At Alila Seminyak, a new monthly event called Savor the Archipelago invites guests to explore the many tastes and traditions found across Indonesia. Held with a view near Segara Temple, the program combines regional cooking with cultural performances in a relaxed, open-air setting.
Each month, the restaurant presents a buffet and live cooking stations that feature dishes from different parts of the country. You can try well-known meals such as Babi Guling from Bali, Soto Ayam from Java, Konro Soup from Makassar, and Kambing Berlado from Sumatera. These dishes are made using fresh, seasonal ingredients and support local farmers and fishers.
One of the highlights is a special sambal station called the Map of Sambal. Here, you can sample a wide range of spicy condiments from across the islands. Each sambal has its own flavor and story—like the raw shallot and lemongrass mix from Bali, the mango-based version from Java, and the coconut sambal from Sulawesi.
The evening also includes live music and dance. A gamelan group plays traditional instruments, and a fire show adds energy to the night. These performances reflect Indonesia’s long history of storytelling through movement and sound. The event is designed with care for the environment. Cooking stations are set up to reduce waste, and single-use plastics are avoided. The team at Alila focuses on using ingredients that are grown or caught responsibly.
“Indonesia is not defined by a single cuisine, but by the incredible variety of its islands,” says Dante Rossi, Director of Food & Beverage of Alila Seminyak. “Through Savor the Archipelago, we want to tell these stories on the plate: honoring heritage recipes, highlighting regional diversity, and inviting guests to connect with the time-honored culinary traditions of Indonesia.”
For those curious about the country’s food and culture, Savor the Archipelago offers a way to learn and enjoy, all in one evening by the ocean.
Alila Seminyak
Jl. Taman Ganesha Jl. Petitenget No.9, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
