The Modern Indonesian
Using the finest quality local produce, The Kelusa serves international cuisine enhanced with Indonesian flavours.
Picturesquely nestled amidst the Payangan rainforest area in Bali, The Kelusa offers a dining destination and experience unlike any other. Part of the luxury getaway retreat Samsara Ubud, the restaurant pays homage to the neighbourhood of Kelusa village with top-notch bespoke service and excellent culinary offerings. The semi open-air restaurant seamlessly blends the wondrous natural surroundings with chic and modern tropical interiors. Enchantingly tranquil atmosphere aside, the menu on offer at The Kelusa is impeccably refined and more importantly, delicious. Innovative and skilled Chef Iwan Sutrisno is at the helm, working with his team to concoct local produce
into international cuisine with a touch of local flavours, and furthermore, put Kelusa village on the culinary map.
Combining international culinary techniques with vibrant Indonesian flavours is not an easy feat, let alone introducing it to unknowing diners, but the culinary team at The Kelusa manages to create memorably delectable dishes that will be talked about for a long time.
Take the betutu cannelloni, for example, the ultimate favourite among regulars.
The pasta dish is spiced up – pun intended – with the rich flavour of Balinese betutu chicken, and it works really well, a fiesta for the palate. Another heartier favourite is the buntut strozzapreti, comprising hand-twisted pasta topped with rich beef au jus and succulent pulled oxtail. From the dinner menu, the new lamb sugo is a unique potpourri of flavours – lemongrasschilli gnocchi drenched in lamb gulai, semi-dried tomato and gremolata. “We want to highlight the modern Indonesian elements of the menu,”
Iwan said. “Our focus is on bringing Indonesian flavours to the international level, through international dishes and techniques.” Using high-quality ingredients and local produce is paramount for The Kelusa's team.
In addition to the innovative dishes,
Iwan has also crafted an inspired menu for the little ones and a decadent dessert selection that no sweet tooth will want to miss. During the golden sunset hours, just before dinner, the restaurant's cocktail bar, Firefly, makes a great spot to bask in the serene ambience. Take up Firefly's offer of one, or more, of the signature cocktails like the intriguing Popcorn Sour – a popcorn play on the classic vodka sour. The Kelusa's wine cellar, elegantly displayed at the entrance of the restaurant, hosts an impressive selection of the finest wines – just waiting to be paired with the creative cuisine.
Charmingly intimate, complemented by a professional and personalised service, The Kelusa is one dining destination that will leave a magnificent impression on discerning diners' minds.
The Kelusa (samsaraubud.com)