Restaurant Reviews

Dirty Duck Diner (Bebek Bengil) in Ubud, Bali

Hands down one of the BEST dining experience we had while we were in Bali, was at Bebek Bengil, or more commonly known as Dirty Duck Diner in Ubud town of Bali. Tourists from all over the globe have stepped into, cracked some duckрЂ™s bones, and subsequently sworn allegiance to the 19 years old restaurant, situated in Padang Tegal, in the heart of Ubud town. If youрЂ™re wondering whatрЂ™s up with the unsavoury name of рЂ˜Dirty DuckрЂ™, for a restaurant, the origin of the moniker actually dated back in 1990, when the place was being built. While squeezing out some ideas, brain-storming and all, a flock of ducks (no prize for guessing how hygienic they were!) walked nonchalantly from the paddy fields surrounding the restaurant, squawking their way and leaving their webbed footprints all over the floor! Since the ducks were unofficially the first рЂ˜customersрЂ™ waltzing into the still yet to be ready restaurant, the name Dirty Duck Diner has stuck since then, and has graced various travel magazines, forums, and tourist guides. If youрЂ™re planning to dine here anytime during the peak season (when tourists come in throngs), do remember to make a reservation. Especially if youрЂ™re going in a big group (like the ten of us), itрЂ™s highly advisable to call and book the best seats, such as the straw hut with blinds, a long wooden table and cushions on the floor for you to sit cross-legged on. Just like the olden days when farmers rejuvenate themselves after some serious ploughing on the rice fields. There are a few dishes that need to be ordered a day in advance. The famous smoked duck is one, a set for two that came in a rather large portion of half a duck, with side dishes of vegetables (crunchy long beans and bean sprouts), skewers of delicious satay with peanut sauce, and white rice, as well asВ  a bowl of zesty mixed salad. The smoked duck was executed admirably well, with the meat so tender they fell off the bones. The marinade may be slightly underwhelming, for we expected the dish to be of stronger flavours. But nevertheless, the smoked duck was one of the best dish of the evening, and can easily feed 3 persons. And the dish that represents Dirty Duck DinerрЂ™s, the Crispy Duck came in a surprisingly small portion, only half a duck marinated in spices and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Very crispy indeed, to the point of edible bones. But take note only the small bones are to be relished. DonрЂ™t go for the bigger ones, for you might just paving your way to the dental clinic. Served with sauteed potatoes, a plate of mixed chopped shallots, bird eye chillies, and vinegar, and a slice of watermelon, as well as a wedge of lemon for taste. Steamed white rice with an assortment of Balinese specialties made up the platter of рЂ˜Nasi Campur BaliрЂ™ literally translated to Balinese style Mixed Rice. Comparatively, I found the Nasi Campur here to be better than MadeрЂ™s WarungрЂ™s, with more ingredients such as slices of marinated beef and half an egg with sambal, as well as a skewer of Sate Lilit, or fish satay with a strong hint of lemongrass and spices. Bebek Bengil not only serves Balinese specialties, but also various Western-influenced delights, such as fish chips, sandwiches, pastas and even pork ribs. The fettucine with cream sauce was a tad disappointing, with the creaminess being nothing but empty promises. The sauce was diluted, and the chunks of marlin (a type of trout) provided much briny flavour to the pasta, which might be misintepreted as salty to some. The avocado juice with chocolate syrup at Bebek Bengil remained our top pick throughout the trip. Fresh, creamy and refreshing, accentuated with the slight sweetness of the swirls of chocolate syrup, the drink was a most relished one, at only IDR23,000 / RM8.40 /USD2.40 per glass. The meal came to IDR 977,130 / RM356.60 / USD 101.90 for the 10 of us, inclusive of 10% tax, and 5% service charge. No doubt one of the more expensive meal weрЂ™ve had in Bali, but worth every cent paid, in my opinion. For the food, for the service, and for the ambience. And given the fact that UbudрЂ™s literally asleep come sundown, we really sat back, relaxed, and soaked in the serene atmosphere of Ubud рЂ¦рЂ¦ Location Contact Number : Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) Hanoman Street, Padang Tegal, Ubud, 80571 Bali, Indonesia Telephone Number/Fax No : (62-361) 975 489

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