Get dressed in your best and get ready to splurge – Merah Putih is one of Bali’s most iconic restaurants that has stood the test of time…
We can hardly count how many times we’ve been asked for recommendations on where to eat in Seminyak – where the best cocktails can be found, or where to take a hot date. Foodies want to know where they can up their epicurean rep, and Bali regulars want to be blown away by a restaurant that honours the island. And honestly? Merah Putih answers all of those questions…
This dazzling spot is one of the most cutting-edge restaurants you’ll find anywhere, with theatrical, intimate vibes and delicious surprises for a knockout date night. Yet, unlike most fine-diners in Bali, you won’t find fancy French food or experimental gastronomy here. Instead, you’ll be tasting the authentic flavours of Indonesia, with time-honoured recipes that honour the country’s natural landscapes, and truly reflect the culinary secrets that have been passed down through generations.
This elegant and high-end restaurant has mastered the art of fine food, culture, craftsmanship and spectacular hospitality, and we love that each dish is designed to swap and share to encourage communal, family-style dining. Order one of everything from the menu, place each dish in the centre of the table, and sample your way through the diverse and delicious flavours of the archipelago. You’ll soon understand why Merah Putih has stood the test of time, firmly securing its place as one of Bali’s most iconic fine-dining destinations…
The flavours of the archipelago
Merah Putih is helmed by Balinese Executive Chef Wiwik, who has helped this island icon flourish over the past decade. She’s travelled to islands far and wide to bring the flavours from every corner of Indonesia to Merah Putih’s menu. And it shows. Whipped up with a flurry of fresh local ingredients, Chef Wiwik doesn’t compromise on flavour, recreating traditional Indonesian recipes with modern twists and progressive plating.
To really get a taste of Chef Wiwik’s culinary flair, you’ll want to try Merah Putih’s standout signatures, like the chargrilled ikan bakar, made with ginger flower, jicama and the original barbecued flavours of Jimbaran. Or the pangsit dumplings, our favourite being the tofu and mushroom with coconut and local greens. You’ll also want to try the soft bak pao steamed buns, stuffed with jackfruit rendang or Sumatran beef. And of course, you simply cannot leave without trying the iconic bebek goreng; Bali’s famous crispy duck with spicy balado and pickled palm heart.
Go all-out with Merah Putih’s tasting menu
While we love ordering everything on the menu and sharing it all, Merah Putih has cleverly put together a tasting menu that gives you a balanced taste of Indonesia’s most famous dishes. It begins with the elegant yellowfin tuna rujak, followed by a Balinese squid salad and a heartwarming duck soup. For the mains, indulge in the bak pao, pangsit dumplings, and classic ayam bakar. For dessert, hit the sweet spot with a mango sorbet and the palate-cleansing kalamansi brûlée. And psst, since Merah Putih is well-versed in catering to all dietary requirements, there’s also a vegan and vegetarian tasting menu, plus gluten free varieties too.
Raise a glass to local libations
A visit to Merah Putih simply wouldn’t be complete without a sojourn at its enticing bar, proudly headed by award-winning Balinese mixologist Agung Ari. As part of the restaurant’s founding team, Ari creates magic with his cocktails. In a bid to create sustainable, low-waste cocktails, he spares no effort in making all syrups, cordials, and bitters in-house with local ingredients. Ari is best known for his uncanny ability to introduce Balinese flavours into international cocktails, using island staples like kalamansi, snake fruit, and jackfruit from the nearby farms of Bali.
We recommend kicking the night off with the Merah Putih Sour, which puts a refreshing Balinese spin on the typical New York Sour. Think: a unique blend of snake fruit arak, turmeric syrup, a homemade pineapple and coconut cordial, and a float of French Pinot Noir. Otherwise, go classic with the White Chocolate Martini, which uses locally-made chocolate from Tabanan.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Flavours of Indonesia, a tasting flight of five cocktails, which shines a spotlight on different ingredients from different Indonesian regions. To preserve the surprise factor, we won’t delve into the details, but trust us when we say that you’re in for a real treat…
A night to remember…
If all of that wasn’t enough, Merah Putih’s aesthetics are nothing short of show-stopping. Cathedral-like ceilings and rain-catching pillars soar into the sky, surrounded by indoor palm trees, therapeutic water features and an enchanting indoor garden. If you can, snag a seat at one of the three teak pods on the mezzanine level to add to the experience, scoring an elevated view of the entire restaurant.
Unsurprisingly so, Merah Putih is booked out most nights, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended, and be sure to get dressed in your best…
Merah Putih, JI Petitenget 100x, Seminyak, p. +62 361 8465950, e. [email protected]
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/merah-putih-restaurant-seminyak/
