Merah Putih- modern Indonesian restaurant in Bali

Luxurious dining in stunning new Bali restaurant- finely executed classic and creative modern Indonesian cuisine

August 22nd, 2013

Taking its name from Indonesia’s bi-color national flag- Merah Putih is a boldly original restaurant that brings a refreshing new fine dining experience to Bali’s upscale Seminyak area. Breaking the mold on traditional concepts of fine Indonesian cuisine, Merah Putih artfully combines traditional Indonesian dishes with a selection of modern interpretations of Indonesian cuisine- each under the direction of a separate head chef. Launched in April 2013, Merah Putih has captured the attention of discerning diners in Bali, garnering considerable critical acclaim for both its cuisine and the uniquely creative interior design. Recently adding a lunch menu to its originally dinner-only service, Merah Putih now offers a complete dining proposition. A sleek bar overlooking the main dining room offers an alluring space for pre or post dinner drinks, or for casual dining from a light bites style menu.

DESIGN
Prominently placed on a large street-front site, Merah Putih occupies a building custom designed to encapsulate the architectural and cultural heritage of Indonesia- but with a modern expression. The unique concept and design was the result of a collaboration between Bali-based architect firm Inspiral Design Studios, and interior design firm Motif Surface Design and Interiors, achieving a harmonious blend of stunning visual dimensions with a comfortable, contemporary dining space. Constructed under effective eco-sustainability principles, rain water captured on the roof and channeled down through the translucent fabric columns to an in-house filtration system is recycled for use by the restaurant’s operations. Additionally, the expansive glass surfaces of the building exterior are coated with heat reflective coatings- reducing energy usage.

CUISINE
The culinary concept at Merah Putih showcases traditional and contemporary Indonesian cuisine, utilising locally sourced ingredients to produce a first-class dining experience. The kitchen team is headed by Australian executive chef Kieran Morland, and local Indonesian chef Wayan Mustika, who combine their respective skills and experiences to cook both the classic dishes, and a modern interpretation of Indonesian cuisine that applies contemporary culinary techniques and aesthetics to traditional Indonesian ingredients.

A concise and clearly laid out menu offers selections grouped under headings of “Traditional” and “Modern” – and with categories of “Small Plates”and “Large Plates”- designed for sharing- replacing the usual appetizer and main course menu construct.

The “Traditional” dishes feature classic regional recipes and simple cooking techniques that highlight the locally sourced produce and aromatic spices. Examples that exemplify the traditional dishes include the Tuturuga Udang– Sulawesi prawn and snapper curry with squid, tomato and coconut; and the Be Sampli Me Nyat Nyat– Balinese wagyu beef curry with potato, chilli and quail eggs. And from the “Modern” dishes- highlights include the Balinese Suckling Pig- Babi Guling– with long bean “kalasan”, crackling, tum & basa rajang; and Sumatran Duck Leg– with slow roast duck breast, abon and cassava.

THE BAR
Adjacent to the reception area at the front entrance to the restaurant, the bar at Merah Putih is an attractive space of bold, contemporary design and refreshing drinks. With its spacious layout and comfortable lounge-style seating, the bar is a destination in its own right- and not just a spot for a pre-dinner drink. In addition to the enticing drinks, a menu of light meals and sharing snacks offer a casual dining option. The drinks menu features a selection of solid classics, plus artfully conceived signature creations that are based on the bountiful tropical fruits grown on Bali. Beyond the cocktails, other drink options include premium spirits and single malts, imported beers, champagnes and sparkling wines, and an impressive selection of wines available by the glass or bottle. On weekends, a “LATE NIGHTS @ MERAH PUTIH” promotion sees DJs playing from 9pm.

Merah Putih is now open daily for both lunch and dinner , and with its popularity, reservations are recommended, in particular for dinner.

Inside Merah Putih

Daylight reveals the majestic proportions of the Merah Putih dining room with its soaring ceiling height, and enclosed on three sides by full height glass.The dramatically styled sculptured ceiling and internal columns are made from a translucent fabric- functionally designed to collect rainwater for recycling.

Merah Putih Bar

Modern furnishings feature in the sleek bar, located in a well-proportioned space adjacent to the front reception area. A palette of grey, black and white is incorporated into a distinctly bold decor.

Plush grey banquettes in a corner setting of the bar offer a comfortable lounge-style setting- with an open view over the adjoining restaurant dining room.

In a separate room opposite the bar- a walk-in wine cellar elegantly showcases the extensive selection of wines.

Passionfruit & Pineapple Martini – Gin, local passionfruit, pineapple.

Strawberry & Kemangi Breeze – Vodka, strawberry, kemangi, lemongrass, cranberry.

Merah Putih Restaurant

The main dining floor accommodates around 130 diners at the comfortably spaced tables. A mezzanine level at the rear of the room, accessed via a gently inclined stairway, holds three teak “pods” for semi-private dining, with the kitchen located behind the pods.

Three teak-framed “pods” offer a uniquely stylish setting for small groups ( the pods seat 8 diners comfortably) to share their dining experience.

The elegant teak pods overlook the main dining room- and are also adjacent to the semi-open kitchen- encouraging interaction with the chefs.

In the evening light, the bold restaurant interior creates an atmosphere of elegant and sophisticated dining.

Illumination within the fabric columns and ceiling gently suffuse the interior space with a soft, alluring glow.

Highlights from Merah Putih – modern Indonesian cuisine menu

Balinese Yellowfin Tuna – wing beans, chili, sambal kluwak.

Tahu Isi – vegetable filled organic tofu fritters, shimiji. Served on slab of petrified wood.

Jejeruk Puyuh Ayam – Balinese spiced chicken & quail salad, green beans, jackfruit.

Bebek Goreng Sambal Mangga – Crispy boneless duck, mango sambal, kemangi.

Merah Putih Lunch Menu