A Review of Istana Naga Purba: A Mixed Culinary Experience in Kuta, Bali

Istana Naga Purba, Kuta

Galih

Located in the vibrant area of Jl. Mertanadi, Kuta, Bali, Istana Naga Purba offers a unique dining experience that combines a beautiful ambiance with a diverse menu. The restaurant’s decor reflects a heartfelt dedication to creating an inviting atmosphere, making it a visually appealing spot for both locals and tourists.

One visitor praised the restaurant, stating, “This is a truly beautiful restaurant with a unique ambience. Only a fool would fail to see the million dollar effort put into creating this entire atmosphere. The food is cooked with 5-star quality, truly! And we feel guilty for paying so little. The young and lively team who works here always present themselves very well and smile, sincerely to all the customers. I wish I could find people like them to work for my business.”

However, not all experiences have been as positive. Another guest expressed disappointment, saying, “Decided to try this place. No one in sight. Service is slow. Place has no AC, only fans. Ordered some lobster, shrimp, scallops (way too much garlic) and other vegetables. We like our fish just grilled, with no sauce. Food came out tasteless. The vegetables had more oil than salt. The shrimp had no taste and the price was ridiculous. At least add some salt if no sauce. Toilets were disgraceful. All the girls sitting at the table could’ve at least cleaned them. The place was empty and I can’t imagine what the toilets would look like if it were full. Definitely will not return. Thankfully we had 50% off or the price would’ve been crazy.”

Despite mixed reviews, some diners found enjoyment in their meals, with one stating, “It’s a nice local restaurant, we enjoyed our food.”

As a Chinese restaurant, Istana Naga Purba has a lot of heart put into its decorations, featuring two floors with private rooms upstairs. However, some dishes have been criticized for being overly oily and lacking depth in flavor. One review noted, “Most dishes lacked depth, not properly seasoned. The sauce for the dancing fish was a fail. The fried chicken fillet tasted like a bland mystery meat. Only the stir-fried leek and fried prawns were delicious.”

With a food rating of 3.8/5.0 and a service rating of 3.5/5.0, Istana Naga Purba offers a mixed bag of culinary experiences. The atmosphere received a score of 3.2/5.0, indicating that while the setting is appealing, there is room for improvement in both food quality and service. The average price per person ranges from Rp225,000 to Rp250,000, and the restaurant provides ample free parking for its guests.

Amara

If you’re cruising around Kuta, Bali, and you’re in the mood for some Chinese food, you might want to check out Istana Naga Purba. This place has a pretty decent vibe, and while it’s not perfect, it definitely has its highlights!

First off, let’s talk about the food. The Nasi Goreng Golden Seafood Jumbo Size is a must-try, especially if you’re rolling with a group of friends (it’s meant for 4!). It’s super tasty and definitely lives up to the hype. One reviewer even said, “Super top enak! Makasih!” which translates to “Super delicious! Thank you!” You can’t go wrong with that kind of endorsement! The Chicken Popcorn is another winner, and the Dumplings (5 pcs) are just delightful. Seriously, everything I tried was on point!

Now, the service is decent, but it can be a bit slow at times. One couple mentioned that they stopped by for dinner and found the staff to be welcoming and quick on their feet, even when the place was packed. So, it seems like they can handle a crowd pretty well! Just be prepared for a little wait during peak hours.

The atmosphere is chill, but it’s not the fanciest spot around. There’s no AC, just fans, which might not be ideal if you’re looking for a cool escape from the Bali heat. But hey, the decor is nice, and there’s an upstairs terrace that adds a little charm to the place.

As for the prices, they’re pretty reasonable for what you get. Expect to spend around Rp225,000-250,000 per person, which isn’t too bad for a nice meal out. Plus, there’s plenty of free parking, so you won’t have to stress about finding a spot!

Overall, Istana Naga Purba has its ups and downs, but the food is definitely a highlight. I’d say it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. I know I’ll be stopping by again next time I’m in Bali!

Menu List:

Nasi Tumis Sapi Gurih Savory beef slices with special spices, served with scrambled eggs.	IDR Rp 40,000 US $ 2.5 AUS $ 4 EURO € 2.4 CNY ¥ 18
Nasi Ayam Asam Manis Crispy fried chicken fillet with sweet scrambled egg blend.	IDR Rp 40,000 US $ 2.5 AUS $ 4 EURO € 2.4 CNY ¥ 18
Nasi Cumi Cabe Garam Delicious squid with spicy salt, served with rice and crispy egg.	IDR Rp 40,000 US $ 2.5 AUS $ 4 EURO € 2.4 CNY ¥ 18
Nasi Goreng Golden Seafood Jumbo Size (4pax ) Fragrant rice dish with fresh seafood, bursting with flavor.	IDR Rp 60,000 US $ 3.8 AUS $ 5.9 EURO € 3.6 CNY ¥ 27
Nasi Ayam Bawang Sambal Matah Tender chicken fillet, lightly coated, served with stir-fried vegetables.	IDR Rp 60,000 US $ 3.8 AUS $ 5.9 EURO € 3.6 CNY ¥ 27
Nasi Crispy Pork Belly Crispy, tender meat served with flavorful sautéed vegetables.	IDR Rp 60,000 US $ 3.8 AUS $ 5.9 EURO € 3.6 CNY ¥ 27
Nasi Iga Babi Cabai Garam Tender pork ribs with rich flavors, sautéed vegetables, and rice.	IDR Rp 60,000 US $ 3.8 AUS $ 5.9 EURO € 3.6 CNY ¥ 27
Specialty Beef Tripe Medium Size Stir-fried beef tripe with coriander, savory and spicy delight.	IDR Rp 89,000 US $ 5.6 AUS $ 8.8 EURO € 5.3 CNY ¥ 40.1
Gulong Signature Beef Ribs 4 Pcs Tender beef ribs stir-fried with savory chili seasoning.	IDR Rp 95,000 US $ 5.9 AUS $ 9.4 EURO € 5.7 CNY ¥ 42.8
Spicy Beef Stew Raddish Medium Size Tender meat cooked with radish in a spicy, flavorful broth.	IDR Rp 101,000 US $ 6.3 AUS $ 9.9 EURO € 6 CNY ¥ 45.5
Beef Spare Ribs And Shrimp Pot Medium Size Authentic stir-fried shrimp and beef, spicy and savory delight.	IDR Rp 143,000 US $ 8.9 AUS $ 14.1 EURO € 8.5 CNY ¥ 64.4
Salty Vegetable Pork Belly Medium Size Savory pork belly paired with flavorful salted vegetables.	IDR Rp 95,000 US $ 5.9 AUS $ 9.4 EURO € 5.7 CNY ¥ 42.8