Hot Buns: Kukusan Bali serves up steamed buns with all sorts of crazy good fillings

COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Kukus means “to steam” in Bahasa Indonesia. And although most people think this particular cooking method lacks the excitement of other methods such as grilling or even stir-frying, there’s nothing boring about the steamed buns being served at Kukusan in Seminyak.

Think light and fluffy oriental bao buns filled with creative fusion flavors such as Mexican chorizo (beef sausage served with garlic mayonnaise, homemade tomato tapenade, and caramelized onion), or Middle Eastern spiced lamb (served with onion, lettuce, garlic mayonnaise, mint yogurt and young green papaya salad). 

From Asia, their offer ranges from Chinese barbecue marinated chicken with hoisin sauce, Korean style spicy chicken with pickled daikon, to the Indonesian rendang spicy beef—which we absolutely love for their innovative addition of crunchy peanuts and fried shallots to complement the texture of the tender juicy meat. 

For vegetarians, no worries. Kukusan’s oyster mushroom tempura buns are absolutely yummy! Earthy flavors from the mushrooms combine perfectly with the soy-mirin reduction sauce. The buns themselves are pretty bland in terms of flavor, which is perfect to act as the canvas for the bold flavors of the fillings. 

This is all further enhanced by the fresh and tangy young green papaya salad that comes with every serving. Such a flavor fiesta—and prices start at Rp. 25,000 per serving of two buns plus salad. 

As a brainchild of a local mixologist, Kukusan’s beverage menu reflects creativity in a charmingly down-to-earth way. The rantang drinks are uniquely served in tiffins or tin lunchboxes. 

If you’re after something boozy, their Beer Punch Legend is it—both taste-wise, and instagramability-wise. It’s the perfect mix of tequila, orange liqueur, pineapple and lime juice, and of course Bintang, served complete with its upside down bottle! 

FIND IT
Kukusan Bali
Jl. Sunset Road No.1, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
087860411555
Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-12am

Photos at the top: Instagram @Kukusanbali