BALI BITES: Mang Engking

Gubug Mang Enking is something that I enjoyed trying in Bali. The set-up is down-to-earth, using native materials in creative ways. Nothing fabulous, but simply cooked seafood and it’s best-selling tender beef ribs. What makes it different are the huts on top of the water. It reminds me of ISDAAN Restaurant in Tarlac – on a much smaller scale of course (because Isdaan is practically a theme park and definitely a must see/eat in if you are passing Tarlac, Philippines). Photos of the dinner at Mang Enking hosted by the Ambassador after the jump!

We always order coconut juice. It is delicious but I have a feeling they add sugar to it, but I am not sure so don’t take my word for it. The coconut is young so the coconut meat is delicious and soft like jelly. They place lime inside to prevent darkening. Do you think this mean that it’s not prepared upon order but ready way ahead of time? Or is it to prevent it from getting dark over dinner. This is new to me, because growing up in coconut plantations, we never did this sort of thing. We just drank it as is.

It’s well-known for it’s 4 tender beef ribs. I loved the crispy Gurame, but I didn’t get to take a photo! Sayang! It was my favorite dish of the meal – so crispy & fresh, with the drama of great presentation. 5 Salted egg prawns was sinfully buttery. The 3 sweet and sour squid was good and perfectly cooked. 1 Shrimp sautéed with mushroom was also delicious and perfectly cooked. I didn’t taste the 6 local chicken but I heard the others enjoyed it immensely. I think serving it with the feet turned me off LOL! The kang-kung wasn’t as spicy as the normal kang-kung in other places. We ordered a fruit platters for dessert.

It was a lovely dinner and I think guests enjoyed the native, non-commercial feel of the restaurant. This is definitely a different experience from our normal Bali dinners.

Maam T with Ambassador Villacorta

Amb. Monsanto and Undersecrecretary Basilio

The price of the food is reasonable and the seafood is fresh. This is another option to Jimbaran if you love seafood and you are in Bali.

The only thing I have to warn you about is that there was lots of mosquitos. Good thing I brought my anti-mosquito lotion (You can see it beside the coconut in the photo above) and shared it with everyone. I could still feel them buzzing around my leg though – I should have worn pants. This is something you should consider when dining here. We actually requested for the air-conditioned dining area, which they only allow people to use for big groups and with reservation, but there were still a lot of mosquitos. So if you are dining here at night I highly recommend wearing pants and maybe for kids to wear long sleeves as well just to be sure – aside from the anti-mosquito lotion.

I have a feeling I will be at Gubug Mang Engking again. Till next time Mang Engking.