At Tenkai Japanese Nikkei Restaurant, located in the serene surroundings of Padma Resort Legian, the concept of flavor takes center stage. The interplay of salt, acid, and heat—the three essential components in creating mouthwatering dishes—forms the foundation of Nikkei cuisine. This combination of Japanese and Peruvian flavors is a culinary style that perfectly balances acidity, sweetness, and spice. Dishes like ceviche and tiradito exemplify these flavors, delivering refreshing tangy and spicy profiles that are often favored in many Asian cuisines.
Nikkei cuisine, which has its roots in Peru, developed when Japanese migrants began blending their culinary traditions with local Peruvian ingredients in the late 19th century. Peru’s food culture initially revolved around native ingredients like potatoes, corn, and Andean grains, but it wasn’t until the arrival of Japanese migrants that fish was served raw, drizzled with citrus juice just before consumption. This culinary style evolved into what we now know as Nikkei cuisine, with a harmonious blend of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavors.
Today, Peru boasts the second-largest Japanese population in South America, with close to 23,000 people of Japanese or Nikkei ancestry. Inspired by this cultural exchange, Tenkai brings the vibrant flavors of Nikkei cuisine to Bali, offering guests a memorable dining experience that blends the best of both worlds.
A Taste of Nikkei Fusion
Tenkai Japanese Nikkei Restaurant continues to showcase the vibrant combination of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. The menu highlights traditional Japanese techniques alongside creative uses of Peruvian ingredients, with a focus on flavor pairings. Signature dishes like Ceviche A Lo Indo, with Indonesian influences, combine raw salmon, sweet mango, rocoto sambal, quinoa pops, and torch ginger, tied together by tiger’s milk, a tangy Peruvian citrus marinade.
Other standout dishes include Mancora, an umami-rich blend of raw octopus, sautéed shiitake mushrooms, sake, olive sauce, and shiitake dashi, and Papita Loche, which combines the essence of two Peruvian potato-based dishes, ‘Cau Cau’ and ‘Papa Rellena’, enhanced by pumpkin, wasabi, and eggplant butter. For mains, the Nikuseco offers a bold short rib stew accompanied by coriander curry sauce, steamed black beans, and jicama.
Tenkai offers a range of standout dishes, including:
- Ceviche A Lo Indo: A refreshing appetizer with Indonesian flavors, featuring raw salmon, sweet mango, rocoto sambal, cucumber, quinoa pops, and kecombrang, all tied together with tiger’s milk, a Peruvian citrus-based marinade known for its invigorating qualities.
- Mancora: This umami-rich dish combines raw octopus with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, sake, olive sauce, and a touch of shiitake dashi, topped with black tobiko and sweet corn.
- Papita Loche: A hearty combination of Peruvian dishes ‘Cau Cau’ and ‘Papa Rellena’, blending the sweet flavors of pumpkin with the spicy kick of wasabi and the richness of eggplant butter and feta cheese.
- Nikuseco: A bold main course featuring short rib stew, served with coriander curry sauce, steamed black beans, jicama, and mushrooms.
In addition to these dishes, Tenkai’s sushi bar offers freshly crafted sushi and sashimi, with highlights like the Unawi Maki—a unique roll combining salmon, cream cheese, unagi, kiwi, fried banana, and passion fruit coulis. For a more immersive experience, the Japanese Nikkei Omakase menu features a selection of sashimi and nigiri, allowing diners to enjoy a personalized culinary journey.
Cocktails and Beverages: A Blend of Cultures
At Tenkai, the dining experience extends beyond the plate, with a selection of creative cocktails that elevate the meal. Two standout drinks, the Smoked Sakura and Negroni Kemuri, bring an element of visual drama and depth to the palate, thanks to the use of smoke in their presentation.
The Smoked Sakura is a delicate blend of sakura tea, pisco, lychee liqueur, and lime cordial, with flavors that pay homage to the rich histories of both Japan and Peru. As the drink is presented, a cloud of smoke envelopes the glass, enhancing the aromatic qualities of the sakura tea and adding an intriguing layer to its already complex flavor.
Similarly, the Negroni Kemuri—an inventive twist on the classic Negroni—incorporates shiso gin, makrut Campari, and Bali’s own brem liqueur. The cocktail is served under a blanket of smoke, which complements the herbal and citrusy notes while adding a sophisticated smoky depth to the drink. Both cocktails not only offer a unique taste but also provide a memorable visual experience for diners.
Continuing the exploration of Tenkai’s cocktail offerings, the Tebu Ambar transports guests to a tropical paradise with its delightful combination of dark rum, coconut liqueur, lime cordial, passion fruit purée, and lemonade. This cocktail delivers a refreshing and fruity finish, making it an ideal complement to the restaurant’s vibrant dishes.
For those seeking a lighter, frothy option, the Tokyo Love Story offers a lively mix of local shochu, fresh lime juice, cucumber, and aquafaba. This refreshing drink not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a visually appealing presentation, making it a perfect choice for warm evenings.
Finally, the Tenkai Mango Colada presents a fruity escape in a glass, blending light rum, coconut liqueur, mango purée, coconut cream, and caramel syrup. This cocktail captures the essence of a tropical getaway, rounding out the drink menu with a sweet and indulgent option that pairs beautifully with the diverse flavors of Nikkei cuisine. Together, these cocktails enhance the overall dining experience at Tenkai, offering guests a harmonious blend of taste and creativity.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
Set within Padma Resort Legian, Tenkai Japanese Nikkei Restaurant offers a tranquil and cozy dining environment, nestled in a Japanese-style garden directly opposite the resort’s main pool. With Teppanyaki counters for live cooking action and an extensive selection of sake and premium wines, Tenkai promises a dining experience that excites both the palate and the senses.
Available only on Sunday evenings, Tenkai introduces a special Izakaya program, inspired by the traditional Japanese concept of casual dining. Starting from 6PM until 11PM, Tenkai’s Izakaya presents a relaxed, social atmosphere where friends and family can gather over light bites and their signature sake, starting from IDR 480,000+/ person.
Open to both resort guests and the public, Tenkai Japanese Nikkei Restaurant delivers an elevated dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Japan and Peru, all within the heart of Bali.
