While I loved the Melting Wok and Kultur warungs that I recently visited and reviewed, I wanted to try something a little fancier on our last night and Bambu Seminyak was perfect. The setting is romantic and a fine example of blurring the lines between inside and out. Think traditional pergodas, lush plantings and waterways winding through the entire downstairs area. If you are looking for traditional Indonesian fare that is a cut above the rest Bambu Seminyak won’t disappoint. Read on for all the details …
Bambu Seminyak Overview
Bambu serves Indonesian cuisine with flair from regions including Bali, Java and Sulawesi. The menu is tight but offers something for every taste with each course featuring a mix of seafood, meat and vegetarian. The location is a little out-of-the-way but its off ‘eat street’ location does nothing to deter patrons so bookings are essential. A small bar caters for those waiting for tables or those who would just rather indulge in a fabulous cocktail. The minute you walk through the door you get the sense you are entering a calm oasis and as the sun dips the low lighting and lush surroundings bring romance to life. While Bambu Seminyak is not cheap by Balinese standards, it does represent excellent value when compared to what a similar calibre restaurant would set you back in Sydney. Bambu is so good, it makes my epic list of 110+ things to do in Bali.
To Start
I started with Ayam Bakar Kecap Manis (grilled chicken skewers) while The Hubs chose Udang Tim Ketumbar (prawns and glass noodles in banana leaf). Our entrees came with complimentary rice crackers and dipping sauces. My chicken was mouth wateringly tender after being marinated in a sweet soy based sauce but it did pack a nice punch given we ordered everything ‘local spicy’. The creamy sauce smothering The Hubs’ prawns was subtle at first but the promised heat came through with each subsequent bite.
The Main Event
My Gulal Domba Dengan Kurma (Islamic lamb and date curry) with a side of Sayur Sambiki (sweet pumpkin in chilli and coconut cream) was divine. I have eaten plenty of rice in my life but I have never seen anything like the ‘pods’ that accompanied my curry. While they were unique I prefer my rice on the fluffy side. In addition to his entree of prawns my seafood loving partner opted for the special of Seared Yellow Fin Tuna with a green mango salsa. His tuna was perfectly rare just the way he likes it and the salsa was a perfect partner.
To Finish
I rarely eat dessert at Asian restaurants, but I couldn’t resist at Bambu Seminyak. The Terang Bulan (street style pancakes) with roast nuts, java chocolate and ice cream were to die for! True to form I asked for a menu change and requested toasted coconut rather than coffee and ginger ice cream. It was a match made in heaven and so good I think they should consider a permanent menu change.
Final Thoughts
Bambu Seminyak offers something rather special and is perfect for a romantic dinner. The service was attentive without being intrusive and our server was careful to explain each dish in detail. You get the feeling that nothing is ever too much trouble here. The bill came in at $115 including beer and three cocktails which is superb value considering the setting and quality.
Essential Details
Location: Jl Petitenget no 198, Seminyak 80361 Bali, INDONESIA
Opening Hours: Dinner only. Open daily from 6pm – 11pm.
Average Cost: I paid approx AUD $115 for three courses for two people with drinks.
Contact Details: Phone +62 361 84+ 9797 or email [email protected]
If you liked this you should check out my other Bali restaurant reviews. So will you try Bambu Seminyak when you are next in Bali?
Until Next Time …
Psst! My Bali basics post is also a must read for Bali first timers. 🙂
Disclaimer: I paid for my meal at Bambu Seminyak in full and as always, all opinions are my own.
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Sumita says
Sounds like a wonderful place! The food looks delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was lovely Sumita. I want to go back!
Diana says
Oh my gosh, all the food looks delicious, I can’t even pick my favorite. I actually care more about the ambience of a restaurant than the food itself, and the ambience here looks amazing. Great find, and I will be sure to check it out when I visit Indonesia (still keeping my fingers crossed I’ll get to go in March when I visit SEA).
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Awesome Diana. Would love to know your thoughts if you make it there ?
Christina Guan says
Wow what a beautiful setting for a meal!! That little walkway over the water looks so dreamy 🙂 Those rice pod things look really interesting too… They remind me a bit of the sticky rice (wrapped in bamboo leaves) that Chinese grandmas love to make haha. I was force fed plenty of those in my younger years 😉 I think as a result of that I’m a bit traumatized, and definitely prefer fluffy rice like you!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really was lovely Christina. And he pods wee good, just not as good as fluffy rice ?
Clare says
The food looks amazing. Unfortunately I didn’t visit when I was there. It’s a little out of my price range as a backpacker, but maybe one day in the future 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I remember my backpacking days so I hear you Clare. If course you don’t have to have three course and three cocktails like I did ?
Kari says
You had me at sweet pumpkin in coconut cream! I love Indonesian food and this place looks phenomenal. The chicken skewers look mouth-watering! YUM. I would love to try this place. Now I’m hungry!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Everything was superb but I have to admit the pumpkin was a favourite. ?
Cliodhna says
Wow my mouth is watering here. That looks like my kind of food. Really well written review and the pictures are fabulous. I’m usually not a dessert person but those pancakes look amazing. As someone else mentioned, great job including the price. It really helps when planning a trip!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m all about the bottom line and it was worth the splurge. Funny thing is a $100 (ish) at home would be a bargain dinner out not a splurge lol
Melissa says
This food looks amazing! I order dessert everywhere I go when we are traveling so it is always my favorite part of any restaurant review. And can I just say THANK YOU for including the price. I hate it when I read a review for a place I want to visit and then have to go scour the internet to make sure it won’t cost me a plane ticket to eat there. LOL.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’m usually way too full before dessert dessert comes around but these pancakes were seriously the bomb. I’m the same with the price. I want to know what I am up for before I commit lol
Kassie says
Wow looks like an amazing restaurant! I love Indonesian food so much. I actually fell in love with the sticky rice wrapped in the Banana leaves everywhere and had it with every meal possible! I’ll definitely check this place out next time I’m in Bali!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
There is so much variety in Indonesian food most don’t realise. I love that Bambu featured dishes from different regions. I found myself drawn to those from Java. Sticky rice … yes!!!!!
Kathy says
Sounds and looks absolutely delicious! I really do love finding hidden gems where you can escape chaos and just relax and enjoy your mean in beautiful surroundings. I am heading to Bali soon and would love to check out their vegetarian section. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
One of the best meals we had in Bali Kathy but pricy for Bali. Save it for a special occasion ?
Maggie says
Everything sounds and looks so good! Tuna is one of my favorites, and it looks like they prepare it perfectly there. And the dessert looks amazing, I’d order multiples!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It really was good Maggie. I can’t believe we shared the dessert! Next time I will order one all to myself! ?
Stephanie says
Sounds so good!!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Stephanie. It really was a special night. I love that splashing out is only just over $100 in Bali. In Bambu was in Sydney I hate to think what it would cost lol