Scattered across thousands of volcanic islands, the massive Indonesian archipelago harbors one of the most intensely flavorful, complex, and ancient culinary cultures on the planet. Plunging into the humid, chaotic beauty of Java and Bali for a 2006 episode of No Reservations, the objective was to surrender entirely to the staggering diversity of spices and techniques that define the region. The food scene here is a magnificent study in deep, slow-cooked flavors, requiring immense patience and an intricate knowledge of roots, herbs, and chilies. The journey highlighted the brilliant, fast-paced phenomenon of Padang dining, where towers of spicy fish head curry and rich rendang are brought directly to the table. Yet, the absolute pinnacle of the expedition was found in the spiritual heart of Bali, partaking in the legendary, perfectly crisp perfection of Babi Guling—a whole roasted suckling pig heavily rubbed with turmeric, lemongrass, and garlic. It is a visceral, deeply satisfying exploration of a nation that expresses its soul through profound, unapologetic heat and spice. Uncover the essential, fiercely traditional spots that defined this spectacular Southeast Asian adventure.
When Anthony Bourdain visited the islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia on his show No Reservations Season 2 Episode 12 (originally aired June 19th, 2006), he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased on No Reservations – Anthony Bourdain Indonesia, all in a convenient list:
READ MORE: BEST SHOPPING IN JAKARTA: 15 PLACES TO EXPLORE
DISH – Rendang, Gulai Kepala Ikan, and Gulai Otak
WHAT IS IT?
Rendang – slowly stewed meat, like buffalo; Gulai Kepala Ikan – spicy fish head stew, similar to a curry; Gulai Otak – spicy animal brain stew, similar to a curry.
WHERE IS IT?
Rumah Makan Carano Masakan Padang
Tanjungpura, Karangampel, Indramayu Regency
West Java, Indonesia
ANTHONY BOURDAIN INDONESIA NOTES
Rumah Makan Carano Masakan Padang is a padang joint easily identifiable from the pyramid of offerings on the front window. You don’t need to order from a menu here – the staff simply brings everything they have, where you sample anything you like with rice.
READ MORE: BALI: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN
DISH – Serabi
WHAT IS IT?
Pancake made of rice flour and smothered in a syrupy mixture of brown sugar and coconut milk.
WHERE IS IT?
Kampung Sampireun Resort & Spa
Jl. Raya Samarang Kamojang Sukakarya Samarang Garut Jawa Barat, Sukakarya, Kec. Samarang, Kabupaten Garut
Jawa Barat, Indonesia
ANTHONY BOURDAIN INDONESIA NOTES
There were two things that Tony loved about Kampung Sampireun: every guest gets his/her own lakeside villa, and the complimentary breakfast delivered every morning by the pancake man.
DISH – Babi Guling – Anthony Bourdain Indonesia
WHAT IS IT?
Whole roasted suckling pig.
WHERE IS IT?
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3
Jl. Tegal Sari No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Bali, Indonesia
READ MORE: BALI, INDONESIA: GYPSY, ON TOP OF ALL CANGGU RESTAURANTS
ANTHONY BOURDAIN INDONESIA NOTES
In this episode, Tony mentioned that he had the best whole roasted suckling pig at Ibu Oka.
This journey into the heart of Indonesia is historically significant for highlighting the staggering complexity and brilliance of a cuisine that was often overlooked by the western culinary establishment. In the broader context of his travels, the absolute reverence he showed for the perfection of Ibu Oka’s Babi Guling cemented his core belief that the world’s greatest dishes are often created in humble, open-air environments rather than sterile, multi-million-dollar kitchens. The willingness to embrace intensely spicy curries and challenging offal stews demonstrated an immense respect for the immense skill of the local cooks. It remains a memorable, mouth-watering testament to the magic of the archipelago. Embrace the intense humidity, follow the scent of roasting spices, and let the magnificent flavors of the islands transport you.
