about to open in front of Made’s Warung in Seminyak, Jln. Raya Seminyak. Pizzas available include Boscaiola, Margherita Double Cheese, Diavola, Marinara, Hawaiian, Tonno e Chipola, Quattro Formaggi and Calzone plus a few creations such as The Joglo and Nutella Marshmellow.
BB52 is the burger house they are all talking about, Jln. Tanah Barak, Canggu. Even the all Vegan Mushroom Burger gets rave reviews. The Fries come with a truffled mayonnaise and Parmesan flakes. There are also a few other side dishes; Chilli con Carne, Mac & Cheese, Wet Corn, Pulled Pork. Its just a shame about their miniscule wine list.
Komugi Bakery operates a small café at the front of the Papaya Supermarket, Jln. Patih Jelantik, Kuta. For some unknown reason restaurants and cafes in supermarkets rarely work, but this one is an exception to that rule. Only product from the bakery is on sale [eat in or take away], the seating is small and very basic, yet the place is always busy, and usually full. With almost everything for sale under Rp.20,000 it is perfect for that quick 5 minute lunch or any time snack. They feature Japanese breads and combinations that are most unusual. Perhaps the strangest is the Japanese Hamburger, a ham salad in a hamburger bun, a ham-burger! Another is their Sausage Croissant; a long sausage is split at each end and inserted in a croissant before baking, the result is squid-like tentacles protruding from both ends of the croissant, but very tasty, and often sold out! Flat and folded breads can contain many mixes; Bacon & Cheese, Bacon Corn & Mayonnaise, Sausage and Bacon. A slice of toast is topped with either Beef or Bacon and an egg. Japanese Obha topped with tuna or Takesumi, a Black bun stuffed with pork, onion and nori seaweed. There are even ‘dessert’ options; Choco Turtles, Durian Pan, Banana & Cream Cheese and a Croissant stuffed in a plastic cup with chocolate sauce. Whilst there often a few Japanese amongst the customers most are locals, including many expats, who have discovered the cheapest eat in town! Now also at Plaza Renon.
Boy N Cow, Jln Raya Kerobokan, has a special for April. Order their dry-aged Tomahawk Steak and get two glasses of red wine [B&G Cote du Rhone 2015, Deakin Estate Shriaz 2016 or Solar Viejo Tempranillo 2016] or two sides, for FREE.
Shinta is small and discreet, hidden away on Gang Puspa Ayu off Jln. Kartika Plaza, close to the Amnaya Resort. It is only open for dinner and serves very local food, tasty Indonesian. A family business where everyone, including the customers, are happy. Sates and spring rolls are very popular and they make a surprisingly good pizza. Cheap prices and big smiles.
Famous is the re-branding of what once was Urbana in Pengosekan, opposite to the front gate of Arma. Now under French management this quite magnificient spacious restaurant may now be successful. Behind the large main room is a pleasant garden area, in front ample car parking. The menu is mainly Italian with a few French touches. Start with a Black Bruschetta, Tuna Tartar, Procsuitto Melon or an Antipasto Platter of olives, proscuitto, parmesan, grilled vegetables and toast. There is a large range of Pizzas including the house special Duck and my favourite the Diavolo with chorizo and chilli. Pasta includes Spaghetti, Penne, Tagliatelli and Spinach Ravioli. The Cordon-Bleu [actually spelt correctly] main and a dessert of Crème Brulee or Crepes are the French influence. Other deserts include a Sweet Pizza.
By Gerry Williams
For more information see our website: www.balieats.com