Captivating Kokokan

Captivating Kokokan

Singaporean Black Pepper Chili Crab

With picture-perfect surroundings, a creative culinary team and a comprehensively curated menu, this restaurant at Kappa Senses Ubud is definitely one to watch.

By Runi Indrani


Recently opened, Kappa Senses Ubud is a heavenly destination situated in the verdant area of Ubud, offering a wholesome sanctuary with facilities to relax and rejuvenate. One of the highlights is Kokokan, an epicurean haven serving exquisitely crafted dishes with special attention to quality. 

Kokokan has indoor and outdoor seating areas that accommodate up to 84 diners, each boasts a different, enchanting ambience. The indoor seating is lined with a lengthy, swanky bar – ready to serve you a sundowner, apéritif, or nightcap of your choice. Inside, exuding class while still being warm and welcoming, the plush chairs and wooden accents are complemented by the crystal chandeliers and marble floor and counter. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dining area, bringing the magnificent views outside in.

Make the most of the terrace dining area, especially on a beautiful day, and bask in the gentle breeze and the sprawling rice paddies that surround the premises. This area is ideal for an ambient sunset session, and even more charming in the evening, when you can catch a rare glimpse of fireflies. 

Kokokan’s kitchen team incorporates the latest meticulous culinary techniques to prepare the food. The best quality, locally sourced ingredients are crafted and presented in an alluring way, resulting in curated Asian specialty dishes that are as delectable as they are visually enticing. Add to that the state-of-the-art kitchen equipment and skilled team, and diners are guaranteed a memorable meal at Kokokan, which is open daily from 3pm to 10.30pm.

Gado-Gado

Start the culinary journey with Indonesia’s own favourite salad, gado gado in peanut sauce. The vegetables are sourced directly from the resort’s permaculture garden, including green beans, cabbage and bean sprouts. Another light option to start your meal is the Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Other starters offer delicacies that are on the richer side in terms of flavours and textures, such as the Thai tom yum goong, Malaysian butter prawn, or the Singaporean Katong laksa. 

On the main section of the menu, the Indonesian combo of pepes steals the spotlight. Pepes is a Sundanese cooking method that uses banana leaves to wrap spice-stuffed protein before grilling it to get a tender texture and fragrant flavours. This dish serves four kinds of pepes, including fish, chicken, pork, as well as tofu and mixed vegetables. 

All-time favourites like Indonesian beef rendang and babi guling, Thai tom kha kai and Singaporean Hainanese chicken rice are also a must-try. Another highlight is the Singaporean black pepper chilli crab, cracked and cooked in semi-thick gravy, stir-fried in a sweet and savoury tomato-and-chilli-based paste. 

Complete the experience with traditional Indonesian desserts. For something refreshing, opt for the Indonesian es cendol, comprising droplets of green rice flour, jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup served over ice. Meanwhile, the Malaysian black rice pudding and Indonesian pisang rai are lush options.  

Kokokan

at Kappa Senses Ubud

(kappasenses.com)

@epicureannests