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Whether it is a luxurious holiday with fine dining all the way, or a casual beach escape, there is something for everyone. We have 5 different Balinese restaurants at which you can reenact your favourite Balinese dining experience, be it laidback and casual or posh and sophisticated.
1. For a traditional Balinese meal: <a href="http://www.theumabali.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Uma Balinese Restaurant</a> (serves pork)
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The Uma was born following its founder's 8-year stint in Bali, during which he fell in love with everything Balinese. Upon returning home, he tried to recreate the atmosphere with this 2-storey restaurant at The Strand, Kota Damansara. Everything about the place is, hence, unmistakably Balinese, from its wooden floor, lesehan-style floor seating, canang sari flower offering arrangements and of course, authentically Balinese food menu that highlights not only Balinese home-cooked favourites, but specialty dishes typically found only on special occasions too.
2. For a waroeng-style street food experience: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nnkualalumpur">Naughty Nuri's</a> (serves pork)
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Like the original restaurant in Bali, this one in Hartamas draws the chunk of its charm from its backyard-barbecue-on-a-Friday-night vibe. Renowned for its barbecue fare -- especially its pork ribs -- here is where to let your hair down and eat with your hands while your good time with friends gets complemented by exciting cocktails and a vibrant crew of servers. Wooden tables and chairs add to the whole rustic holiday vibe, so don't worry about laughing too loud or eating too fast -- it's all about having an unrefrained good time here.
3. For an upscale Balinese affair: <a href="http://www.mamasankualalumpur.com/">Mama San KL</a>
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Another direct import from Bali, this new addition to KLCC's long list of unfailing restaurants combines the best of Balinese grilled and curried meats, with a touch of posh sophistication. Leather chairs pair with shiny polished dark wood tables to lend an unmistakable fine dining vibe. Despite the elegance, the Balinese element is not lost, with food that is served in traditional tiffin carriers. Flavours are also kept authentic with traditional ingredients easily sourced from this part of the world.
4. For a relaxed night out for drinks with friends: The Waterlily Bistro
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The Waterlily effectively marries a trendy bistro with traditional Balinese elements without the two standing at loggerhead with one another. The food is stripped down to simple Balinese fares like those you would find at most restaurants -- grilled seafood and marinated skewered meats served with spicy stir-fried vegetables and lemongrass rice. A bar serves up a good selection of cocktails, covering the regular you would find while holidaying in Bali. If you're looking for a noteworthy snack to go with your drinks, do flip to the dessert section as it has exotic sweets like pisang bakar that will really add to your experience.
11-G, 11-1, 11-2, Jalan Mutiara Tropicana 3, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; 03 - 7803 6603
5. For a Balinese meal in a modern, contemporary setting: <a href="http://balifeel.com/">Bali Feel</a>
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For a twist on your perception of all things Balinese, Bali Feel pairs the staple wooden furniture and rattan decor with sweeping floor-to-ceiling glass windows and shiny ceilings, juxtapositioning traditional fixtures against clean, modern landscapes. The contrast is a breath of fresh air that is a stray from the ordinary without feeling too impersonal. It lets its food speak loud and proud of its Balinese heritage, with a menu that serves the best of seafood, meats and vegetables cooked in traditional Balinese style, served on banana leaf.
(Editor's note: These restaurants are pork-free unless stated otherwise.)
Also read: 5 waffles places for different times of day in KL and PJ
