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NOSTALGIA FOR BALINESE CUISINE

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The reopening of the Bali airport to international flights approaching, we can not help but think of all that we will find in the pleasures of life in this island so aptly named the Island of the Gods: a prolific nature, exceptional human relations, breathtaking landscapes, constant serenity, and, icing on the cake (no pun intended!), an exceptional cuisine inherited from multiple local, European and Asian influences. A good example shown in the photo, is the tasty “rijsttafel” recently served in our Rama restaurant, a Dutch word that literally translates to “rice table”. It is an elaborate Indonesian meal adapted by the Dutch consisting of many side dishes (up to fourty sometimes), small portions served in banana leaves, accompanied by rice prepared in different ways. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruits, vegetables, pickles, and nuts. Let’s hope a return to normal as soon as possible!

A NEW HAT FOR OUR RAMA TERRACE

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With the Bendega villas extension of Dajuma in 2016, our Rama restaurant needed more space what we did with an outside terrace particularly appreciated by our guests because of its proximity with the sea. From there we have breathtaking views on sunsets and a gentle breeze from the sea. This year we decided to put a hat on it. But not an ordinary one: we chose the shape, depending on your imagination, of a banana or a leaf fallen down from the tree or a turtle shell. Some others can think of a Toraja roof. Anyway, the job has been performed by a skilled team of 6 workers headed by our old friend Selamat (green shirt on the picture). Not easy to realize such a complex roof but Selamat did it! Congratulations!

WHY IS BALINESE CUISINE EXQUISITE?

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Since a long time, Bali is famous for the quality of its cuisine. It is easy to check when you are visiting the island where beautifully decorated or more modest warungs (restaurants ) invite you to taste the delicious local specialties such as Babi Guling (Roasted pork), Bebek Betutu (Stuffed duck), Nasi Campur (Mixed fried rice) and the famous Rijsttafel (Combination of the most popular Balinese dishes). But it is also true in the daily life of Balinese families. On the picture, some kids of Dajuma staff are sharing a lunch composed of black beans soup, tumbali (meat cooked in banana leaf), rice crackers and tofu.
There are two main reasons why the Balinese cuisine is so well appreciated: Because of its location in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, the island has been influenced through the centuries by many different cultures, each of them having brought its contribution to the cuisine. The second reason is definitively linked to the infinite variety of spices we can find in the island. Just a few of them are shown on the picture: torch ginger, star aniss, cardamon, white pepper, white ginger, cinamon, turmeric, nutmeg. Selamat makan! (Enjoy your meal!)

LUNCH ON THE BEACH

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Dajuma is also the place in West Bali where it is nice to stop over for a delicious lunch on the beach. This is what is shown on these pictures where 2 groups of guests stop recently for a revigorating break around our delicious specialty called Balinese Rijsttafel. Imagine a traditional tray called Rsi Bojana, normally used for offerings, where are disposed 6 different dishes typical of Balinese cuisine. A culinary experience which is worth it. Why don’t you also stop over next time you travel from/to Java or Menjangan? We would be delighted to welcome you!

NEW MENUS 2019

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After two months of intensive concertation between our 8 cooks and their 3 leaders, Paul, Rudi and Dedi, the babies were born in top form! Three menus were hence created for our Rama, Shinta and Bendega restaurants. Very varied and full of inventions, they give an increasingly important place for vegetarian dishes and local specialties. Each dish has been deeply evaluated in terms of freshness, texture, taste and presentation. Moreover, everyday, a dish-of-the-day is proposed to our guests, which recipe is decided very early in the morning depending on the market.
A 4 stars food and service – at very affordable prices – in a magnificent set-up that, we hope, you will enjoy! Selamat makan! Read more

DAJUMA COOKING CLASS

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Due to the richness of its terroir and its history, Balinese cuisine is renowned for its extreme variety and tasty specialties.
In Dajuma our chefs are used to sharing their know-how… and their cooking secrets… with our customers. Just make an appointment, put on the apron and work with them for a while. You will learn how to make these flavorful sauces from the spices of the island and cook some of the local specialties that have made Bali’s culinary reputation. You will be really surprised by the inventiveness of this cuisine!

RIJSTTAFEL: A MUST OF INDONESIAN CUISINE

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There is a simple way to experience the incredible wealth of Indonesian cuisine. It’s by ordering a Rijsttafel! This strange word comes from the Dutch and litterally means “the rice table”. It consists of many dishes giving a good idea of the wealth of the Indonesian cuisine. Although the dishes served are undoubtedly Indonesian, the rijsttafel’s origins were colonial. During their presence in Indonesia, the Dutch introduced the rice table not only so they could enjoy a wide array of dishes at a single setting but also to impress visitors with the exotic abundance of their colony.
Our cooks prepare a special Rijsttafel composed of the best Balinese specialties served on an offering plate usually used in the temples.
The picture was taken by our guest Roger and his spouse from Germany who particularly appreciated the dish and were asking for the recipes because “they would love to get some of their memories alive in Germany”! Selamat makan!

DELICIOUS BALINESE FOOD

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One outstanding feature of Balinese culture, among many others, is the quality of its food. Everywhere in the island, from the modest “warung” up to the most trendy restaurants, the food is just delicious. Some specialties are particularly appreciated by the visitors. Gado gado, ayam betutu, babi guling, rijstafel, tum bali, soto ayam, crispy duck, nasi goreng and beef rendang revisited in the Balinese way are some of these Balinese dishes which enchant the palate.
With its 8 cooks team, Dajuma offers 4 different dining experiences: the Rama restaurant serves a variety of Asian and Western food, the Sinta Lounge offers its unique teppanyaki Japanese tabletop, while the Bendega grill proposes tapas plates in the Balinese way. Not to be missed also are these romantic dinners on the beach.
On the picture our brigade with, from left to right, Swadewi, Tri, Udiana, Rudi, Sabtu, Suryanta (Executive Chef) and Wayan. Missing on the picture Dedy.

DAJUMA WELCOMES WAITERIO

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With the growth of our 3 restaurants, it became necessary to choose  a digital and friendly solution to take the orders with the objective to accelerate both the ordering and the cooking processes, diminish the waiting time for our guests and  facilitate the work of our staff. This has been done last month with the Waiterio application: with a few clicks on a tablet, our waiters are now able to take an order in a few seconds which is then directly transmitted to the kitchen. Same increase of speed for the issuance of the invoice. On the picture our staff during the training session. Good luck guys!

« BALINESE TAPAS » : A MUST

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When we opened our new Bendega Restaurant last May, our idea was to create a different atmosphere from our other two restaurants Rama and Shinta.
The menu in particular was supposed to be different, more « beach oriented » with grilled fish and sea-food. Then came the idea « why not offering also these delicious tapas »  but not the ones we are used to have in Europe, something revisited in the Balinese way.
After several discussions and attempts with our first Chef Surianta and his team, based on 3 main criteria – taste, texture and presentation- we selected around 20 of them, all really exceptional. Why exceptional? Because they are the perfect blend of two exceptional culinary cultures.
When do you decide to come over? Just waiting for your visit!