The original Will Meyrick showpiece Sarong Bali remains one of Seminyak's best restaurants, with his signature, innovative Asian cooking techniques and delicious flavours in every dish... Here's why it remains one of the hottest tables around
Bali has been loving an international foodie-revolution for a while now, but we’re going back to one of Seminyak’s best restaurants that started it all – the original Will Meyrick jewel in the heavenly spiced crown that is Sarong Bali. Widely acclaimed as one of Asia’s finest restaurants with locally sourced ingredients and innovative Asian cooking techniques, Sarong continues to prove why it is held in such high regard – time and time again.
Sarong Bali was the first expression of founder and serial restaurateur Will Meyrick’s passion for Asia’s rich food history. Spending years travelling and researching the wonderful street food flavours Asia has to offer, he presented all that he learned in one of Seminyak’s original refined dining experiences. Today of course, he has new neighbourhood address Tiger Palm, the other Seminyak classic MamaSan and Ubud’s favourite, Hujan Locale.
The lush, warm and oh-so-welcoming decor comprises two open sided pavilions with thriving tropical garden surrounds. The Balinese-style architecture features high ceilings accented by billowing drapes, crystal chandeliers, and intimate lighting to create an open-air dining feel with a elegant finish. Melting into one of the sofa seat tables, you’re able to fully take in the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor that Bali does so well!
But what really matters is the food and that’s what keeps people coming back time after time, ensuring Sarong as a perennial favourite and must-visit foodie address for every Bali visit.
Hard to beat signature entrees include Crispy Pork Belly with Sichuan chilli salt tamarillo and tamarind sauce, and the one of a kind Chicken Betel Leaf, flat leaf coriander lime leaf with roasted chilli capsicum relish. Starter Crispy Salmon Salad with watermelon yam bean, lime leaf, cucumber, roasted chilli & eschalot dressing [beyond delicious, if you hadn’t noticed] is also a winner.
Mains we love include Panang Curry of Pork [with peanut chilli, Thai basil and coconut cream], Northern Indian Slow Braised Lamb Shank [simmered in coriander, mint, tomatoes, cardamom black pepper & cinnamon], and Butter Chicken with Cashew Nuts, ginger garam masala kasoori methi & tomato sauce. Surely we needn’t say more than this! There is no shortage of deliciousness to choose from.
And fear not, dear readers, the Sarong team haven’t forgotten their Gluten Free and Vegetarian friends, with a very clever secondary menu with lots of options to leave your tongue wagging and mouth watering.
The wine list skillfully pulls together wines based on their ability to work with and accentuate the bold flavours of the cuisine. The cocktail list is also not to be missed, featuring many locally sourced ingredients the results are many a tasty concoction with a distinct Asian twist. A favourite is the Sarong Signature – Passion Fruit Margarita: with tequila, fresh passion fruit, passion fruit puree, triple sec, lime, and honey blossom. Divine.
We can’t forget to mention we couldn’t say no when as part of the seamless and friendly service it was suggested we try the Espresso Martini! We were not disappointed!
Hati hati: Book well in advance or you’ll be disappointed. Sarong is definitely one of the best restaurants to visit in Bali, and you do need to book weeks in advance during the high season.
Sarong Bali, Jl. Petitenget No, 19 x, Seminyak Bali, p. +62 361 4737 809, e. [email protected].
