NOAA Asian Bistro is back and better than ever before, unveiling a fresh makeover and a brand new menu from Head Chef Arron.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, you’ll no doubt be making a stop in Seminyak. It’s Bali’s culinary capital and the go-to neighbourhood for a night out on the town. And in the heart of it all is NOAA Asian Bistro. Sitting pretty on the famous Petitenget street, NOAA is widely regarded as one of the best Asian restaurants in Bali (in fact, it just won an award as the Best New Asian Restaurant in Bali). The secret to its success? Its sleek, modern design, and a menu of bold, unforgettable flavours from across the continent.
NOAA has long been loved as one of Seminyak’s best restaurants, but recently, it underwent a stunning makeover, making it one of the most buzz-worthy dining destinations on the island. Inside the chic, glass-fronted townhouse, this bistro oozes with contemporary charm and sophistication. But it’s not just the sleek design that grabbed our attention – the true star here is the pan-Asian cuisine, developed under the creative direction of Head Chef Arron. Unsurprisingly so, we couldn’t wait to get a taste of the brand new menu…
New menu, rich Asian flavours
One thing’s for sure: NOAA Asian Bistro’s new menu captures the bold, vibrant flavours from across Asia. Think of it as a delicious passport to some of the world’s most flavourful Asian kitchens. We couldn’t wait to try NOAA’s newest creations, so we kicked things off with the raw snapper crudo: super fresh white snapper, perfectly balanced with a tangy nam jim sauce and a hint of creamy coconut. We also tried the pork belly bao, and the smokey grilled octopus with sambal merah – these starter-sized dishes are perfect for sharing, alongside dumplings, sushi and a selection of small plates to swap and sample.
Then, we moved on to the larger, heartier mains and NOAA’s signature specialties. The yellow curry barramundi was oh-so creamy and packed with flavour, while the Aussie-Indonesian lamb fried rice was rich, aromatic with just the right amount of fusion. Forget everything you know about standard fried rice — Chef Arron has taken the familiar Indonesian classic and turned it into something extra special. It’s comforting, yet bold, with those signature local flavours shining through in an elevated way.
The man behind the magic: Head Chef Arron
Behind every exceptional restaurant is an equally exceptional chef, and NOAA Asian Bistro is no different. Chef Arron grew up in Palembang, South Sumatra, where he developed a love for authentic, traditional cooking. But it wasn’t until he moved to Melbourne that he began to explore the world of Asian fusion cuisine. His culinary journey saw him working in some of Melbourne’s top restaurants, including Chin Chin, Operator 25 and Makan Restaurant, before he made his home in Bali.
At NOAA, Chef Arron combines his respect for tradition with a flair for innovation. His dishes reflect a deep appreciation for Asia’s diverse food culture, blending familiar tastes with surprising twists. Chef Arron’s background in both Indonesian and Chinese cuisines, paired with his experience in international kitchens, makes him the perfect chef to lead NOAA’s mission of brining exceptional Asian food to Bali. His passion for food is evident in every dish, from the simple, soul-satisfying comfort food to the more experimental, fusion plates.
A social space in the heart of Seminyak
Now, let’s talk about the vibe. NOAA Asian Bistro doesn’t just deliver on food – it offers a fun, social dining experience. You can’t miss the glass house-style exterior, then as you make your way inside, it’s a stylish horizon of wood, deep mahogany and indoor palms. By day, it’s a cool and breezy space for a long and leisurely lunch, while by night, a social atmosphere is fuelled by lively conversation, flowing cocktails and Seminyak’s finest catching up over a glamorous dinner date.
And talking of cocktails, the drinks follow the menu’s lead by adding some Asian-inspired twists. We love the Tokyo Heat, spiked with peach vodka, campari and wasabi, or the ginger mule with fresh ginger, rum and ginger beer – it’s bitter, sweet, and sour, all in one.
At least a few rounds will add to NOAA Asian Bistro’s vibrant, social setting, topped off with the stylish atmosphere, and of course, the knockout Asian cuisine by Chef Arron.
NOAA Asian Bistro, Jl Petitenget No. 2000x, Seminyak, p. +62 822 6088 7245; Open daily from 1pm.