Although the dining experience at Merah Putih on Bali’s uber-trendy Jalan Petitenget in Seminyak feels as if it has been a staple on the island’s must-see, must-do culinary scene for years, the architecturally stunning eatery only recently opened its doors in April.
The restaurant’s name says it all, classic Indonesian cuisine. Yet, the cutting-edge architecture, hip location, and innovative cooking techniques tell a different story. Throw in a fearless restaurateur committed to exceeding expectations and challenging stereotypes and Merah Putih might just be the best example of fine-dining Indonesian cuisine available in the archipelago today.
Although the captivating design of the restaurant’s bar and two-storey dining room garners a lot of attention, it’s the food that steals the show. With a diverse team of international and Indonesian chefs in the kitchen including an ‘ibu’ and the renowned Wayan Mustika from Jimbaran, Merah Putih captures the essence of Indonesia’s unique ingredients and puts its own stamp on each dish. Fish is hand selected every day by guys who know the fishermen at the market, all of their red meats are imported from Australia and they work directly with Bedugul farmers to ensure fresh and seasonal variety. To appeal to both Indonesian connoisseurs and curious visitors, the menu is split into two sections: traditional and modern. (www.merahputihbali.com; Jalan Petitenget No.100x, Kerobokan Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia 80361; + 62 361 8465950)
