Sarong: A romantic gateway to Asian street food culture in Bali

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Sarong didn’t just open quietly—it arrived with presence. When it launched in 2008, it quickly became one of Bali’s must-visit dining destinations. By 2011, it was already listed among the top five best Asian restaurants by The Singapore World Gourmet Summit. Today, tucked discreetly along Jalan Petitenget—a now-buzzing street lined with trendsetting shops and luxury resorts—Sarong still holds its own.

This place knows how to make an impression without being loud. Step inside, and you’re met with a warm, open-air space filled with soft lighting, rich earth tones, and a kind of subtle elegance that feels both elevated and comfortable. A lounge and sleek wooden bar welcome you before you’re shown to your table. (Pro tip: Grab a Coconut Passion Fruit & Pineapple cocktail while you wait. It’s a little tropical, a little spicy, and very Bali.)

A chef with stories in every dish

Behind the menu is Will Meyrick, Sarong’s co-founder and Executive Chef, and also the creative mind behind its sister restaurant, Mama San. Will isn’t just a chef—he’s a storyteller who’s spent years crisscrossing Southeast Asia, collecting recipes directly from street vendors, families, and local markets. What he’s brought back isn’t just technique—it’s the feeling and soul of the dishes, refined but never stripped of authenticity.

He calls it “Cuisine Culture”—a way to bridge cultures using food as the language. At Sarong, that means richly spiced Indian curries, smoky Indonesian flavors, and unexpected combinations drawn from all over the Asian continent, served with the kind of attention to detail that makes each plate feel intentional.

A menu with depth and personality

The menu at Sarong is generous, not just in variety but in spirit. There’s something here for the comfort-seeker and the culinary adventurer alike. Whether you’re craving something hearty and traditional or a complex vegetarian dish with layers of spice and aroma, Sarong has you covered.

One standout section? The dhals. The Red Bean Dhal, inspired by Sri Lankan recipes, is particularly comforting—silky, earthy, and deeply spiced. The Apple Eggplant Curry (also Sri Lankan) brings a sweet-smoky depth, while the Betel Leaf, a staple in Indonesian dining, offers a burst of flavor in one delicate bite.

And if you’re gluten-free or vegetarian, you’re in good hands. The staff will offer you an alternate menu without hesitation, tailored to your needs. Service here feels dialed-in but relaxed—nothing is ever a problem.

A space that holds the moment

Sarong is more than just food. It’s a place that invites you to slow down. The energy is soft but alive—perfect for a date night or for travelers craving a meaningful experience beyond the beach bars and fast-paced resorts.

It’s also a masterclass in how to modernize tradition without losing its essence. The space, the dishes, the service—everything is working together to let you fall into a quiet kind of luxury.

Final thoughts

Dining at Sarong isn’t just a meal. It’s a trip through flavors that carry stories—recipes passed down, techniques learned on street corners, and moments of discovery brought back to Bali and shared on your plate.

If you only have one night in Seminyak and want it to linger in your memory (and on your palate), let it be here. And if you leave already thinking about when you can come back… well, that’s kind of the point.