Chicken Skewers - Bara Bistro Bali
Where creativity meets tradition, Bara Bistro brings the experience of a modern Indonesian bistro to life. Tucked in the heart of lively Seminyak, this newly opened bistronomy destination redefines how we experience bumbu, the soulful spices that lie at the heart of Indonesian cuisine.
Officially opening its doors just a month ago, Bara Bistro Bali welcomes guests daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Here, dining is meant to be shared, whether it is a casual midweek gathering, a girls’ night out, or a romantic evening. Around every table, laughter, and flavour intertwine.
At the helm is Head Chef Cliff Benardo Wijaya, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate whose six years of experience belie his youth. At just 25, Chef Cliff has already impressed many with his skills, weaving Indonesian roots and the soulful essence of bumbu with refined European technique and subtle Asian influences. Each dish is an expression of his curiosity, balance, and respect for flavour.
Chef Cliff Benardo Wijaya
Driven by a desire to present Indonesian cuisine through a fresh perspective, Chef Cliff brings both precision and playfulness to Bara Bistro’s kitchen. He and his team approach every plate with a sense of discovery, combining seasonal ingredients and local inspiration with the finesse of fine dining. The result is food that feels grounded yet imaginative, a reflection of a young chef defining his own voice within Indonesia’s evolving culinary scene.
We had the pleasure of experiencing the Chef’s Tasting Menu Selection, which offered a wonderful journey through Bara Bistro’s highlights and gave a true sense of the creativity behind the whole menu.
One of the starters, the Chicken Lilit, is a modern twist on Bali’s beloved coconut-spiced dish. The tender, juicy chicken skewer is elevated by Bara’s house-made bacon jam, a smoky and savoury addition that surprises and delights in equal measure.
Seafood lovers will find themselves captivated by the Shrimp Toast, crisp on the outside and perfectly soft within, paired with sambal mayo that brings a gentle heat and comforting richness. Then comes the Clam Tomato Cream Pasta, a stunning “Asian meets Italian” creation enhanced by kecepe XO sauce (chili oil). The briny sweetness of the clams melts into the velvety cream sauce, creating harmony in every bite.
X.O. Clams Pasta - Tagliatelle pasta tossed in a rich seafood bisque, with kecepe XO sauce.
Even the sides at Bara are designed to shine. The Potato Fries with smoked sour cream are dangerously addictive, while the Wood-Fired Sourdough Bread served with a mousse-like butter offers warmth and comfort in its simplest form. But the hidden gem lies beneath the Pork Cutlet, a reimagined take on singkong (cassava leaves). Slow-cooked in the pork’s juices and infused with kecombrang, this humble vegetable becomes a revelation of flavour, proof that no ingredient is secondary here.
To close, the Coffee Semifreddo strikes the perfect note between indulgence and lightness. The caramel and coffee layers balance beautifully, while a sprinkling of popcorn adds a playful touch of salt and crunch, a final reminder of Bara Bistro’s joyful approach to gastronomy. A comforting close that leaves you smiling long after the last bite.
Bara Bistro is a modern Indonesian bistro that captures the essence of Indonesian bistronomy. It is where honest and tasty comfort food finds its modern interpretation. Every dish reveals the soul of bumbu that comes from within, crafted with care by Chef Cliff and his team.
Their stunning creations reflect both confidence and humility, blending creativity with genuine warmth. From the first bite to the last, it feels like dining among friends who truly love what they do. It is no surprise that Bara Bistro Bali has quickly become Dine & Wine Bali’s favourite spot in Seminyak.
Bara Bistro
Jl. Kayu Aya No.6
80361 Bali - Seminyak
Dine & Wine Bali | News - by TLW
Experienced October 2025
