Pondok Nasi Uduk & Istana Kepiting: A Mixed Bag of Betawi Flavors in Bali

Pondok Nasi Uduk & Istana Kepiting

Sandi

Hey there! So, I recently checked out this Betawi restaurant called Pondok Nasi Uduk & Istana Kepiting located at Jl. Raya Sesetan No. 218 in Denpasar Selatan, Bali. I gotta say, it was quite an experience! The place has a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to ratings: Food: 2.7/5.0, Service: 2.0/5.0, and Atmosphere: 2.0/5.0. But hey, I was there for the food, right?

For lunch, I ordered a few dishes: Nasi Uduk, Cah Kangkung Trasi, and Ayam Kampung Goreng. And let me tell you, everything was delicious! I mean, some folks mentioned that the food was a bit slow to come out, saying, “It took a long time, 2 hours waiting, and the portion was small. If you don’t have a conscience, give it a 1-star warning.” But honestly, I thought the flavors were on point. One person even said, “Spicy, yes… I ordered the non-spicy one, though. But it was awesome, next order again… delicious, delicious, delicious!”

Other reviews I came across were pretty interesting too. One person said, “Good food…the price was so-so.” Another mentioned, “I stopped by here with my office friends, and we got to try various dishes since we ordered different things. The spicy chicken tasted more like sweet and sour. The oyster sauce chicken was good but could use a bit more oyster sauce. The Fuyunghai was a bit salty, so they should reduce the salt for those with health issues. The fried duck was tasty but the sambal was lacking. The butter-fried crab was recommended. The Nasi Uduk was delicious, with a strong flavor and plenty of fried onions. Prices start from around 10,000 IDR, which I think is worth it. The place is quite spacious, but parking is limited to just 2 cars, and it’s a bit tight. Service could use a smile or two to make customers feel more comfortable. Keep it up, this place is recommended for both Muslims and non-Muslims.”

Another review pointed out, “The Fuyunghai was salty, the fried chicken was too crispy, making it hard to eat. The sambal was bland, and the Nasi Uduk was a bit tasteless, but the fried onions helped make it a bit more flavorful. There’s parking on the sidewalk, but it’s a bit of a squeeze.”

Oh, and there was this funny moment when I ordered grilled chicken thighs, and one of the staff said they were out of thighs. But then, when someone else ordered, they magically had thighs available! It seemed like the staff was a bit overwhelmed, and the cashier had a not-so-friendly face. A little more friendliness would go a long way!

All in all, I had a good time at Pondok Nasi Uduk & Istana Kepiting. I’d definitely come back if I find myself in Bali again. If you’re looking for some Betawi flavors, give it a shot!

Zaki

As I stepped into Pondok Nasi Uduk & Istana Kepiting in Bali, I was immediately enveloped by a wave of nostalgia. This Betawi restaurant transported me back to my childhood, evoking memories of my mother’s cooking and the warmth of family gatherings during holidays. The aroma of authentic Indonesian spices filled the air, promising a culinary experience that would resonate deeply within my heart.

One of the standout dishes was the Nasi Uduk, which was simply delightful! The fragrant rice, cooked to perfection, was a comforting reminder of home. It was a dish that made my taste buds dance with joy, and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is delicious!” The flavors were rich and inviting, a true testament to the authenticity of the cuisine.

However, my experience was not without its challenges. I had been struggling with stomach issues, insomnia, and arthritis, but thankfully, my condition began to improve after indulging in this comforting meal. The variety on the menu was decent, and while some dishes were a bit bland, the overall experience was still enjoyable. I found solace in the fact that the Nasi Uduk was a highlight, bringing a smile to my face amidst the minor setbacks.

Yet, I must mention that the service left something to be desired. The heat inside the restaurant was stifling without any fans, and the wait for our food felt like an eternity. I noticed some staff members were not particularly friendly, which dampened the atmosphere a bit. There was a moment when I ordered grilled chicken thighs, only to be told they were out. Ironically, I saw someone else order the same dish moments later, and they received it without issue. It seemed like the staff was overwhelmed, and perhaps a bit weary from the demands of the kitchen.

Despite these hiccups, the food was undeniably good, and I found myself wanting to return for another taste of that comforting Nasi Uduk. The flavors were a reminder of home, and the experience, though imperfect, touched my heart in a way that only food can. It was a blend of nostalgia and warmth that made me appreciate the little moments in life. I left Pondok Nasi Uduk & Istana Kepiting with a full belly and a heart full of memories, grateful for the journey back to my roots.

Menu List:

Ayam Goreng Crispy fried chicken served with fresh vegetable sides.	IDR Rp 17,500 US $ 1.1 AUS $ 1.8 EURO € 1.1 CNY ¥ 7.9
Ayam Kampung Goreng Crispy fried free-range chicken, flavorful and tender delight.	IDR Rp 33,750 US $ 2.1 AUS $ 3.4 EURO € 2.1 CNY ¥ 15.2
Ayam Bakar Grilled chicken with smoky flavor and savory spices.	IDR Rp 18,750 US $ 1.2 AUS $ 1.9 EURO € 1.2 CNY ¥ 8.5
Ayam kecap Sweet and spicy chicken dish with rich soy sauce.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3
Ayam Goreng Asam Manis Crispy chicken with tangy sauce and spicy vegetables.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3
Ati Goreng Fried chicken liver, crispy outside, tender inside, flavorful delight.	IDR Rp 10,000 US $ 0.7 AUS $ 1 EURO € 0.6 CNY ¥ 4.5
Fuyung Hai Biasa Fuyung Hai Biasa: Savory omelette with seafood and vegetables.	IDR Rp 15,000 US $ 1 AUS $ 1.5 EURO € 0.9 CNY ¥ 6.8
Burung Dara Goreng Fried pigeon, crispy skin, savory flavor, a unique delicacy.	IDR Rp 43,750 US $ 2.8 AUS $ 4.3 EURO € 2.6 CNY ¥ 19.7
Cah Toge Ayam Stir-fried bean sprouts with chicken, savory and delicious.	IDR Rp 12,500 US $ 0.8 AUS $ 1.3 EURO € 0.8 CNY ¥ 5.7
Kepiting Asam Manis Sweet and tangy crab dish bursting with flavor.	IDR Rp 100,000 US $ 6.2 AUS $ 9.8 EURO € 6 CNY ¥ 45
Ayam Kampung Bakar Grilled free-range chicken, smoky flavor, tender and juicy.	IDR Rp 37,500 US $ 2.4 AUS $ 3.7 EURO € 2.3 CNY ¥ 16.9
Ayam Masak Pedas Spicy chicken dish bursting with bold flavors and heat.	IDR Rp 25,000 US $ 1.6 AUS $ 2.5 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 11.3