The Ubud Food Festival (May 27 to 29) returns for its second year. Its founder Janet Deneefe (above) moved from Australia to Bali, Indonesia, 30 years ago to explore the island and never left. She shares her favourite places to eat in arty Ubud.
Best local eatery: Ibu Oka
“For authentic Indonesian cuisine, you can’t go past Ibu Oka – but only if you love babi guling (suckling pig). It’s a family-run institution and the recipe has been passed down over three generations.”
Jln Tegal Sari No. 2
Best local produce: Ubud morning market
“This is the best place for early-morning nasi campur (white rice with vegetables, meat and accompaniments). Downstairs, you can also get a great jukut mesantok – a Balinese version of gado-gado (steamed vegetables and tofu with peanut sauce).”
Jln Raya Ubud
Best local dish: rice porridge
“Among the many types of bubur (porridge) available, my favourite is rice porridge. There’s a stall on the east side of the market, behind the stairs, that makes the best bubur. I’m crazy about this.”
Best restaurants for special occasions
“Bridges is great for special occasions – I love its cosy ambience. Hujan Locale is good for fish dishes. Locavore is a new favourite, and it’s hard to beat my restaurant Indus for a romantic dinner, especially when there’s a full moon.”
Best casual hangout: Seniman Coffee Studio
“It’s a great coffee experience. It uses single-origin coffee beans sourced from Indonesia, South and Central America.”
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
