If you’ve travelled to Bali but did not indulge in a plate of nasi campur, do yourself a favour and hit up Nasi Campur Kedaton as soon as you land on your next visit.
The restaurant is the epitome of traditional, homemade cooking that captures the distinct flavors of Balinese cuisine.
This nasi campur rainbow consists of red rice, beef jerky, corn fritters, mixed vegetables, stir-fried eggplants, and herbed eggs, topped with a crispy cracker
In Indonesian cuisine, nasi campur means mixed rice. It is essentially serving with side dishes – the simplest form of meals. And Nasi Campur Kedaton is a simple restaurant.
The restaurant was founded by the current owner's mother in 1976, whose recipes were grown from her very own kitchen. She wanted everyone to have a taste of home and she expressed that through her cooking. With more than 40 years running, the restaurant has turned into a family business. It has now been passed on to her daughter and owner, Susan, who proudly carries on the family legacy.
When translated to English, Nasi Campur Kedaton means ‘mixed rice palace’ and that's exactly what it is. Serving steamed rice with an extensive array of side dishes to choose from, it’s Indonesian cuisine at its humblest.
All the side dishes in this restaurant are plated fresh before your eyes behind a glass display. It’s made to tempt any hungry visitor, creating a paradox of choice at its best. And if you weren't hungry before, you'll start feeling it now.
Here, alternative options even stretch to your preferred type of rice. Crackers for a crispy finish? They have options for that here too. Whatever your preference, Nasi Campur Kedaton has a solution for you. Susan even modified the recipes to cater to vegetarian patrons. Despite the adjustments, the restaurant upholds its original recipes and maintains its local, tantalizing flavors.
The iconic glass display acts just like a ‘touch screen’ menu, where you can easily point to any dish that tickles your fancy
If this is your first time coming to a ‘nasi campur’ restaurant, take this as a test of self-control. With all the options laid out in front of your eyes, it’s hard to choose the perfect combo. Once you’ve composed yourself and get your order, a waiter is there to help you.
Pick your rice, and point to the dishes that appeal to you and they will plate your meal. When you’re done, they will set a price to your DIY meal and you’re good to go. It’s one of the best places to explore Balinese cuisine and fall in love with it.
One of the must-have classics is the star dish of Nasi Campur Kedaton: Dendeng Balado. It’s beef jerky with a flavorful Balinese twist of sweet, sour, and spicy. Made with fresh red chillies and tender strips of beef, it’s an original recipe from since its opening, and has been perfected over the years.
Don’t leave Nasi Campur Kedaton without trying their famous Dendeng Balado
Another classic that never goes wrong is sisit ayam. The shredded chicken is fused with a blend of traditional spices, with a rich savory taste. These two classic dishes capture the heart of Balinese spiciness, so be sure to keep a nice, cold glass of water ready at hand.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Nasi Campur Kedaton has a few set menus comprising the essentials. The three combos are foolproof ways to have an unforgettable meal. The best part is that all the set menus include Sate Lilit, the iconic Balinese minced chicken made of traditional herbs and spices on skewers.
Don’t forget to add a little (more) kick for your meals too. A must-have is the local salsa-like condiment, the sambal matah. Made mainly from shallots, lemongrass, and bird’s eye chillies, it explodes in a bomb of flavors in your mouth with every bite. Add another layer of extra heat with the sambal paste, a mixture of red chilies, garlic, and shrimp paste. If your taste buds are not as adventurous, a mild option of tomato sambal is also available.
The tantalising smell of a sambal paste being cooked is unlike any other, making it hard to resist for anyone who walks in Nasi Campur Kedaton
There’s a dish for everyone here at the restaurant, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists from around the country. So if you’re looking for a local secret, look nowhere further. Rest assured, every inch of your tastebuds will be satisfied at Nasi Campur Kedaton.
One of the best ways to enjoy a meal here is to bring a crowd. This way, everyone can try a different dish and brings a whole sharing experience. And that is what sets Nasi Campur Kedaton apart. It just feels like home.
Watch the full story of Bali's legendary Nasi Campur here
Looking for a taste of home in the comforts of your own home? Get it delivered to you wherever you are with GoFood Indonesia.
Or find it at:
Location: Jl. Raya Kuta No.62/3, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Hours: Everyday, 9 AM to 9 PM
Connect: Instagram
While Nasi Campur is an ubiquitous Balinese dish, it is also prevalent in the neighboring island of Java. It goes by Nasi Rames and holds the same premise: white rice and tempting side dishes for all. What sets the Javanese-style mixed rice apart is that the popular side dish is fried noodles.
Nasi campur, or mixed rice, can also be found in many Southeast Asian countries. This is largely found in countries with heavy Chinese influence such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
In Singapore and Malaysia, it goes by the name of economy rice, as it is typically the cheapest option served in hawker centers. Similarly in Vietnam, it’s known locally as cơm bình dân, which is often considered as the workman’s meal. The Thai-style economy rice is known as khao rad gaeng, which translates to rice poured over curry, as many of the dishes are -based.
Just like nasi campur, they all share the same concept of DIY meals of home-style side dishes served with a warm plate of white rice. Anywhere you go in Southeast Asia, you will always find this galore of side dishes, making it undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the flavors of the region.
If you’re struck with a sudden craving for Nasi Campur Kedaton in Indonesia, order your DIY meal from GoFood Indonesia.
Watch the full story of Bali's legendary Nasi Campur here
