If you're visiting Bali, one of the foods you can't miss is betutu chicken. Ayam betutu is like a Balinese culinary masterpiece that is famous for its deliciousness.
This dish used to be enjoyed only by kings, but now you can find it in various culinary destinations in Bali. Let's get to know more about this authentic dish.
From the Royal Kitchen to the People's Table: The Flavor Trail of Ayam Betutu
In every corner of Bali, amongst the hustle and bustle of the temples and the roar of the waves, there is a strong and tantalizing aroma of spices. It's as if the menu is constantly calling out for anyone to stop and have a taste of Ayam Betutu.
More than just a dish, Ayam Betutu is a reflection of Bali's rich culture. It is a heritage of flavors that was once only served at royal tables and essential ceremonies.
Now, this specialty menu has become a favorite sought after by every traveler. Its distinctive feature lies in the perfect blend of tender chicken meat and an abundance of Balinese seasoning, base genep (Balinese complete spice).
To become an authentic dish, the cooking process also takes a long time to produce an unforgettable sensation of spicy, savory, and aromatic rich spices.
Every nibble and bite transports you into the story of Bali's long history, from the opulence of palaces to the warmth of Balinese home kitchens.
One Name, Two Styles: Delicate Steamed, Tempting Grilled
Despite bearing the same name, this chicken-based dish comes in two main variants.
Both offer different, yet equally tempting, flavor and texture experiences. These two styles are a true testament to Bali's adaptive and creative culinary richness.
Steamed Betutu Chicken
The cooking process of this dish involves steaming a whole chicken that has been seasoned for hours. This method makes the chicken meat very tender, and it even tends to melt in the mouth.
The base genep seasoning of shallots, garlic, chili, candlenut, turmeric, ginger, galangal, lesser galangal, bay leaves, lemongrass, lime leaves, and shrimp paste permeates perfectly to the bone.
The cooking process and the use of seasonings produce a deep and rich flavor. The soft, moist texture makes this steamed variant very popular, especially for fans of juicy meat dishes.
Grilled Betutu Chicken
The chicken that has been seasoned with base genep is wrapped in banana leaves or areca nut fronds. Next, the chicken is roasted or grilled in a husk fire.
This grilling process gives the chicken a distinctive smoky aroma, while the chicken skin is slightly burnt but still delicious. The flavor and aroma are so immersive!
Although the meat is not as tender as the steamed version, the unique grilled flavor sensation, combined with the spices, creates a different and equally delicious culinary experience.
Not to mention the aroma of burning banana leaves contributes to the unique flavor. Both variants retain the core flavor of "betutu", which is rich and spicy, although the final cooking technique differs.
Savoring Spice-Studded Chicken in the Heart of the Island of the Gods
This culinary adventure is incomplete if you don't taste it right in the land of its origin, the Island of the Gods. Many places in Bali serve this legendary dish with their twist.
1. Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk
Although the name refers to an area in West Bali, this restaurant has many branches spread across Denpasar, Kuta, and other tourist areas.
The chicken betutu here is known for its very spicy yet rich flavor. It is usually served with plecing kale and fresh sambal matah. This place is almost always crowded, a testament to its popularity.
- Price
The price for a 1/4 portion is around Rp30,000, a 1/2 chicken is around Rp55,000, and a whole chicken is around Rp110,000. Other complementary menus are also available. - Address and Opening Hours
Jl. Raya Tuban No.2X, Tuban, Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali. Opening hours are from 09:00 to 21:00 WITA. - How to Get to Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk
The location of this warung is not too far from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can get here by online motorcycle taxi or online taxi if you are with family.
If you take a private vehicle, you can go down Ngurah Rai Airport Road and then turn towards Jalan Raya Tuban. You can also get detailed directions through the map application on your smartphone.
2. Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
Another option that is no less tempting is Warung Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku in Ubud. Cooked using traditional methods over husk coals, it gives a more authentic aroma and flavor.
Although the primary focus is chicken mixed rice, their chicken dishes have a touch of spice similar to Betutu, with a more balanced flavor between spicy and savory.
The traditional atmosphere of the stall and the rural feel of Ubud add to the dining pleasure. You must taste it if you are visiting Ubud.
- Price
The price of each package consisting of white rice, betutu chicken, and other complete side dishes starts from Rp30,000 to Rp35,000 per portion. - Address and Opening Hours
This stall is located at Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.18, Kedewatan, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali. Opening hours are from 07:00 to 21:00 WITA. - Other Branches
Renon: Jl. Tukad Badung No. 11, Renon, Denpasar.
Seminyak: Jl. Raya Kayu Jati No. 12, Seminyak, Kuta.
Jimbaran: Jl. Celagi Basur No. 7, Jimbaran, South Kuta. - How to Get to Chicken Rice Warung Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
From Denpasar City, you can reach this restaurant by driving a private vehicle. Travel time is about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
You can also take an online taxi, a conventional taxi, or rent a car with a driver to reach this restaurant in Ubud.
3. Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh
If you've just crossed into Bali from Banyuwangi, you'll arrive at Gilimanuk Port. Here, you can find a restaurant with famously authentic dishes.
Men Tempeh restaurant has been around since 1978, so its betutu dishes are legendary. The meat is tender and the aroma of spices is strong. The atmosphere allows you to enjoy this legendary dish in the most honest way possible.
- Price
Price per 1/4 chicken is Rp38,000, 1/2 chicken is Rp66,000, and whole chicken is Rp121,000. There is also a family package for Rp190,000, complete with rice and drinks. - Address and Opening Hours
Jl. Rajawali, Gilimanuk, Melaya District, Jembrana Regency, Bali. Open from 08.00 to 21.30 WITA. - How to get to Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh
The location is very close from Gilimanuk Harbor, only about 10-15 minutes away. You can take a taxi, ojek, or even walk if you are not carrying a lot of luggage from the port area. - If you depart from the Denpasar or Kuta area, you will be traveling by road for about 3-4 hours to the western end of Bali.
If you want an authentic experience, try to find local warungs in Gianyar, where Betutu originated. Almost every Balinese restaurant across the island will offer this dish.
Tasting Ayam Betutu in Bali is not just a meal, but a taste ritual that will complete your adventure on the Island of a Thousand Temples. For sure, you can share flavors and stories if you eat it with your family.
Since there are many sellers of this delicious menu, you will have no trouble finding this iconic dish in Bali. If you're ready to travel to Bali, don't miss the chance to taste this dish!
