Foodies in Hong Kong have good reason to gloat. Not only are they within easy reach of some of the world’s best culinary destinations, quite often the food comes to them.
Benjamin Cross and Stephen Moore, executive chef and head chef respectively at Ku De Ta in Bali, are two impressively credentialed chefs popping up at Hong Kong’s Test Kitchen for a five-day stint (7-11 March, 2018) ‘curating a modern Australian-Indonesian eight-course tasting menu showcasing their collective approach to contemporary cuisine in Asia.’
You can book here: testkitchen.com.hk/kdtbali
Cross has been at Ku De Ta since 2008 and opened their relaxed fine-dining restaurant Mejekawi in 2013. For him, Bali’s food is best when it’s casual. ‘I love the fact you can eat incredible flavours on the side of the road right through to sitting on the sand eating fresh fish,’ he says. ‘I also really like the relaxed approach to dining here. There are no real formalities. For a tropical island, it really is becoming a food destination and this is evident in the talented chefs and restaurateurs it’s attracting from other parts of the world.’
Moore has worked all over the world, including with Neil Perry at Rockpool in Sydney and at the three-Michelin Star restaurant El Raco de Can Fabes just outside Barcelona (now closed). He says: ‘Living here as a chef is great. The chef community is very close. There is some great talent here in Bali and it seems to be increasing.’
We asked them to name their top eating spots in Bali, so you know where to head next time you’re on the island.
Stephen
1. Merah Putih
The guys here have managed to represent Indonesian flavours really well. merahputihbali.com
2. Bikini
Innovative techniques and presentation – their snack game is amazing. ulookhotinbikini.com
3. Babi Bagus
Nothing better than local suckling pig. A must try. facebook.com/babibagusbali
4. Mad Ronin
Late night ramen, and great for a whisky sour upstairs at their speakeasy (40 Thieves). facebook.com/madronin.bali
5. Expat Roasters
The best coffee in town and their toasted banana bread with espresso butter is fantastic. expatroasters.com
6. Hank’s Pizza & Liquor
The pizza here is great and they play really good music. It’s also a good late night place to go after work. facebook.com/hankspizza
7. Dahana
Fresh and accessible Japanese cuisine. dahanabali.com
Benjamin
1. Hank’s Pizza & Liquor
What Steve said. facebook.com/hankspizza
2. Take
The live seafood tanks here are unbelievable and just about all of it can be served sashimi style. It’s packed every night and a great place to go in a group. take.ramarestaurantsbali.com
3. Fishbone
A new place in Canggu, super cool fish eatery and bar with a nice lawn area to sit and hang with friends.
4. Cuca
This is one of the original places for Bali innovation and fine dining. Kevin and virginia are a great team. cucaflavor.com
5. Room for dessert
Will (Goldfarb) is doing some of the most interesting and thought provoking deserts in the world. We’re lucky to have it here in Bali. room4dessert.asia
6. Pondok Tempo Doeloe
The barbecue goat here is a must. ibcgroup.co.id
7. Warung Wardani
Best local food I’ve had here in Bali. The nasi campur is super fresh and tasty. warung-wardani.business.site
