5 Places to Try in Bali
Just off the plane from a week in Bali, these are the new IT places to see and be seen at. Bonus: there’s unbeatable coffee, great food, and even some handy shopping to be had. We review Merah Putih, Habitual, Butter, Bungalow Living and Nook cafe Bali here.
Merah Putih
We are not sure if it’s the stunning architecture (think cathedral-like white see-through pillars) or the stunning twist on Asian food – but this place is set to be a Bali icon. Don’t be surprised if you’re back after visiting at the beginning of your trip! This new kid on the block is well-priced and delivers a great night out. Get in before it gets too busy!
Merah Putih, Jalan Petitenget 100x, Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia, p. + 62 361 8465950. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Habitual
Some say it’s the best breakfast on the island (big call we know), but after experiencing Habitual we can see why. A huge breakfast menu and an American chef at the helm, this relaxed café in Umalas is worth seeking out. We loved the almond crusted French Toast and the scrambled eggs with mushrooms.
Habitual, Jalan Umalas 1 No. 12B, Kerobokan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80361.
Nook
Just down the road from Habitual is a local warung turned restaurant. Filled with local expats, this is a place that’s totally under the radar – are the locals keeping this one to themselves? With prices so low and dishes this tasty, this little secret is about to get out. We recommend the sweet local version of rendang curry (with a lovely coconut flavor) or the tasty and light fish curry. The staff are super friendly, and the vibe is super chill. A new fave. Nook, Jalan Umalas 1, Gang Nook No1, Kerobokan Klod, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia. ph. +62 81 338060060
Butter
Unassuming from its street front and sweet awning, we nearly skipped over this one. But step inside this super-cute bakery cum café and you can see why everyone’s raving about it. With fresh breads and pastries baked on site daily and excellent coffee served up in a funky retro-style café, we plan to become regulars here.
Butter, Jl. Pantai Berawa 44, Indonesia 80361, p. +62 819-3621-6983. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm.
Bungalow Living
Just down the road from Butter, Bungalow Living is another new café in the Canggu Club area. Bungalow, which doubles as a home interior and gift shop, has a fab vintage shabby-chic feel. We loved the cutesy locally made owls (perfect gifts for kiddies) and the fluoro-tasseled accessories. Grab a salad and a coffee and watch the locals’ daily life.
Bungalow Living, 35 Jl Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia 80361, p. +62 361 8446567. Open Mon-Sat 830am-6pm.
Betelnut Café
The most organic looking restaurant (could we be in a Cuddlepot and Snuggle Pie book?) delivering wholesome and delicious food – fresh coconuts included – Betelnut is another hidden gem in Bali. Located at Echo beach, this place is packed with the health conscious, foodie travellers, and local expats alike. We can’t go past the mezze plate (falafel never tasted this good) and the fish burger is to die for.
Betelnut Café, Jl Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia 80361, p. +62 (0) 821 46807233. Open Tue-Sun 7am-11pm.
Thanks to our friends at AirAsia for flying us to Bali for this report.
Images: Habitual, Merah Putih, Bungalow and Betelnut Cafe.