This classic Balinese style restaurant is named for the sacred Bunut tree, – a member of the fig family – which proliferates throughout Bali. A towering, leafy specimen marks the entrance of the restaurant which is tucked into a bend on Dewi Sita Street, Ubud. The main open air building is filled with evocative black and white portraits of daily life in Bali, while the back garden makes an enchanting and peaceful spot scattered with stone statues, tropical flowers and small pavilions filled with scatter cushions.
As of January, Bunute is offering a revised menu, the authentic Balinese cuisine that it is well known for, now complimented with a greater range of international flavours and healthy options. I am instantly drawn to the innovative assortment of healthy drinks, beginning with an Orange Ginger Basil, which has a unique taste, starting with a fresh burst of orange, followed by the sweet peppery flavour of basil, and the lingering fire of crushed root ginger. The green Broccoli Orange Spinach has an unmistakeable veggie flavour lightened with the fruitiness of orange juice and tastes truly good for you.
Mexican food features heavily in the revised menu, with Quesadillas, Enchiladas and Nachos on offer. We order the Tacos, crunchy shells filled with shredded beef, fresh salad, grated cheese, avocado and sour cream. The homemade salsa is fresh, tangy and filled with authentic Mexican flavour. From the healthy menu I choose Steamed Vegetables with Ginger and Turmeric, a lovely, warming dish with tofu and assorted vegetables coated in a mild sauce that is more aromatic than spicy, accompanied by crunchy red rice and a small salad. Further healthy dishes include salads, Grilled Snapper, and Grilled Vegetable and Tofu Kebab. I follow with a classic village dish, Nasi Panggang a Bunute signature offering; Balinese artistry is clear in the presentation, a wooden tray decorated with large shiny red chillis, stalks of lemon grass and an enticing array of food. White rice, vegetables, shrimp, meat and spices are wrapped and grilled in banana leaves, served with spicy prawns, chicken satay cooked on lemongrass skewers and chicken meat balls soup. A glass of sweet Brem (Balinese rice wine) finishes the set. Other Balinese delights on the menu include traditional soups, Bebek Betutu, grilled duck with spinach, betutu spices, and Tum Ayam, traditional steamed chicken in banana leaves
A glass cabinet displays a tantalising array of cakes and desserts, but I opt for the Sundae Glass a classic ice cream sundae with fresh fruit, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, almonds and a chocolate stick. A good strong coffee rounds off the meal perfectly. Bunute offers a choice of special blends of Bali Kintamani, Flores Bajawa Arabica and Toraja Kalosi Arabica, each of which has its own unique aroma and attributes and can be served in a variety of styles, like long and black, classic cappuccino, caramel latte, or choco tiramisu latte. Overall Bunute offers tasty and well prepared food in pleasant surroundings. \AB
