Soto Pak J: A Hidden Culinary Gem in Kuta, Bali

Soto Pak ‘J, Kuta

Jihan

If you find yourself wandering through the vibrant streets of Kuta, Bali, make sure to carve out some time to visit Soto Pak J located in the Kuta Central Park area. This hidden gem is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that offers a taste of authentic Betawi cuisine, which is a delightful representation of Jakarta’s rich food culture.

As I stepped into Soto Pak J, I was immediately enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is simple yet charming, with traditional Indonesian elements that create a cozy dining space. The friendly staff greeted me with genuine smiles, setting the tone for a delightful meal ahead. The ambiance is casual, making it a perfect spot for both families and solo travelers looking to indulge in some local flavors.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Soto Betawi. This dish is a must-try, and I opted for the Soto Betawi Daging Besar along with a side of rice. The first spoonful was a revelation! The broth was rich and flavorful, yet surprisingly light, as they use fresh milk instead of the traditional coconut milk. This twist not only makes it healthier but also allows the spices to shine through without being overly heavy. One reviewer aptly noted, “Thank God for soto betawi in Bali. Delicious soto, sop, and oseng-oseng.”

The prices are incredibly reasonable, with meals ranging from Rp25,000 to Rp75,000 per person. I spent around Rp80,000 for two hearty meals, which is a steal considering the quality and authenticity of the food. Another diner mentioned, “So yummy. Soto betawi in Bali, that’s interesting. Taste really good. Pretty authentic like in Jakarta.”

What I appreciated most was the attention to detail in the preparation of the dishes. The soto was served with a generous portion of tender beef, and the accompanying condiments added an extra layer of flavor. However, I did notice a minor downside regarding the takeaway packaging, which was a bit excessive in plastic. As one guest pointed out, “the only downside is the packaging takeaway, too much small plastic, very unfriendly to the environment.”

Overall, Soto Pak J is not just about the food; it’s about experiencing a slice of Indonesian culture right in the heart of Bali. The combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to dive deeper into the culinary landscape of Indonesia. As I left, I couldn’t help but think, “I’ll definitely be back to try the soto bakar on my next visit!”

Kaka

If you’re in Bali and craving some authentic Betawi flavors, you absolutely have to check out Soto Pak J at Kuta Central Park. Seriously, this place is a gem! With a solid rating of 5.0 for both food and service, you know you’re in for a treat. The atmosphere is cozy too, scoring a 4.5, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner.

I decided to go all out and ordered a few dishes: Nasi, Soto Betawi Daging Besar, and Soto Betawi Daging. Let me tell you, everything was delicious! One reviewer even said, “This is so good, I’ve never found Soto like this in Bali before, it makes me miss Jakarta!” They also mentioned, “Always maintain the quality, and good luck!” and I couldn’t agree more. The flavors were on point, and the portions were generous. Just a heads up, someone did mention that the emping (crackers) could be a bit more plentiful, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience.

Other visitors have raved about the place too. One said, “Very good beef ribs soup, fresh and succulent meat prepared by the Chef on the spot. Very friendly staff and nice cozy ambiance. A very tasty delicious other menu available too. Highly recommended!” Another added, “Great place for soto, I highly recommend their Soto Betawi. Car parking is available across the street next to Ace Hardware.” And I totally agree with them!

One of my favorites was a review that said, “Cozy place for me, so recommended it is worth a try since this street is my daily walk with my dogs. I ordered Soto Betawi (beef meat) and thank god this place is dog-friendly. I can sit at an outside table so my dog can lay down around me.” How cool is that? Plus, they mentioned that the soup was super fresh and healthy, which is always a bonus. Just a little note, someone thought the soup could be a bit hotter when served, but that’s an easy fix for next time!

All in all, Soto Pak J is definitely a must-visit if you’re in Bali. I can’t wait to come back and indulge in more of their amazing dishes!

Menu List:

Oseng-Oseng Daging Spicy stir-fried meat with aromatic spices and vegetables.	IDR Rp 44,000 US $ 2.8 AUS $ 4.4 EURO € 2.7 CNY ¥ 19.8
Soto Betawi Bakar Soto Betawi Bakar: Grilled beef soup with aromatic spices.	IDR Rp 44,000 US $ 2.8 AUS $ 4.4 EURO € 2.7 CNY ¥ 19.8
Sop Iga Sop Iga: Savory beef rib soup with aromatic spices.	IDR Rp 66,000 US $ 4.1 AUS $ 6.5 EURO € 4 CNY ¥ 29.7
Soto Betawi Daging Soto Betawi Daging: Rich beef soup with aromatic spices.	IDR Rp 38,000 US $ 2.4 AUS $ 3.8 EURO € 2.3 CNY ¥ 17.1
Soto Betawi Daging Besar Hearty soup with generous chunks of tender meat.	IDR Rp 54,000 US $ 3.4 AUS $ 5.3 EURO € 3.3 CNY ¥ 24.3
Oseng-Oseng Ayam Kampung Spicy stir-fried village chicken with aromatic spices.	IDR Rp 44,000 US $ 2.8 AUS $ 4.4 EURO € 2.7 CNY ¥ 19.8
Soto Betawi Bakar Besar Soto Betawi Bakar Besar: Rich, smoky beef soup with spices.	IDR Rp 60,000 US $ 3.8 AUS $ 5.9 EURO € 3.6 CNY ¥ 27
Sop Buntut Oxtail soup, rich broth, tender meat, aromatic spices.	IDR Rp 77,000 US $ 4.8 AUS $ 7.6 EURO € 4.6 CNY ¥ 34.7
Sop Buntut Goreng Fried oxtail soup, rich flavors, tender meat, savory broth.	IDR Rp 80,000 US $ 5 AUS $ 7.9 EURO € 4.8 CNY ¥ 36
Iga Penyet Iga Penyet: Tender smashed ribs served with spicy sambal.	IDR Rp 65,000 US $ 4.1 AUS $ 6.4 EURO € 3.9 CNY ¥ 29.3
Ayam Goreng Paha Crispy, flavorful chicken with tender, juicy meat inside.	IDR Rp 35,000 US $ 2.2 AUS $ 3.5 EURO € 2.1 CNY ¥ 15.8
Ayam Bakar Dada Grilled village chicken, smoky flavor, tender and juicy.	IDR Rp 35,000 US $ 2.2 AUS $ 3.5 EURO € 2.1 CNY ¥ 15.8