Authentic Indonesian recipes, snake fruit cocktails and soaring rain-catching columns. Here’s why Merah Putih is still Seminyak’s most iconic restaurant.
I can hardly count how many times I’ve been asked for recommendations on where to eat in Seminyak, where the best cocktails can be found, or where to take a hot date. Foodies want to experience authentic Indonesian cuisine, and regulars want to know which Bali restaurant still lives up to the hype. Well, Merah Putih answers all of those questions.
This dazzling spot is one of the most cutting-edge restaurants you’ll find anywhere, with theatrical yet intimate vibes for a knockout date night. Yet, unlike most fine dining restaurants in Bali, the menu skips French and experimental cooking in favour of authentic Indonesian flavours, with traditional recipes from across the archipelago that have been passed down through generations.
The restaurant itself is elegant and high-end, and they’ve mastered the art of fine food while honouring local culture, craftsmanship and hospitality. Each dish is designed to swap and share to encourage communal, family-style dining, so order one of everything and sample your way through the diverse and delicious flavours. You’ll soon understand why Merah Putih is still one of the best Indonesian restaurants in Bali…
Key Details About Merah Putih
Instagram: @merahputihbali
Best for: Authentic Indonesian cuisine in a refined, fine dining setting.
Must-try dishes: Bak Pao Nangka, Bebek Goreng, Ikan Bakar Rica.
Price: Mains start from IDR 180,000++, or IDR 690,000++ per person for the Tasting Menu.
Good to know: Merah Putih serves its special Nasi Campur only at lunch if you’re looking for a daytime option.
Local tip: If you’re dining as a couple or group, try the Tasting Menu for a multi-course shared feast.
Address: Jl Petitenget No. 100x, Seminyak.
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 3pm & 5.30pm onwards.
Taste the flavours of the Indonesian archipelago
Merah Putih is helmed by Balinese Executive Chef Wiwik, who has helped this fine-dining icon flourish since it opened in 2013. She’s travelled to islands far and wide to bring the flavours from every corner of Indonesia to Merah Putih’s menu. And it shows. Whipping up a flurry of fresh local ingredients, Chef Wiwik doesn’t compromise on flavour, recreating traditional Indonesian recipes with modern twists and progressive plating.
Authentic Indonesian flavours simply cannot be found in any other country. We have special ingredients and spices, like Bali’s bumbu paste, that are unique to Indonesia. I love being able to cook recipes that are totally different from anywhere else in the world
To really get a taste of Chef Wiwik’s culinary flair, you’ll want to try all of Merah Putih’s most popular dishes. There’s the chargrilled ikan bakar, made with ginger flower, jicama and the original barbecued flavours of Jimbaran. Or the pangsit dumplings, my favourite being the tofu and mushroom with coconut and local greens. You’ll also want to try the soft bak pao steamed buns, stuffed with jackfruit rendang or Sumatran beef. And of course, you simply cannot leave without trying the iconic bebek goreng – Bali’s famous crispy duck with spicy balado and pickled palm heart.
Go all-out with Merah Putih’s tasting menu
While I love ordering everything on the menu and sharing it all, Merah Putih has cleverly put together a tasting menu that gives you a balanced taste of Indonesia’s most famous dishes. It begins with the elegant yellowfin tuna rujak, followed by a Balinese squid salad and a heartwarming duck soup. For the mains, indulge in the bak pao, pangsit dumplings, and classic ayam bakar. For dessert, hit the sweet spot with a mango sorbet and the palate-cleansing kalamansi brûlée.
And psst, since Merah Putih is well-versed in catering to all dietary requirements, there’s also a vegan and vegetarian tasting menu, plus gluten free varieties too.
Raise a glass to low-waste cocktails
A visit to Merah Putih simply wouldn’t be complete without a sojourn at the bar. It’s one of the best cocktail bars in Seminyak, headed by award-winning Balinese mixologist, Agung Ari. As part of the restaurant’s founding team, Ari creates magic with his mixology. He has this uncanny ability to introduce Balinese flavours into the classics, using island staples like kalamansi, snake fruit, and jackfruit from nearby farms. He’s also dedicated to creating sustainable, low-waste cocktails, so he makes all syrups, cordials, and bitters in-house using local ingredients.
I personally love the Merah Putih Sour, which puts a refreshing Balinese spin on the typical New York Sour. It features a unique blend of snake fruit arak, turmeric syrup, a homemade pineapple and coconut cordial, and a float of French Pinot Noir. Or, go classic with the White Chocolate Martini, which uses locally-made chocolate from Tabanan.
And yet, the star of the show is the Flavours of Indonesia – a tasting flight of five cocktails. It shines a spotlight on different ingredients from different Indonesian regions. I won’t ruin the surprise by delving into the details, but trust me when I say, you’re in for a real treat.
Inside Merah Putih: The dining room & private dining pods
If all of that wasn’t enough, Merah Putih’s aesthetics are nothing short of show-stopping. Cathedral-like ceilings and rain-catching pillars soar into the sky. Indoor palm trees and stunning water features are reminiscent of an enchanting indoor garden. And three majestic teak pods sit on the mezzanine level, with elevated views over the entire restaurant. These pods are perfect for couples, or book them together to seat up to 30 guests. They make up one of the most spectacular private dining experiences in Seminyak.
Unsurprisingly so, Merah Putih is booked out most nights, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended.
FAQs on dining at Merah Putih Bali
What is Merah Putih in Seminyak?
Merah Putih is a high-end Indonesian fine-dining restaurant and bar in Seminyak, Bali. Its menu features traditional Indonesian recipes from across the archipelago with modern twists and progressive plating, in a theatrical, intimate setting. It is widely regarded as one of Bali’s best restaurants.
What type of food does Merah Putih serve?
Merah Putih serves authentic Indonesian cuisine. Dishes draw on regional recipes from across Indonesia and use local ingredients and spices such as Balinese bumbu paste. Most dishes are designed for sharing, so the table can sample a wide range of flavours.
Who is the chef at Merah Putih?
Merah Putih’s Executive Chef is Wiwik, who is Balinese. She has led the kitchen for over a decade and travelled to islands across Indonesia to bring regional flavours to the menu. Her approach keeps traditional recipes intact while updating them with modern techniques.
What are the best dishes to order at Merah Putih?
The signature dishes are:
Bebek goreng: crispy Balinese duck with spicy balado and pickled palm heart
Ikan bakar: chargrilled fish with ginger flower and jicama, inspired by Jimbaran barbecue
Pangsit dumplings, including a tofu and mushroom version with coconut and local greens
Bak pao steamed buns filled with jackfruit rendang or Sumatran beef
Does Merah Putih have a tasting menu?
Yes. The tasting menu offers a balanced tour of Indonesia’s best-known dishes. It starts with yellowfin tuna rujak, a Balinese squid salad and duck soup. Mains include bak pao, pangsit and ayam bakar, and dessert is mango sorbet with a kalamansi brûlée.
Is Merah Putih suitable for vegetarians, vegans or gluten-free diners?
Yes. Merah Putih caters to a range of dietary requirements and offers dedicated vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free tasting menus. Guests with specific allergies should flag them when booking.
What are the best cocktails at Merah Putih?
Cocktail standouts include the Merah Putih Sour (snake fruit arak, turmeric syrup, pineapple and coconut cordial, Pinot Noir float) and the White Chocolate Martini, made with Tabanan chocolate. The “Flavours of Indonesia” flight offers five regional cocktails. The bar, led by award-winning Balinese mixologist Agung Ari, is known for cocktails that bring Balinese flavours into international classics. Syrups, cordials and bitters are all made in-house to reduce waste.
What is the atmosphere and interior like at Merah Putih?
Merah Putih has cathedral-like ceilings, rain-catching pillars, indoor palm trees, water features and an indoor garden. For the best view, request one of the three teak pods on the mezzanine level, which overlook the whole restaurant.
Do I need to book a table at Merah Putih?
Yes, book ahead. Merah Putih is booked out most nights, especially on weekends.
Is there a dress code at Merah Putih?
There’s no strict dress code, but smart casual is the norm. Most diners dress up a little for dinner, so swap beachwear and flip-flops for something you’d wear to a nice restaurant at home. Lunch is more relaxed.
How much does Merah Putih cost per person?
Expect to spend around IDR 400,000 to 550,000 per person with drinks. Small plates start from IDR 80,000, large mains from IDR 180,000, and all prices are subject to 10% government tax and 7.5% service charge, which is what the “++” means on the menu.