WALKING around Ubud is exciting and you might forget you need the sustenance. Here are three warung and cafes you can try while on your foot tour across the Bali’s artistic and cultural center.
1. Ibu Oka. Jalan. Jalan Tegal Sari 2.
If you want a bite of that tasty and spicy pork meat and hear the rackling sound of that crispy skin, then head to Ibu Oka.
This warung is an institution and made popular by its babiguling (suckling pig), the Balinese specialty dish of roasted pig. It’s easy to locate, just spot the long queue across the Royal Palace.
The lunch time hour can get crazy but worry not, a few meters away, off the same road through an alley, is the main restaurant of Ibu Oka. It has a bigger dining space and a great view of the green ridge. I had the special with nasi (rice), babiguling and spicy vegetables.
You can go back to your shopping at the art market after your meal.
2. Bali Buda. Jalan Jembawan.
From Bali Buda, the place recently changed its name to Bali Bunda. The new name— Bali (where they live) and Bunda (for mother) better captures their mission to run a business that helps reduce their impact to the planet.
This café has menu of healthier yet delicious food choices created with fresh ingredients sourced out from local organic farmers. Fresh fruit juices, breakfast fare, sandwiches, vegan, Indonesian and Italian dishes are listed.
I opted for the Fish Burger—homemade local pomfret fish patty with trimmings and side dish of French fries, served on a plate lined with banana leaf. (IDR 66,000++)
3. Café Wayan. Monkey Forest Road.
The design is that of cabanas in a tropical garden. The green surrounding exudes a very relaxing vibe, which was what I needed after a long walk through the Monkey Forest Road.
I had the a glass of cool, fresh strawberry juice to start and picked an Indonesian dish of NasiCampur- rice with small servings of assorted chicken and vegetable preparations. The generous serving of good food took me a while to finish.
*****
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