Once upon a time, three friends travelled to an exotic location half-way around the globe. They loved the island they were on so much that they left their rat-race lives behind and decided to make a living feeding the locals and tourists right here on the isle. Sounds idyllic? That, in a nutshell, was how GYPSY came to be.
Owner Kevin and Chef Robin make up two of the trio responsible for Canggu’s latest culinary playground. With successful bar and restaurant experiences between them in their native Montreal, the duo aims to bring a slice of French Canadian gastronomy to Balinese shores.
Also a former chef at a two-Michelin-star restaurant in France, Robin believes in the field-to-plate concept and sources for raw ingredients from the best Balinese suppliers. In fact, he takes full advantage of Bali’s seafood abundance and travels to the Jimbaran fish market every morning for the freshest sea fare.
Dedicated to the success of the kitchen, Robin is one chef who is hands-on in the creation of every dish served and can be found working his culinary magic behind GYPSY’s open-concept kitchen on a regular basis. However, don’t be fooled by their modest menu. Their list of quality-over-quantity dishes truly packs a punch in terms of flavour and presentation. A welcoming change from the taco, burger, pizza and pasta joints you see sprouting up all around the island, GYPSY’s menu is made for anyone craving a laid-back, fine-dining experience.
For a pure taste of fish caught in Balinese waters, Tuna Tataki (one of their signature dishes) is a must-try. Lightly pan-seared, the melt-in-your-mouth tuna comes dressed with delicious ginger mayo, mushrooms, daikon and jalapeno oil to further tantalise the taste buds. If soups are more your thing, the warm corn soup topped with popcorn and cold pea soup with a hint of basil oil will leave you singing praises. Both soups deliver fresh flavours that are satisfying on their own or as starters for any dish that follows.
Other must-try items on the menu include Avo On Toast (buttery smashed avocado on crusty bread topped with runny egg and candied orange slices on the side), Everything From The Sea (a platter made for sharing that features the different seafood on the menu along with vegetables and roasted potatoes) and Homemade Ricotta (creamy, light and fluffy ricotta cheese paired with brioche bread and sprinklings of basil oil). Should you be feeling peckish for something sweet after your meal, Robin whips up a mean doughnut. Made to order, the fried confectionery isn’t on the menu but can be easily requested. Drizzled in caramel and nuts, it’s the perfect warm treat to end your meal (along with a cup of joe, of course).
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, GYPSY’s carte du jour and its whimsical dishes aren’t the only things drawing in the crowds. A menu of sharp cocktails, both classic and creative, are available all day every day and on the weekend check out their Sunday Boozy Brunch (a set brunch menu with coffee and sangria), or the Wednesday BBQ (the only time they’ll ever serve burgers) – you won’t be disappointed.
