Aunty Ji’s dishes up warmth, whimsy, and a dash of spice – just like your favourite aunty would.
Ever wish you could teleport to an Indian kitchen for a warm, home-cooked curry? Us too. That’s why we went straight to Aunty Ji’s in Canggu – the newest Indian restaurant in Bali, hidden amidst the bustle of Batu Bolong.
Soulful, perfectly spiced, and with an unmistakable warmth that feels like home, Aunty Ji’s is an ode to the cherished recipes from our Indian aunties, where everything is homemade, and always cooked with love.
Even the décor feels like you’ve stepped into an Indian auntie’s home. The interiors are playful and a bit quirky, with vintage posters, colourful stain-glass windows, and those charming mismatched plates that make it feel so cosy. Then the aromas hit you – all those spices and sizzles that take you straight to the streets of Mumbai. It’s like Aunty Ji’s bottled up all the best bits of an Indian kitchen, and brought it straight to Canggu…
Good food, good mood: Aunty Ji’s menu packs a punch
A tribute to the honest, soul-satisfying flavours of home-cooked Indian food, the menu at Aunty Ji’s is packed with all of those must-have Indian staples (we’re looking at you, Paneer Tikka Masala), as well as modern twists on the classics. Think Papdi Chaat Nachos and a hot garlic chicken sando, or the slow-cooked Kashmiri rogan josh made with Australian lamb, tender enough to cut with a spoon.
As for Aunty Ji’s signature butter chicken, the secret recipe is so rich and creamy, it could make even the staunchest vegan reconsider. And don’t even get us started on the garlic naan – fluffy, buttery, and with just the right amount of char. Another all-time favourite is the Goan Fish Curry – warm, spicy, and tangy, just like the breeze on the Goan coast.
Signature dishes that turn up the heat
It wouldn’t be a truly Indian feast without a smorgasbord of bites, so you’ll want to kick things off with a round of small plates: Mumbai chilli chicken, shahi lamb sliders and our fave, the Punjabi samosa chaat – little parcels of joy that are crispy on the outside, finished with the perfect blend of spice and nostalgia.
Then, turn up the heat with Aunty Ji’s vindaloo. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s got more of a kick than your morning double espresso. For more flavours from the fire, try the lamb Seekh kebab cooked in the tandoor, then follow it up with the overnight slow-cooked black lentil Smoky Dal Makhani. The dal is so buttery and creamy, you can scoop it all up with a shred of warm naan. Perfection.
More than just a meal at Aunty Ji’s
We could graze all day on Aunty Ji’s home-cooked specialties, but what makes Aunty Ji’s so special is the feeling that you’re joining a family feast. The staff here are as warm and welcoming as the food, always ready with a smile and a story to share. It’s the kind of place where you come for the curry, but stay for the company.
And with good company should come great drinks, so to top off the Aunty Ji’s experience, the bar slings a selection of Indian-inspired cocktails that spice up the classics. We ordered at least three Tamarind Margaritas (yes, we lost count) and we finished with a cinnamon-spiced Aunty Ji’s Old Fashioned, and a round of the Lassi Gin Smash – gin, lemon and a splash of raspberry and lemon.
Needless to say, Auntie Ji’s has stolen our hearts, and we’ll definitely be back for more.
Aunty Ji’s, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No.83, Canggu, p. +62 8224 751 5453. Open daily 10am – midnight.
