I really have a thing with Balinese cuisine. The spices combination and traditional method of cooking make a wonderful result and it seem to get me every time. Or, well, a simpler explanation is, it reminds me of Bali.
Bebek Bengil seems to be the only one I truly love and I always pay Bebek Bengil (especially the outlet in Menteng) a visit whenever my Bali-sickness gets me. And the last time I visited it was during my staycation in Four Points by Sheraton, Thamrin.
Located in Central Jakarta, it won’t be hard to find Bebek Bengil. It is a standalone building with nature-centric vibe. Stepping in the area, to me, it seems like stepping in a different area. It seems so peaceful here and it soothes me in the mind.
The dining area is separated into two types. For people who like the outdoor, you can choose to sit outside in the lush green garden. The space is not that big, so they have only a few tables there. If it is raining, the only available seats outside are in the huts.
Inside, it is a non-smoking dining area equipped with air-con. Of course, I prefer the indoor area.
Whenever I come here, my choices are only Bebek Bengil and Nasi Campur Bali. Those are the special dishes for me here.
# Nasi Campur Bali (IDR 75 k)
This is the most humble dish you can find here, but still is guaranteed to be really satisfying. Nasi Campur Bali is consisted of steamed rice, smoked chicken, braised beef (rendang), boiled egg, fish skewer and other sides. I know the price is pretty high, but well, it surely tastes Balinese.
# Bebek Bengil (IDR 125 k)
Bebek Bengil is Balinese Crispy Duck (Half) with Balinese vegetables (urap) and three chili selections. This is definitely my first choice here, the ultimate Balinese dish.
The best thing is undoubtedly the Crispy Duck, which is steamed with spices generously and deep fried to crispy perfection. The result is always spot on, fragrant and crispy. Pair the duck with grounded red chili and sambal matah (Balinese-style marinated chili), and I am thoroughly happy. This never, even once fails me. To be honest, despite the amazing taste, I still feel like this dish (especially the chilies) is slightly inferior to the original outlets in Bali. But really, this is still the best you can find in Jakarta. Not even some holiness can beat this. *meaningful smirk*
If you’re like me, who have a thing with Balinese dishes, you should really come here. What I can really recommend you is the Bebek Bengil, even if you are not a big fan of duck, I really think you’ll still like this. For a humble choice, pick Nasi Campur Bali. For other dishes aside from these two, I really have no opinion since I never try them. I always come back for Bebek Bengil and Nasi Campur Bali, and they’re a happy-belly-guaranteed combo.
BEBEK BENGIL MENTENG | JAKARTA
Jl. H. Agus Salim, No. 132, Menteng, Jakarta
Indonesia
Phone: +6221-3918091 / +6221-3917965
Website: www.bebekbengil.com