Raising The Food Bar
The recently opened, eye-catching Maya Sanur has been making a splash on Sanur’s main street. The unusual architecture—think Mayan temple with Balinese bell towers—ensures it is noticed by all who pass along Jalan Danau Tamblingan.
The resort has been making a name for itself with its dining options and the beachside Tree Bar is already very popular. Street-side, there are now two new restaurants open for business.
To the left is Kuu, a Japanese restaurant specializing in authentic Izakaya-style dining and a fabulous range of fine sakes, as well as a wicked kaffir lime martini. The small plates and light bites created by Chef Nishida remain proudly true to fine, classic Japanese flavours.
The appetizers include the divine Hourensou Kurumi Ae—dashi-flavoured spinach with crushed walnuts—and a Beef Onsen Mushi that could make your taste buds believe you were in one of Tokyo’s or Kyoto’s basement Izakaya surrounded by Japanese businessmen escaping the stress of work while knocking back a sake or two.
For those looking for a warming and comforting meal, the Japanese have some great hot pot dishes. Chef Nishida makes a wonderful Buta Kakuni—braised pork belly with potato puree, leek and boiled egg—that is light on the stomach and rich in taste. The pork is so tender that it breaks apart easily with chopsticks.
Fish lovers can’t go wrong with the generous serving of salmon terikiyaki with a rice set (rice, miso soup and pickles), which melts in the mouth. The buttery richness of the salmon contrasts delightfully with the crunchy sourness of the pickles.
Kuu offers a range of sushi, sashimi, steamed, simmered, grilled and fried dishes prepared at its display kitchen, all in small servings making them ideal to share with friends and family. There are both modern and traditional dishes: contrast the Asparagus Nikumaki—asparagus spears rolled in Angus beef tenderloin and grilled with Japanese sweet sauces—to the Takoyaki, which is a very traditional delicacy of octopus, leek and ginger dough balls topped with Japanese mayo, seaweed and bonito fish flakes.
The decor is quirky with its black, white and red palette and incredible walls that make you feel like you are sitting inside a huge origami. With both indoor and outdoor seating, comfortable banquettes, small tables for dining à deux and plenty of room for larger groups, Kuu is ideal for everyone.
Kuu is currently open from 6PM every day except Monday.
On the right-hand side, also street-side, is Graze, a bright and contemporary restaurant with light wood and origami-inspired lemon and lime accented walls. Aiming to showcase the best of Bali’s sustainably grown products, even the comfy yellow and green chairs are made from up-cycled waste polypropylene and wood fibre.
Serving eight all-day international breakfasts including English, Indonesian, Japanese, European and Scandinavian favourites, sandwiches, steak, local treats, pasta and divine desserts, there is sure to be something to indulge in. The chocolate and coffee are locally sourced and there are clearly marked gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Why not try the Ultimate Salad Sandwich, chock full of organic local veggies, or the very tasty Chicken Pumpkin Cannelloni, washed down with a ginger-infused ice tea with honey and followed by one of the divine cakes? We also highly recommend the Berry Cheesecake.
A range of classic cocktails, mocktails to combat Bali’s tropical heat and local wines are also available. If you are heading off to the beach for a picnic, take advantage of the takeaway option and pick up savoury pies, pastries and sandwiches.
Maya Sanur may be the new kid on Sanur’s block, but it is already raising the food bar.
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sanur
Bali 80338, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3618497800
