Hungry in Bali | Seminyak Dining

I purchased this fantastic book in advance of our trip called Hungry in Bali from The Asia Collective. This ultimate culinary island guide comes with a personal discount code; it became our trusted source for restaurant recommendations in not only Seminyak but Ubud and Bukit as well. Our little culinary bible! Dining out in Bali is inexpensive to begin with so the discounts are a fun perk of purchasing the guide. If you are going to Bali use my discount code stillhungry10 for 10% off your own copy.

In Ubud we used the book at what ended up being three of my favorite spots: Hujan Locale, Copper Kitchen + Bar and Folk Cafe Pool + Garden. In Bukit we used it for free access to Sunday's Beach Club ($25 per person) plus 10% off our total bill. 

In Seminyak we used it when dining at: Merah Putih, Tiger Palm and Kilo Kitchen. For drinks at: Motel Mexicola and Moonlight. And in Canggu at Strawberry Fields. Each of these dining experiences were so special to me, truly memorable nights out with my fiancé over inspired and impressive cuisine.

Merah Putih serves traditional and modern Indonesian in a mesmerizing space, where rainwater is captured in translucent roof columns and filtered into indoor rivers. The dining room is exquisite, sultry and romantic. The creative plates designed for sharing showcase a range of technique, spices and flavors. We had A LOT of food here and it was totally worth it to sample so many dishes. 

Bamboo Lobster Dumplings - shellfish bisque, tomato + kaffir lime 

Rujak Udang - tiger prawns with green papaya + banana blossom 

Chargrilled Lombok Octopus - watermelon radish, cauliflower, fern tip + sambal bajak*

Tongkol Gohu - manado yellowfin tuna, lemongrass + cassava

Buntut Makassar - chargrilled oxtail with soy, peanuts + leeks in kluwek* broth

Nasi Uduk - coconut + lemongrass pandan* steamed rice 

Coklat - chocolate bibka amon, mousse + banana ice cream 

Kelapa - young coconut panna cotta, hibiscus + pandan* granita

{The Hungry in Bali deal was a complimentary dessert per person}

Our first meal in Seminyak was a home run, Merah Putih is a beautiful, unique and delicious experience.

Post Dinner Drinks @ Motel Mexicola

A taqueria by day and one of the best parties in Seminyak by night; we showed up to a tequila infused crowd dancing on all the tables. I borrowed their website photos above to showcase the colorful, upbeat, retro Acapulco vibe - the interior is ridiculously awesome. 

{The Hungry in Bali Deal at Motel Mexicola is a complimentary taco per person} 

On our second evening out in Seminyak we enjoyed dishes inspired by Southeast Asian street food at Tiger Palm. The chefs inspiration plus high quality ingredients transcends to fragrant, spicy, rich and comforting dishes. 

Chinese Stuffed Prawn Wonton - homemade mayonnaise + chili salt 

Oxtail + Wild Mushroom Arancini - shredded slow cooked oxtail with basmati rice, chili, turmeric, mozzarella + parmesan 

Black Cod Teriyaki - char grilled with a radish, edamame, sweet corn + cherry tomato succotash 

Caramelized Duck Leg (probably my favorite entrée this trip!) - coriander, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, tea smoked egg, spring onion + lime dressing

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 10% off our total bill}

Post Dinner Drinks @ Moonlight 

A contemporary Asian rooftop space overlooking Double Six Beach where we sipped espresso martinis late into the evening. 

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 20% off our total bill}

On our third night we switched it up and ventured slightly north to soak in the boho vibes in Canggu at Strawberry Fields. This laid back jungle-canopy oasis lit by chandeliers and playing old school hip hop specializes in Australian breakfasts and gourmet burgers. I had the Royale with Cheese and Bob had a Big Mac alongside well made cocktails. 

[Pool table photo credit]

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 2 for 1 - buy one main dish to receive one complimentary}

Post Dinner Drinks this evening were @ Char Char

Char Char in Seminyak Square is one of those places you spot and can't help but want to be a part of the scene. Their front wall features a set of steps creating a tired terrace that overlooks the buzzing street front. (Blurry photo taken from a moving taxi...)

Travel Tip: Speaking of taxis, Seminyak was the first place we encountered where taxi drivers tried to rip us off. (Our first encounter entirely with anyone being rude in Bali!!) Always ask them to run the meter. If they refuse just find another cab as they are required by law to run them. There is no way a taxi ride across town should cost almost as much as a car to get to the airport. 

Kilo Bali was the encore meal in a string of hits, proving Seminyak's food scene absolutely kills it. The sleek and hard angled concrete space with slanted floor to ceiling windows feels ultra modern. Leafy green potted plants and woven rugs add a touch of cozy to the otherwise minimalist vibe. They serve soul nourishing Asian-Western fusion cuisine.

Sake Sangria - Kiki-Masamune Sake, ginger, orange, mint

Crispy Soft Shell Crab - compressed watermelon, Thai red curry gravy

Black + White Prawn Ravioli - sake butter sauce, rocket, parmesan

Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks - mashed potato, shimeji*, hot and sweet thai glaze, kemangi*

Coconut Tembleque - chocolate cinnamon, pineapple, oat crumbs

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 15% off our total bill}

Post Dinner Drinks @ Moet + Chandon Champagne Bar

Back in the hustle and bustle of Seminyak Square this rowdy bar was the perfect spot to celebrate on our final evening of the trip. This entire adventure has truly been an eye opening travel experience, not to mention engagement-moon bliss!

Travel is meaningful - not only because almost every trip you take will move you outside your comfort zone, but also because every interaction is a chance to contribute a mutual understanding between people. The power of hospitality allows citizens to find common ground and to discover the beauty that lies across borders. (source)

*sambal bajak = multi chili relish

*kluwek = nut from the Pangium, a tall native mangrove tree

*pandan = herbaceous fragrant tropical plant

shimeji = mushrooms native to east Asia

*kemangi = lemon basil

Almost Summer + Cape Roundup

Pictured: Lobster Risotto @ Mad Minnow, Harwichport | Toro Maki + Sashimi @ Mac's Shack, Wellfleet | Sunset @ Lewis Bay, West Yarmouth | Swordfish Cheeks + Soft Shell Crab @ Naked Oyster, Hyannis

Finally, some SUNSHINE! The beginning of May was entirely rain / cold / dark / drizzly and heat still blasting inside. That winter chill lingered just a little to long and it was rough on my spirit. In anticipation of consistently warm weather and trips to Cape Cod, here's a round up of some summer archive photos and fantastic Cape restaurants not-previously-blogged-about.

Mac's Shack | 91 Commercial St | Wellfleet

Mac is a local fisherman so a meal at his Outer Cape institution offers hands down the freshest seafood you'll ever eat; perfectly shucked Wellfleet Oysters and Littlenecks, dream worthy sushi + sashimi creations, inventive takes on classic entrees, plus terrific cocktails with a charming coastal atmosphere to match. My favorite way to end a day in Wellfleet - post hiking Great Island + playing in the dunes is hanging at their outdoor bar and patio area.

Mad Minnow | 554 Main St | Harwich Port

A summer gastropub that brings a fresh vibe to the neighborhood with a clean bright interior, an outdoor vegetable meets beer garden, locally sourced seafood, and stellar cocktails - you'll definitely want to #gethooked!

The Port | 541 Main St | Harwich Port

Across the street from Mad Minnow, a much older establishment with a classic and refined old Cape Cod vibe is The Port. You can't go wrong with $1 oysters nightly from 5 - 6:30!

Naked Oyster Bistro + Raw Bar | 410 Main Street | Hyannis

When I tell you that the above Soft Shell Crab + sweet corn entrée and the below Swordfish Cheeks are literally some of the best seafood dishes I've had on Cape Cod, ever, you won't hesitate to hit up the Naked Oyster next time you cross the Sagamore Bridge. My favorite way to dine is impromptu at the raw bar, a spot here feels like winning the lottery.

Eclectic Cafe | 606 Main Street | Hyannis
Venture to the other end of Main Street to dine under the stars on Eclectic Cafe's lush, warm and secluded patio. Pictured above is the Lobster Mac N Cheese appetizer with tarragon boursin, roasted parsnip, sweet peas and butter poached lobster. Pictured below is a Shrimp + Lobster Special wrapped and baked in phyllo dough. There is also a relaxed bar if you're in the mood to just grab a cocktail.

Seafood Sam's | 1006 Route 28 | South Yarmouth 

Seafood Sam's is clutch for a low key but satisfying meal. This local counter for take out or dine in (additional locations in Sandwich and Falmouth) offers moderately priced seafood - excellent lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried seafood and more. They also serve beer + wine!

FIN | 800 Main Street | Dennis 

Fin serves contemporary + sustainable seafood dishes matched by an eclectic wine list in a tastefully decorated two story antique home. Many incredible meals have been devoured here!

How many plates of oysters are appropriate to have/mention in one post?! These are Fin's signature Chilled Nobscusset Oysters with Pickled Ginger Granita and Wasabi Tobiko.

Also looking forward to....lazy summer days on Lieutenant Island and Great Island, both in Wellfleet, boat trips to Baxter's on Hyannis Harbor for fried seafood and frozen mudslides to-go, sunsets that set the marsh on fire, coffee ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles, swimming in the salty ocean, being tan, nights at the Beachcomber! What are you guys looking forward to this summer?