Sabeen

The Haven, Seminyak promotes itself as a lifestyle resort with a focus on health and wellness, a concept amply reflected in their café Sabeen. The menu is a celebration of freshness, using organic and seasonal products whenever possible. Talented Balinese-born Chef Bagus, honed his skills in the kitchens of the worlds only 7-star resort in Dubai and has created a menu that fuses Indonesian, Balinese and European flavors and style. Getting into the Sabeen spirit I start with a rejuvenating juice, the Liver Detox. There is something about beetroot-based juices that scream health and vitality, and this lavish delight has been mixed with apple, pear, lemongrass, and mint giving it extra zing. Dewi Mas Bloem, Executive Assistant Manager joins me and explains that Sabeen is a Balinese/Javanese mantra which is sung when farmers are in the fields planting their rice crops. It appeals to the Rice Goddess, Dewi Sri to ensure a plentiful harvest. The restaurant occupies an airy rectangular space with high ceilings and a simple, modern design. A moat like stretch of water separates the building from Jalan Raya Seminyak and you can lounge on sofas overlooking the trickling water fountain and the street scene beyond it. Plant life is scatteredthroughout
and the stylish bar is topped with a glase vase filled with oranges, and a jug brimming with cinnamon sticks. Music of the easy listening genre is the soundtrack, in fact everything about Sabeen is relaxed and designed to put you at ease, from  the comfortable surroundings, to the straightforward menu, and the friendly laid back service.

Salads include Caesar, Thai Beef and Char Grilled seafood or the Salad bar. The Asian Savories makes a great starter, it would be easy to argue that spring rolls, breaded prawns and samosas are not the healthiest options, but these are light, non greasy and  are accompanied by a decent sized salad topped with ribbons of carrot and red cabbage.  The Bruschetta is also popular, a delectable concoction of crunchy baguette basted in extra virgin olive oil, grilled tomato salsa, fresh basil leaves, black olives, roasted garlic and melted tasty cheese.

Main courses include Indonesian staples such as Nasi Campur and Nasi Goreng, as well as pizza, pasta and burgers. Grills are complemented with  fresh baby vegetables, grilled sweet corn,  and baked potatoes, while other mains such as Poached Salmon and Seared Tuna are served with stir fried vegetables or generous salads. We choose the Lamb Chops on Papaya Gerang asem.  The chops, served upright on a glass platter are smoky, tender and deliciously spicy, basted in the chefs secret recipe of Balinese sambal. The glazed young papaya salad is a lovely companion.  

For dessert we choose Black Rice Pudding, I see a lot of this dish in Bali,  but it has never looked so appealing. This version comes wrapped in fluffy crepes with grilled bananas and sweet coconut milk on the side for dipping. The combination creates an ambrosial dessert.


Finally, I splurge on an after lunch cocktail. The  Peppermint Martini is rich with the aroma of peppermint but light in  alcoholic content thanks to the addition of green tea, it makes an ideal digestif!

Extensive buffet breakfasts are a good way to start the day, and the ‘all you can eat’ Friday night barbecue come with a fire dance show. No matter when you choose to visit, you will enjoy the feel good factor  of Sabeen. AB


 

SABEEN
@ The Haven Resort
Jalan Raya Seminyak 500
Phone +361 738 001
Opening Hours 6.30am – 11pm
Seating 150
Seminyak Map C - 3