Dining upmarket Nusa Dua style in downtown Kuta, Bali

Nick, the newly arrived Chris, and Josh Grillo together with Candika and I found a heavenly place to eat where the food melts on your pallet delightfully.

The five of us cruised North along Jl Legian to check out a restoran which I had suggested earlier as a possible ‘yummy’ place to get some tucker, but nothing prepared us for what we encountered.

Ketupat is quietly tucked away down a small laneway behind a very arty shop selling all manner of antiquities. The only way you would know it existed would be by the very beautiful young ladies dressed in traditional clothes standing out front.

We were escorted to the rear of the art shop by the young ladies and we were most impressed (especially Josh!) but even more impressed when we arrived at the rear. Before us lay a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by tables and chairs, elequent but discreet lighting filtering from the numerous trees and palms, and numerous waiters and waitresses awaitng our seating. Once seated, a candle appears on the table and the menus arrive.

These menus are something to see!. Besides the thickness, they are full of painted pictures of every meal and not the usual photos you see in most. What amazed me was the immense choice. The menu was obviously designed to reflect the prices which are close to top dollar, but still affordable by most budget travellers even if it would be a once in a while fling. The owners have chosen several dishes from just about every island in the Archipelago, each and every one a mouth-watering delight.

Ketupat
109 Jl. Legian (Opp. Kopi Pot)

Nick & Josh decided on Ketupat Lebaran. A Javanese dish consisting of spiced rice wrapped in a banana leaf, Opor Ayam (chicken steamed in coconut milk), telur (egg), various shaved and assorted nuts together with a salad. The size of the servings were enough to scare any respectable stomach, but Nick and Josh plouged through!.

Chris on the other hand decided on a lighter meal. Ayam Limao is a dish originating from Southern Sulawesi and consists of Chicken tenderly roasted in a spicy sauce and served with Karedok (vegetables in a seasoned coconut sauce). Considering Chris only just arrived, the way he devoured the meal proves that most meals served on flights are hopelessly inadequate and bland!.

Candika, the birthday girl, delgihted in chosing a meal originating from Nusa Tenggara Timur. Nasi Goreng Samudra was a sight to be hold. The rice was heavily spiced and had more than ample servings of Cumi-Cumi (Squid) and Udang (Shrimps). Candika did comment that the Goreng was a tad heavily spiced.

I decided on Tuna Panggang Gurih a dish from Halamahera. As a fish lover, my mouth was watering with the expectation of a delightful night’s meal, and I wasn’t disappointed. The flesh was tender with a thickness that seemed to dissolve in my mouth with every bite. The Tuna was served with a hot Chilli salad which I thought was an excellent accompaniment.

Atmosphere: Stunningly brilliant!.
Quality of Food: Excellent plus
Service: Superb
Rating: 9

For those contemplating a romantic evening or just a great night out, then Ketupat is the place to go.