Sporting
the growth of Denpasar residents' likes for Nasi Tempong, Bajak Laut
Nasi Tempong & Seafood sets on a different kind of path by combining
Nasi Tempong with the other well-known Bali's best: Seafood.
Sets
in the cozy neighborhood of Renon, Denpasar, Bajak Laut is the newest
addition of restaurant openings in this area. From the down-to-earth
food courts selling Ayam Goreng, Chinese food and Sup Kepala Ikan, to
the more luxurious XO Suki & Cuisine, Ayucious, or the more
established Bendega, Ikan Bakar Cianjur, and Hanamasa, Bajak Laut
further marks Renon as a leading Denpasar's culinary destination.
Though
opened really close to the market leader Nasi Tempong Indra, that with
its aggressive market expansion in 2012 opens two new branches around
Renon area alone, Bajak Laut however has what Indra has not: various
choices of seafood comprising of fishes, shellfish, crabs, and shrimps.
Therefore market wise, Bajak Laut is aiming at a slightly different
crowds: those who loves the spicy Nasi Tempong, and those who loves
Seafood; especially those too tired to go through all the traffic
madness at Simpang Siur to reach Jimbaran.
(Or believes it's too touristy.)
As
the champion of this premise, Bajak Laut offers "Kepiting Asap ala
Bajak Laut", which are crabs cooked in sweet and savory rubs, then
grilled inside banana leaf wraps to enhance its aroma. The result is a
treat not only delicious to the taste but also to the sight.
Ingredients used for the rub is dominated with
daun salam, or Indonesian bay leaves. For those familiar with
gepuk; fried beef first marinated in spices and brown sugar, Kepiting Asap ala Bajak Laut has an almost identical seasoning.
One
portion of Kepiting Asap ala Bajak Laut consisting of two crabs
weighing total of 5 ons (500 grams). At 120K they're good for two, while
the 7 ons one costs 150K. For the 5 ons portion, the crab size is a bit
small, hence eating them requires quite an effort.
Nasi Tempong
is a good example how a food originated from outside Bali could becomes a
local hit. Originated from Banyuwangi, Nasi Tempong managed to get
quite followers due to its main character of super spicy
sambal. Nasi
Tempong usually served as a package consisting of white rice, steamed
vegetables, tahu, tempe, anemic salted fish, and super spicy sambal, and
a main dish of either fried chicken, or other kind of proteins.
While
I'm not a die-hard spicy food fans, I found their Nasi Tempong quite
palatable, especially since the stewed vegetables plus sambal that's the
core of every Nasi Tempong dish, is like a staple food in Western Java
where I grew up.
Service is polite and attentive, though we found
it's a bit hard to get attention from the waiters, except from the one
stand by the front door. Beside of the seafood, the Nasi Tempong
variations are sold around 12K to 45K,
Starting December 2013 but
don't know for how long, Bajak Laut Nasi Tempong & Seafood offers a
special discount for their set menu, at 150K for 4 people, and 250K for 6
people.
One annoying condition that we have to face as well, that
even though the premise is fully airconed, people are allowed to smoke!
And here in Denpasar, Bali, sadly it's the common case with many eating
premises, and Bajak Laut is no exception. Therefore while their crab is
quite delicious, until Bajak Laut separates its smoking and non-smoking
section it poses health hazard to your youngsters. (byms)
Bajak Laut Nasi Tempong & Seafood Jl. Cok Agung Tresna No.23, Renon, Denpasar, Bali
(0361) 7984007
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