The newly opened Warung Taulan has splendid rice field views, and makes a spacious venue for lunch or dinner with a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Located right in the middle of verdant rice fields – an increasingly rare sight in the south of Bali – Warung Taulan spreads over 4500m of leveled land with a choice of four main eating locations; an old joglo, a big thatched roof bamboo hut below the joglo, six small floating bale, and romantic outdoor candle-lit seating options available on clear nights.
The menu is extensive, including a Balinese traditional set menu called Megibung available for big or small groups, and a kids menu package with international food. Vegetarians will feel special as there are numerous choices, even a Vegetarian Megibung set within the menu list. Chef Kadek Budiarta is the island chef that supervises and guarantees the authenticity of the Balinese Cuisine. The Lawar Belimbing is a good vegetarian sample from the menu; Lawar is a Balinese food usually made with grated coconut with special lawar spices that create a distinct flavour. The leaves of belimbing, or star fruit have a somewhat strong, bitter taste that is beautifully combined with the Balinese spices that results in crunchy yet yummy leaves.
Warung Taulan is a proud supporter of local farmers and fishermen who farm fresh water fish, and serves up specialties like Gurami Cabe Rawit, a famous fresh water fish that is initially fried to get a crunchy skin and tender white meat, then braised with cabe rawit, or chilies and other spices until all the juice is slowly absorbed into the meat, it is best enjoyed with warm rice. The Tenderloin Steak is from the European Classic collection, served on top of a mushy mashed potato with brown sauce and cherry tomato garnish.
Bar creations include mocktails, cocktails, wines, beers and ciders. The later two are home-made at Warung Taulan and brewed on the premises – quite an indulgence for cider lovers like me, with fruity options available according to flavours of the week, like apple, pear, or orange. The traditional Balinese drink, Loloh Kecemcem is made from fresh kecemcem leaves from the garden and mixed with Javanese tamarind and coconut flesh, to create a fresh, green, healthy drink. Passionate is a mocktail made with passion fruit seeds and other fruit juices and creates an exotic ending to a meal. If you feel like something stronger, go for one of their cocktails, like Jegeg Ayu a refreshing, sweet and sour drink with vodka, triple sec, banana liqueur and pineapple juice.
Dining in Warung Taulan gives you the chance to enjoy activities such as fish feeding or even fishing because they have a big pond with almost 1000 fish below the floating bale. Fresh air, healthy food without MSG, and a friendly ambience created by the staff and the natural surroundings make great reasons to visit. \MA
