Babi Guling Candra: A Nostalgic Culinary Journey on Teuku Umar

Babi Guling Candra, Teuku Umar

Reza

As I stepped into Babi Guling Candra on Teuku Umar, I was immediately enveloped by a wave of nostalgia. The aroma of roasted pork wafted through the air, transporting me back to my childhood, where family gatherings were filled with laughter and the comforting taste of home-cooked meals. This Balinese restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a portal to cherished memories.

The portions were generous, and the flavors were undeniably amazing! However, I must admit that the pork was a bit too dry for my liking. I had come here craving Babi Guling at night, lured by glowing recommendations. Arriving around 8 PM, I found myself wishing I had visited during the day when the pork is freshly prepared. The skin, which I had hoped would be crispy, was instead a tad cold and lacked that delightful crunch. The pricing was reasonable, sitting comfortably in the mid-range, but the experience was a mixed bag.

What I truly appreciated was the variety presented on my plate. Each dish showcased different preparations of pork, including fried lung and intestine, which added a unique touch. Most items were deep-fried, stir-fried, or grilled, and my personal favorites were the pork crackling skin, succulent pork skewers, and the sambal paired with sweet potato leaves. The skewers were so delicious that we ended up ordering extra! To complement the meal, a bowl of peppery pork soup accompanied the rice and another sambal, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

However, not all experiences were as delightful. One patron expressed disappointment, recalling how this used to be their favorite Babi Guling spot for many years. They found the meat tough, dry, and bony, and the ambiance less than appealing, with portable toilets detracting from the experience. Another review mentioned the unfortunate fire that had destroyed the old location, but they found the new “tent” to be an improvement—airier and brighter, even if it lacked the bustling atmosphere of the past.

Despite the mixed reviews, I found solace in the fact that many still cherish this restaurant. One guest remarked, “The price, taste, and quality are very worth it!” while another lamented the absence of crispy skin, yet acknowledged that the flavors remained unchanged. It’s clear that Babi Guling Candra holds a special place in the hearts of many, including myself.

In reflection, Babi Guling Candra is more than just a restaurant; it’s a tapestry of memories woven with the threads of family, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of Bali. While there may be ups and downs, the essence of this place resonates deeply, reminding us of the warmth of home and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. I look forward to returning, perhaps during the day, to relive those cherished moments and savor the authentic flavors that make this restaurant a beloved gem in Bali.

Damar

If you’re in Bali, Babi Guling Candra is a must-visit spot to savor one of the island’s most famous and delicious dishes. This renowned restaurant is famous for its traditional Balinese dish, Babi Guling, which is a Balinese-style roast pig that is a must-try for anyone visiting the island. However, during my late-night visit around 8-9 pm, the meat was a little cold and somewhat tough to bite. Fortunately, the sambal, soup, and their sauce were still delicious. The service was fast and punctual, and the most interesting part is that they offer a customized menu based on your budget. I recommend this place, but do visit during their working hours!

There’s nothing particularly special about the ambiance, allowing you to focus solely on the food itself. The value for money is commendable, especially considering the generous portion sizes. The taste remains authentically Balinese, with all dishes cooked to perfection. Remarkably, the flavors have remained consistent for at least the past ten years since my first visit.

The satay is good, albeit slightly pricey, but it is loaded with chili and is both meaty and tender, bursting with flavor! My family is also a big fan of the pepes babi guling, which makes for a great takeaway to bring home a piece of Bali. You can even ask the shop to wrap the pepes in aluminum foil for easy travel.

Although the old location sadly burnt down, the new “tent” is actually better, in my opinion. It feels airier and less dark. It used to be bustling before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it wasn’t busy at all during our visit. Nonetheless, it remains our go-to place for Babi Guling whenever we are in the area.

Food Rating: 3.8/5.0
Service Rating: 4.2/5.0
Atmosphere Rating: 3.5/5.0
Meal Type: Dinner
Price per Person: Rp75,000-100,000

Menu List:

JINGGO AYAM Savory rice, fried noodles, shredded chicken, and spicy sambal.	IDR Rp 7,000 US $ 0.5 AUS $ 0.7 EURO € 0.5 CNY ¥ 3.2
NASI BUNGKUS BGC 1 Wrapped rice with cassava greens, spiced meat, and satay.	IDR Rp 13,000 US $ 0.9 AUS $ 1.3 EURO € 0.8 CNY ¥ 5.9
PAKET BGC BIASA Rice with complete roasted pork and broth, packaged neatly.	IDR Rp 65,000 US $ 4.1 AUS $ 6.4 EURO € 3.9 CNY ¥ 29.3
NASI AYAM NUSANTARA SEDANG A flavorful mix of rice, shredded chicken, and spicy condiments.	IDR Rp 20,000 US $ 1.3 AUS $ 2 EURO € 1.2 CNY ¥ 9
NASI BUNGKUS BGC 2 A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and spiced meats.	IDR Rp 20,000 US $ 1.3 AUS $ 2 EURO € 1.2 CNY ¥ 9
PAKET BGC SPESIAL KOMPLIT Complete meal with rice, roasted pork, and flavorful broth.	IDR Rp 75,000 US $ 4.7 AUS $ 7.4 EURO € 4.5 CNY ¥ 33.8
Paket Menyame (4 Bungkus) Four packs of mixed roasted pork rice with free iced tea.	IDR Rp 107,000 US $ 6.7 AUS $ 10.5 EURO € 6.4 CNY ¥ 48.2
Promo NOVEMBER BELI 1 GRATIS 1 (Spesial GoFood) Buy one special package, get one free chicken rice!	IDR Rp 75,000 US $ 4.7 AUS $ 7.4 EURO € 4.5 CNY ¥ 33.8
Promo Paket Lunch Box + Free Es Teh Lunch box special with free iced tea delight.	IDR Rp 45,000 US $ 2.8 AUS $ 4.5 EURO € 2.7 CNY ¥ 20.3
Promo NOVEMBER BELI 2 GRATIS 1 (Spesial GoFood) Buy two special packages, get one free with tea.	IDR Rp 150,000 US $ 9.3 AUS $ 14.7 EURO € 9 CNY ¥ 67.5
NASI BUNGKUS BGC 3 A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and spiced meats.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3
NASI BUNGKUS BGC 4 A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, meat, and spices.	IDR Rp 32,000 US $ 2 AUS $ 3.2 EURO € 2 CNY ¥ 14.4