A Culinary Adventure at WLA Warung Lalapan Arif: Expectations vs. Reality

WLA (Warung Lalapan Arif), Hang Tuah

Faiz

So, let me take you on a little culinary adventure to WLA Warung Lalapan Arif, located at Jl. Hang Tuah No. 48, Denpasar, Bali. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What’s in a name?” Well, if you’re expecting a magical experience, you might want to hold onto your wallets and your expectations!

First off, let’s talk about the ambiance. It’s got that fancy air-conditioned vibe that makes you feel like you’re about to dine with royalty. But don’t be fooled! It’s like putting a tuxedo on a goat; it’s still a goat, folks! We walked in, and I thought, “Wow, this place must serve food fit for a king!” Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

We decided to order the “special” nasi goreng and crab sauce pandang. Now, I’m not saying I was expecting a crab the size of a small dog, but I definitely wasn’t prepared for what we got. The nasi goreng was so small, I thought it was a side dish for a toddler! And the crab? Let’s just say it was more of a crabby snack than a full meal. One reviewer even said, “We felt so scammed walking out of the restaurant.” I mean, if I wanted to feel scammed, I’d just go to a carnival and try to win a goldfish!

But hey, not all was lost! There were some bright spots. One reviewer mentioned, “Happy people and delicious food. Highly recommended!” And I thought, “Well, at least the staff is cheerful while they serve you a plate of disappointment!”

Now, let’s talk about the grilled tempeh and mixed vegetable soup. Apparently, they’re a hit! I mean, who doesn’t love a good tempeh? It’s like the superhero of vegetarian food! And reggae music playing in the background? That’s just the cherry on top of this culinary rollercoaster!

In the end, if you’re looking for a place to fill your belly, you might want to keep walking. But if you’re in the mood for a good laugh and a side of reggae, WLA Warung Lalapan Arif might just be the place for you. Just remember to bring a snack for the road, because you might need it!

Wahyu

If you’re ever in Bali and craving some Indonesian comfort food, you might want to check out WLA Warung Lalapan Arif located at Jl. Hang Tuah No. 48 in Denpasar. Now, let me tell you, this place has a pretty chill vibe, but it’s not without its quirks. The food gets a solid 3.3 out of 5, and honestly, I think that’s pretty fair.

So, I decided to order a few dishes for dinner: Nasi Putih, Ayam Bakar, and Ayam Goreng. All of them were tasty, but I did notice some mixed reviews from other diners. One person mentioned that the fried chicken seemed like it wasn’t marinated enough, saying it was “bland but super tender.” They also ordered the sambal matah, which they described as “amazing,” but still found the food enjoyable overall. I totally get that! The Gurame fish was fresh and delicious, which is a plus!

Another review pointed out that the sambal is “very wild,” but if you’re looking for grilled food, this might not be the spot since they mainly serve fried dishes. However, the grilled and fried classics are definitely worth a try. The sambal really is amazing, and the staff? Super kind! The place is clean, and the vibe is just right. Plus, the prices are pretty reasonable, ranging from Rp25,000 to Rp225,000 per person depending on whether you’re dining in or taking out.

Overall, I had a great time at WLA Warung Lalapan Arif. The food was delicious, and I loved the happy atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a casual dining experience in Bali. And you bet I’ll be back next time I’m in town!

Menu List:

Ayam Geprek Crispy chicken topped with spicy crushed chili sauce.	IDR Rp 22,000 US $ 1.4 AUS $ 2.2 EURO € 1.4 CNY ¥ 9.9
Bebek Bakar Grilled duck marinated with unique WLA spices. Savory delight!	IDR Rp 58,000 US $ 3.6 AUS $ 5.7 EURO € 3.5 CNY ¥ 26.1
Bebek Galak Tender duck stir-fried with bold, savory spices.	IDR Rp 58,000 US $ 3.6 AUS $ 5.7 EURO € 3.5 CNY ¥ 26.1
Mie Kuah Seafood Seafood noodle soup, rich flavors, comforting and delicious.	IDR Rp 32,000 US $ 2 AUS $ 3.2 EURO € 2 CNY ¥ 14.4
Ayam Bakar Grilled chicken seasoned with unique local spices.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3
Ayam Galak Spicy chicken dish with a rich, slightly wet sauce.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3
Mie Kuah Special Special noodle soup with rich broth and fresh toppings.	IDR Rp 32,000 US $ 2 AUS $ 3.2 EURO € 2 CNY ¥ 14.4
Kerapu Goreng Fried grouper, crispy outside, tender and flavorful inside.	IDR Rp 35,000 US $ 2.2 AUS $ 3.5 EURO € 2.1 CNY ¥ 15.8
Ayam Goreng Crispy fried chicken served with spicy Banyuwangi sambal.	IDR Rp 20,000 US $ 1.3 AUS $ 2 EURO € 1.2 CNY ¥ 9
Ayam Asam Manis Sweet and sour chicken with unique wet spices.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3
Ayam Krispi Crispy chicken coated in special seasoned flour blend.	IDR Rp 22,000 US $ 1.4 AUS $ 2.2 EURO € 1.4 CNY ¥ 9.9
Ayam Kari Tender chicken simmered in rich, spiced curry sauce.	IDR Rp 22,000 US $ 1.4 AUS $ 2.2 EURO € 1.4 CNY ¥ 9.9