Babaghanoush, the latest addition to Bali’s vibrant culinary scene, offers a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern barbecue with the island’s freshest local produce. This new venture by renowned chef and MasterChef Singapore judge Bjorn Shen promises a playful yet refined dining experience, showcasing the vibrant flavors of both Middle Eastern cuisine and Balinese ingredients. Chef Shen launches his second international venture after the success of his flagship restaurant Artichoke in Singapore and Nep! in Penang adding his signature playful and laidback dining experience to the island’s vibrant culinary scene.
The restaurant name itself is a cheeky nod to the alphabetical order after the chef’s first restaurant with the letter “A”. It is also deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture. “Babaghanoush is a grilled aubergine dish, a staple that can be found across the Middle East, much like the beloved hummus. The name is reflected in our menu, laid out on our logo, and has a certain charm. We are excited to bring a fresh take on Middle Eastern cuisine and marry it with the diverse ingredients of Bali” added the MasterChef Singapore judge.
The decision to open in Bali comes after a successful 14 years of running his restaurant in Singapore and several consulting projects with Biko Group in Jakarta and Treasure Bay in Bintan. Chef Shen views Indonesia and the people to be very supportive and welcoming to new ideas. The rich agricultural heritage with a direct connection to local producers, fishermen, farmers, and diverse clientele also influenced Chef Shen’s venture into Bali.
The soul of the menu lies in house-made bread, local seafood, local market fruit and vegetables all cooked with Middle Eastern sensibilities. Envisioning a world where Bali and Beirut sit side by side, the chef deftly combines Middle Eastern cooking with Balinese herbs and spices in creating unique dishes such as native tabbouleh salad with kedondong fruit with kemangi. Another special dish is barbecued oysters with an Egyptian garlic taklea.
The ambiance of Babaghanoush is designed to be relaxed and inviting, providing a cool escape from the Bali heat, with a touch of eccentricity in the artwork made by Chef Bjorn himself. The interior, reminiscent of a cozy dark wood log cabin, reflets the chef’s love of camping. Guests can expect to enjoy elevated versions of wood-fired dishes.
Babaghanoush is set to become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike, thanks to its creative menu, friendly service, and stylish ambiance.
Instagram: @babaghanoush_bali