--> Aswin and Alia's Food Journey: May 2014

Mamak Kitchen: A Fusion of Singaporean, Malaysian, and Thailand Cuisine

Opened in the mid of 2013, the restaurant is serving a fusion of Singaporean, Malaysian and Thailand cuisine

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014

Finally, after a year of planning, we are able to set up a trip to Bali. Very excited! Alia has been mentioning about Ubud for quite some time and now this trip is about to be realized.

Welcome Home: Nanny's Pavillon Housewarming

On 30th of April 2014, we were invited to the housewarming of the newest Nanny's Pavillon restaurant in Jalan R.E. Martadinata (Riau), Bandung.

Caffe Bene: Korean Coffee Shop in Bandung

Alia has been craving to visit this place for a while, so when the time comes to visit she was delighted

Warung Sangrai: Real Indonesian, Eat With Their Bare Hands!!

Located in the opposite side of Mamak Kitchen, the restaurant is serving traditional Indonesian Food with one particular course that are standing out: Quails

5/31/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Some Travel Tips From Us...

For this post, we would like to share some travel tips, based on our experience taking the trip to Bali. This post acted more as a reminder for us when we will arrange another trip with similar setting with this trip to Bali. Hopefully some of the pointers that we share here can be useful for you guys out there.

Enjoy!

  1. Prior to traveling, especially first time backpacking, you should open your tablet/ laptop and read some articles from the more seasoned backpacker all around the world. Our favorite article comes from PergiDulu, DuaRansel, and Bootsnall.
  2. Don't bring laptop unless you need them. We prefer to bring tablets or smartphone. Laptop usually weight around 2 kg at the very least, and it will burden you if you are not used to carry backpack.
  3. Only bring one set of everything. For example, we bring two sajadah for praying instead of one. This is still considered to be light, but what if for example you bring two laptops or other heavy objects?
  4. Bring one set of comfortable shoes. A good walking shoes/ outdoor shoes beats fashion every time you are traveling light.
  5. From our experience, unless you have a special requirement for your hair/ body, we suggested you buy your toiletries along the way. This also applies for your flip-flop (or thongs for you Australian :D).
  6. Book in advance. Seems like a no brainer, but it is true. You can get a cheaper price and better place when you book in advance. Some good hotel in Ubud required booking up to six months in advance.
  7. Towels usually already available in your hotel. Bring smaller towel for wiping your sweat during hiking, trailing or walking.
  8. Use plenty of sunblocks (this applies when you are traveling in tropic weather).
  9. Keep hydrated. Bring a bottle of water every time you walk.
  10. GPS is super handy. We practically ditched our travel map and use cell-phone maps.
  11. Get enough sleep. It is not funny when you are having a holiday and you are ill.
  12. Bring Universal Adapter. Preferably with 3-way socket.
  13. Keep you communication line alive (mobile phone, email, instant messaging). We usually separate our holiday email with our work email, so when taking holiday we only activated our holiday email. This becomes handy when the airline/ hotel/ pickup car need a last minute confirmation/ delay. For example, during our stay here, our airline are delayed and they sent us confirmation email two days in advance. If we have not got the news, we might arrive in the airport early and as you fellow travelers know, flight delay sucks!
  14. Smile!

5/30/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Mykonos Greek Restaurant

We really love this restaurant. Over the past few years, when we are visiting Bali, we usually spare some time to visit this restaurant.
One of the main reason for us to enjoy this place is that because they serves authentic Greek cuisine, which is quite hard to find in Bandung or Jakarta. Another reason that we love this place is that they served quite delicious foods with unique name. How cool is that?
The last reason why we love this place is that the atmosphere in the restaurant is very calm. With great view to the Seminyak road, this restaurant provides a good place for you to have a great chat with your family or friends.

Enjoy!

Mykonos Greek Taverna
Jl. Laksmana 52, Oberoi, Seminyak, Bali 80361
Phone: +62 361 733253
Website: http://www.mykonos-bali.com/

Strawberry Juice

Souvlaki Beef Pita Bread

Diet Coke

The Calm Blue Interior

5/29/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Swich Sandwich

One sandwich establishment that you should not missed when traveling to Legian area. One of the sandwich places that is recommended by TripAdvisor.

Here we ordered one from their signature dish: Chooken (BAGUETTE, Roast Chicken, Lettuce w. Swich Mayo) and one from their vegetarian menu: Lolla (WRAP, Homemade Tofu Pattie, Cheese, Avocado, Tomato, Onion, Lettuce w. Swich Mayo & Sweet Chilli).

You can have your bread grilled or fresh. The price range is between Rp 30.000 - 45.000 ($3 - 4,5). Adding additional fries costs Rp 15.000 ($1,5). Their smoothies and juices priced Rp 25.000 ($2,5) for Medium and Rp 30.000 ($3) for Large portion.

With their taste and quality, we can say that it is a bargain. Very fresh, delicious and fulfilling. I guess we found another gem in Bali, eh?

Enjoy!

Swich Sandwich
Jalan Werkudara 538,
Legian Bali
Phone: +62 361 2120 028
Website: http://www.swichbali.com/

The Logo

The Unique Recycled Bag

Lolla

Chooken

5/28/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Warung Murah, Double Six, Legian

Another option for cheap meal in Legian area. Price between Rp 20.000-25.000 ($2-2,5), the restaurant offer traditional Balinese and Indonesian food. The pricing method is somewhat similar with Warung Nasi Pedes Ibu Andika and Warung Ijo in Ubud, where you will be given a set of labels for each of the food that you eat.

Delicious. Convenient. Affordable. Yum!

Enjoy!

Warung Murah
Jl Double Six
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

The Menu

5/27/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Warung Asia Thai Food

An alternative for you if you want to have a meal in Legian area. Compared with other surrounding restaurant that offers bustling sounds that are common to be found in beach bar, this restaurant is offering a quite atmosphere for you to enjoy your meal.

The restaurant serves Indonesian and Thailand menu with price range from Rp 30.000 - 75.000 ($ 3-7,5). Today we tried their Thai Green Papaya Salad and Thai Fried Rice, while for beverage we ordered their Thai Iced Tea.

The food and dining experience in overall is okay. Now that we have refill our energy, it is time for us to experience the famous Double Six road again.

Enjoy!

Warung Asia Thai Food
Jalan Werkudara no 5
Legian, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 7420202


Thai Iced Tea

Thai Green Papaya Salad

Thai Fried Rice

The Signage

The Signage #2

5/26/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Cafe Dijon

One of the must place to go when visiting Bali.
Determined to have lunch here that we (literally) walked across Sunset Road for 2 KM just to reach this place.
Their food taste and quality is still the same since the last time we visited them. Really worth the walking trip!

Enjoy!

Cafe Dijon
Kuta, Badung, Bali
Phone: +62 361 759640
Website: http://www.dijon-bali.com/cafe.php

Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Burger


The Interior

Today's Choice

5/25/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Sate and Soto Suromadu

Too lazy to go out from our Bungalow today, we decided to try and eat at Sate & Soto Suromadu restaurant, which is conveniently (we use this word a lot in this series) located in front of Sania's House bungalow.

The chef is originated from Madura, which is famous for their sate and soto. Hearty portion, delicious taste, and the most important: crazily cheap. Dinner for two costs us only Rp 30.000,- ($ 2,5). A real bargain!

Enjoy!

Sate & Soto Suromadu
Jalan Karna (in front of Sania's House Bungalow)
Ubud, Bali - Indonesia

Their Satay

Soto Ayam (Chicken Soup)

Full Set Menu (Only Rp 30.000/ 2pax)

5/24/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Kakiang Bakery

One of the best (Japanese) bakery that we ever visited, Kakiang Bakery is a blend of modern Japanese bakery with a hint of old time flavors. Their signature bakery menu in our opinion consisted of their strawberry cheese cake, cream puff, millie crepe, and donuts!

Besides the bakery, they also serving several local and international menu that is also delicious. Today we ordered their Wild Mushroom Salad, Chicken Fried Rice, Banana Juice, and Free Refilled Water. For dessert we ordered their Strawberry Parfait.

Overall experience? Priceless!

This place will definitely be in our first visit during our next trip to Ubud... Soon!

Enjoy!

Kakiang Bakery
Jalan Raya Pengosekan Ubud
Bali - Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 978984

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Overall look of the bakery
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Such eye candy
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Donut section
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The Strawberry Shortcake, I think it's the best one I ever taste
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Cream Puff, the cream.....is heaven
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Cappuccino Ice 
Wild Mushroom Salad
Chicken Fried Rice
Strawberry Parfait

Banana Juice

5/23/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Oops Gelato, Ubud

Another ice cream parlor to consider when visiting Ubud. This parlor is an expansion from the Oops restaurant and bar. Located strategically in front of Ubud Market, this ice cream vendor sells several old time classic flavor to the tourism all around here.

Our take for today is Blueberry Cheese flavor. Soft and creamy, this ice cream is well suited for a good afternoon. Priced around Rp 25-50 thousand ($2-5), their ice cream are worth to try.

Enjoy!

Oops Gelato
Jalan Raya Ubud
Ubud, Bali
Phone: +62 361 3647340
Email: oops_ubud@yahoo.com
Website: http://oopsrestaurantandbarubud.com/oops-gelatto/

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Aswin enjoying the Ice Cream
Our Choice of Ice Cream



5/22/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Gelato Secret, Ubud

What would be better to end your day besides a scoop of Ice Cream?

...

...

At least that is what we thought :).

Disobeying our dentist recommendation of avoiding sweet food after dinner, we decided to have a scoop here in the famous Gelato Secret.
With flavor variation of +20, this Ice Cream vendor is one of the famous Ice Cream parlor in Ubud.
Price ranged between Rp 25-50 thousand ($ 2-5), this Ice Cream parlor offer some of our classic favorite Ice Cream flavors such as Rum & Raisin, and some new flavor, such as this Dragon Fruit flavor.

Yum! Enjoy!

Gelato Secret
Jl. Monkey Forest
Ubud Ubud Gianyar Bali
Phone: +62 361 977899
Website: http://www.gelatosecrets.com/

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The Dragonfruit Gelato


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Gelato with variety of flavors..hmmm


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Happy (Tired) Face!

5/21/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Warung Iga Lanca

One of the prominent vegetarian restaurant in Ubud, Bali. Most of the menu is vegetarian with hearty portion. Enough to energize you after you finished your sight-seeing all around Ubud, or after finishing those Yoga class or hiking through the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Price for a meal is between Rp 20 - 40 thousand ($ 2-4), and it is already include one cup of tea and pickled cucumber. Yum!

Enjoy!

Warung Igelanca
Jalan Raya Ubud
Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 974153

The Exterior
The Interior

Hot Tea and Pickled Cucumber

Fried Kwetiaw

Salad

5/20/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Warung Padang Putri Minang

While we are on the subject of Padang food, in this blog post, we will share to you another warung Padang that also quite famous here in Ubud. In fact, this place is so famous, that it has been covered in the Guardian, in one page with Lamak and Michelin starred Mozaic!

For me personally as someone who has Padang blood in my heritage, I have some kind of a weird habit when measuring which Padang restaurant that will become my favorite or not. There are two barometer for me: The restaurant will be considered my favorite if they can serve good Dendeng and Ayam Pop. This restaurant serves spectacular Dendeng. Very crispy and delicious. But there is another item in the menu that is making this restaurant one of my favorite place in Ubud: It is their Spring Roll. Crispy. Fresh. Delicious.

These two item in my opinion that makes the restaurant worth mentioned in the Guardian article :).

Enjoy!

Warung Padang Putri Minang
Jalan Raya Ubud 77
Bali - Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 975577

Spectacular Dendeng and Spring Roll

5/19/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Warung Padang Sanak

This restaurant was informed by our new friend, Anthony, who we met during our bus trip from Kuta to Ubud. A Padang warung selling delicious food with affordable price and located near our bungalow is a treat that should not be passed :).

So, on our second day in Ubud, for lunch we decided to try to restaurant. Located in Jalan Hanoman, near the intersection with Jalan Raya Ubud, this small warung sells authentic Padang food. What we mean by authentic is that their menu is very spicy. Really reminds us of our previous travel to Padang. The price was astonishingly cheap, but with good quality of taste.

A place to consider if you are low on budget during your stay in Ubud.
Or if you are having a birthday, and your fellow traveler insisted on asking you to treat them here in Ubud :).

Enjoy!

Warung Padang Sanak

Mixed Rice with Rendang, Potato Fritters and Vegetables

Mixed Rice with Potato Fritters, Chicken Gulai and Vegetables



5/18/2014

Bali (Culinary) Trip in March 2014: Warung Ijo, Ubud

After strolling around in Ubud, we finally reached the center of the city. Looking for a place to have dinner, we decided to eat at Warung Ijo.

Located conveniently near the Ubud Market, the Warung Ijo sell local traditional food that is halal and tasty. The owner is a Moslem, and most of the employee comes from South of Sulawesi, Makassar to be exact.
Their foods are relatively affordable, with unique pricing system consisted of labels for each menu that you take, and the total amount for the label is the price that you should pay. Very convenient and practice. Reminded me of the similar system implemented in Warung Andika, Kuta.

The portion is generous, and it is very fulfilling for us.

Enjoy!

Warung Ijo
Jalan Raya Ubud
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia


Mixed Rice with Chicken

Mixed Rice with Fish

The Price Setting

The Menu #1

The Menu #2

Fried Rice