GLOBETROTTING EPICURE

Indonesia

Surrounded by rice fields and Mount Agung as the backdrop, Wapa di Ume Sidemen presents itself as a scenic rustic hideaway like no other. Opt for a stay at the Di Ume Suite, which comes with a balcony to take in the panoramic views. The five-star resort’s restaurant, Sleeping Gajah, offers one of the best Balinese meals in the area. Be sure to order the Kuah Cundang Be Siap (Rp80,000), a signature consisting of Balinese basa rajang, a mixture of finely chopped spices with chicken, it’s the perfect heart-warming soup you need on a soulful misty evening at the resort. Jl. Raya Tabola, Banjar Tabola, Sidemen, Karangasem.

Tel: +62 361 973178

The wait is finally over. After undergoing five years of redesign and refurbishment, Hyatt Regency Bali is now open. Formerly known as Bali Hyatt, the resort is considered as one of the earliest fine examples of Balinese resort design and landscape. The 363room property sits on 500 metres of white sandy beach and offers three open-air dining venues, three swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre and a kids club named

Camp Hyatt. The ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests for cocktails, with another four multifunction meeting rooms for smaller events. Jl. Danau Tamblingan 89, Sanur. Tel: +62 361 281234

After the success of their first restaurant in Canggu, Folie Kitchen & Patisserie, another branch has opened in Beachwalk Shopping Center. Café Folie is led by chef Stephane Simond, who is known for fusing French culinary techniques with Asian flavours. Expect classics like the Angel Hair Pasta Aglio e Olio (Rp98,000) as well as new additions, including the savoury Black Truffle Fried Rice (Rp88,000) with duck confit and poached egg. Café Folie offers a cosy indoor and outdoor space, both which can accommodate up to 80 persons. Beachwalk Shopping Center Level 1, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta. Tel: +62 361 8464843

Chef Ragil Imam Wibowo has done it again. After a successful run at his Jakarta restaurant, NUSA Indonesian Gastronomy Jakarta and winning the Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year at the World’s Gourmet Summit 2018, he now helms a new establishment in Bali. Spicy Geg x Javara Culture offers a taste of the the vast Indonesian archipelago in one sitting. The casual, openair restaurant serves regional Indonesian dishes, such as Mie Gomak (Rp75,000), Gohu Udang Jailolo (Rp35,000) and Ikan Bakar Saus Arsik Tapanuli (Rp80,000). Guests can also learn more about the spices used in the dishes at the adjoining Javara Culture outlet. As the leading purveyor of biodiversity based artisan al food products, Javara’s presence in Bali is much welcomed. Kenja Building, Kawasan ITDC Lot RA 7, Jl. Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua. Tel: +62 361 774210

After almost a decade spent staging at fine dining restaurants in two resorts in Bali, Maurizio Bombini has now opened his own establishment. MAURI offers contemporary Italian cuisine with a touch of tradition that speaks of his Pugliese origin. Apart from a 40-seater capacity and five seats at the chef’s counter, MAURI also has a bar and lounge on the mezzanine level. Go for the four-course tasting menu (Rp490,000), which includes Tonno in Carpione, Parmigiano Ravioli, Costata di Manzo, and Tiramisu. Jl. Petitenget 100, Seminyak. Tel: +62 817 776 177