For years Canggu was that hidden spot north of Seminyak that didn’t get much attention from anyone but surfers. It was home to very few expats, Deus Ex Machina’s amazing Temple of Enthusiasm and great surf breaks, but nothing more. Then a few years ago, someone had the amazing idea to open a café serving hearty, healthy options for the surf crowd after their morning session, the idea turned into Betelnut Café in Canggu, a popular local staple that is open from breakfast through dinner.
Little did the owners know that opening in the sleepy town of Canggu would turn out so fortuitously. Constantly crowded, or at least occupied, Betelnut Cafe boasts one of Canggu’s – and debatably Bali’s – best menus that not only tastes good but will leave you feeling energised.
Hailing from Australia and with experience cooking in France and on surf charters in Indonesia, the Betelnut head chef seeks to use local ingredients and recipes, but adds a wholesome twist. Aside from their famous breakfasts, which include their absolute must-try Naga Bowl (pink dragonfruit, banana, and yoghurt puree topped with granola, shredded coconut, cashews and fruit – think Balinese acai Bowl), they also serve an incredible lunch and dinner menu.
From their burgers to their Big Betelnut Salad – which proves that you can win friends with four salads in one – to their nasi gila, a red-rice nasi-goreng-nasi-campur concoction; you can close your eyes, point anywhere on the menu, and rest assured that your meal will be incredible.
Betelnut Cafe Canggu, Jl. Batu Bolong No. 60, Canggu, Bali. Phone: +62-821/4680-7233 Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-10pm.
