Since I’m in Bali, I’m looking for a recommended restaurant where I can eat some Indonesian food…
If you’re wondering what to eat during your Bali trip, why not try the incredibly delicious chicken dish “Ayam Betutu” that every resident in Indonesia knows?
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the charm of Ayam Betutu, including a resident’s recommended restaurant ‘Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk,’ and plenty of information to help you enjoy Bali’s food culture more deeply. We’ll explain it in a way that’s easy for first-timers to understand, so please read to the end and use it as a reference for your Bali trip!
What is Ayam Betutu? Unraveling Bali’s Traditional Cuisine
Ayam Betutu is a traditional dish representing Lombok, an island to the east of Bali.
It’s a masterpiece where chicken is slow-cooked with spices, creating an exquisite blend of umami and spiciness. “Ayam” means chicken, and “Betutu” means “fully cooked.”
As the name suggests, by cooking it slowly over a long period, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the aroma of the spices deeply infuses it.
Not Just Spicy! The Deep Charm of Ayam Betutu
While it often has a reputation for being a “spicy dish,” the charm of Ayam Betutu is not just that. The rich aroma of the complexly blended spices, the fall-off-the-bone texture of the chicken, the sweetness of the peanuts, and its excellent pairing with rice! It’s an addictive taste that you won’t forget once you’ve tried it.
【From a Resident’s Perspective】How to Choose Ayam Betutu
The spiciness and spice blend vary from restaurant to restaurant, so finding your favorite is part of the fun. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, it’s a good idea to say “kurangi pedas” (less spicy) when you order. Also, the types of vegetable side dishes and sambal (chili sauce) vary by restaurant. Try a few different places to find your favorite!
【Resident’s Recommendation】The Famous Ayam Betutu Restaurant “Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk”
Among the many Ayam Betutu restaurants, “Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk” is highly popular with residents. Gilimanuk is known as the birthplace of Ayam Betutu, and at this restaurant, you can enjoy the authentic taste.
