COCONUTS HOT SPOT — When you think of Thai food in the Jimbaran/Bukit area, what probably comes to mind is Kat’s Kitchen, a local staple with two locations on Jl. Uluwatu and Jl. Uluwatu II.
It was a bold move for Baan Ying Thai Art Resto to open up something Thai when there’s already a clear go-town in town, but the new place in Ungasan across from the entrance to Dreamland Beach is worth checking out.
From the outside, the new big wooden complex looks a bit awkward and ghost town like with its tattoo parlor and travel agent office.
But don’t let that psyche you out from seeing what’s inside.
When we walked into Baan Ying Thai Art Resto (the name is a bit of a mouthful), we were immediately impressed with the beautiful wooden joglo, colorful decorative fans hanging from the ceiling, and thoughtfully landscaped garden. Behind the garden in the back are some bungalows, so if you find yourself entranced by the santai, artsy atmosphere like we were, you can just take up residence there.
Photo: Coconuts Bali
Photo: Coconuts Bali
With Western and Indonesian options, the menu isn’t strictly Thai, but we’d recommend sticking to the Thai since that’s the specialty and the tom yum in particular doesn’t disappoint—it’s actually one of the best we’ve had in Bali.
We definitely care more about what’s on the plate, than the actual plate, but we loved their ceramic dishes and the green curry even came with a Thai-style clay hot pot with a cute little candle.
Photo: Coconuts Bali
Just beware, we found the pad thai bland and lacking in seasoning, but you really can’t go wrong if you order from their seafood selection with items like fried fish with mango salad (if it’s mango season), sweet and sour fish, and fish Tim Thai lemon (grouper or snapper with chili, garlic, and lemon).
The service is super fast and the waiters will be at your beck and call, we suspect since it’s a new place and they want to keep their customers satisfied, coming back, and bringing their friends.
FIND IT
Baan Ying Thai Art Resto
Uluwatu Centre Point
Jl. Uluwatu 88 Ungasan
(In front of Dreamland Gate)
Photo at the top: Baan Ying Thai Art Resto
