Catalina Forbes
The densely populated Gianyar regency of Bali is one of its most culturally rich areas and one that offers diverse culinary experiences as well.
Located along Goa Gajah Road the Gianyar night market is where kitchens on wheels crowd the street from 5 to 10.30 pm daily to serve up delicious cheap meals of local favourites that are popular with visitors and locals alike. Traditional fare such as banana leaf wrapped roasted and steamed chicken slathered in Balinese spices, barbecued suckling pig, chicken, fish and seafood sate with peanut sauce, Nasi Goreng, vegetable curries, tempeh and deep fried sweet and sour tofu and desserts made up of sweet glutinous rice balls with sweet bean paste, coconut milk and sago, fried banana, and drinks such as sweet tea, coffee and ginger, cendol, fresh fruit mixes with jelly and yogurt are all avidly consumed.
Discover the many flavours and aromas of local food at restaurants around the Gianyar Regency. Balinese roast suckling pig is the favourite of both locals and visitors and is featured on many a menu. Served sliced in a rich sauce with rice, fried intestines and spicy vegetables it is irresistible to many. Stay at Alila Ubud Bali one of serene Ubud Bali hotels to enjoy easy access to Gianyar's many food destinations.
This is another staple in the area. Originating in the Muslim island of Sumatra pork is not a part of the cuisine and all meats are halal. The 20 dishes served both at lunch and dinner are a feature of this cuisine and comprise of prawn sambal, curried fish, baby eel, beef rendang and tropical vegetables such as okra, aubergine, tempeh and jak fruit. This feast is among the cheapest meals one can have although many sampling it always overeat.
Other must try items are chicken noodle soup, fish with spices steamed in banana leaves and deep fried bean curd in a hot and sweet broth, barbecued spare ribs and fresh tuna.
Another favourite item on menus in Gianyar is duck in all forms including duck covered in betel leaves, spiced and smoked, crispy fried and in chili sauce. All duck dishes are generally accompanied by rice and vegetables.
With many expatriates living in the area restaurants also offer an exciting blend of Asian, European and Pacific Rim flavours. Menus can include such delectable items as honey and ginger glazed king prawns, spicy Thai beef salad, chicken and avocado salad, beef tenderloin and ripe jak fruit in a vermouth and balsamic reduction, grilled yellow fin tuna with a tangy dressing of Kaffir lime leaves, tome de savoie cheese from France with truffle honey and apricot sorbet among others. Other choices include degustation menus, steaks, high end Japanese cuisine, Italian food, raw and organic salads for vegans and Mexican favourites.
After sumptuous meals dessert bars are the places to head to. They have a devoted following among locals and visitors and serve up amazing nine course sharing degustation menus, have cocktails and dessert pairing selections among other truly scrumptious offerings.
