The Bali Review - 252

Amed, Bali

Bali is hands-down one of my favorite destinations. Of course, I suppose a lot of that has to do with the place we picked, a small fishing village called Amed. about 3 hours by van from the airport, Amed has excellent, sweeping views of the volcano and tiered rice paddies, black sandy beaches, and the excellent snorkeling I have ever seen (together with two ship wrecks just off the shore and within smooth snorkeling distance). The people also are beyond friendly, and despite the fact that there is a serious language barrier it stops no person from doing their absolute best to help you out. The meals are likewise excellent with tons of sparkling fish (as one could count on from a fishing village on an island), plenty of tropical fruit and plenty of veggie salads. The whole lot is prepared from scratch when you order it, so don’t assume anything to come fast. Rather, order a lassie or juice and enjoy the ocean breezes and wonderful views while you wait.

1. Gado-Gado

Made with flawlessly cooked, gentle-crisp boiled vegetables (the whole thing from carrots and potatoes to bokchoy, cabbage, and green beans), rice, an egg and tofu/tempeh and served with a lemongrass, ginger creamy peanut sauce. This is a great meal, filling and packed with vegetable goodness and protein from the egg, tofu, and peanuts.

Price: $

2. Pepes Ikan

This tasty treat is amazing, boneless fish wrapped up in a banana leaf and grilled. Flawlessly spicy and soft and so flavorful. It comes very highly recommended!

Price: $

3. Cap Cay

Seasonal vegetables from cauliflower to green beans and tomatoes swim in a savory broth and make up the bottom of this filling stew. It is available in vegetarian, chicken or seafood varieties and is served with white rice, despite the fact that I suppose it’s simply great and still fantastic filling even without the rice.

4. Grilled Fish

Mackerel with Balinese sauce is my preferred, but be aware that you may end up with dinner that staring back at you. If this is not your thing, choose mahi-mahi, barracuda or tuna filets which are just as tasty however without the eyeballs and the bones. Of path, there also are squid and prawns to strive as well- make sure to book at least a week to eat your way through the variety of fish and sauces that you will find throughout the village.

Price: $

5. Chicken Sate (or Satay)

Skewered, grilled chicken, this chicken is soft and juicy on its own, but add in a creamy peanut sauce and its a match made in heaven! Those dishes also come with rice and, certainly one of my new favorite things, a salad of bean sprouts, coconut and green beans.
Price: $

6. Balinese Sauce

Get it on fish, get it on chicken, get it on an antique pair of shoes, however, make sure to get it! Spicy and pungent, this sauce is a flavor sensation. (There is a ton of shallot on this sauce, not a very good idea for a first date, or any date for that matter. however, it tastes awesome).

Price: $