The Kitchen Garden Bajo
Labuan Bajo may be famous for Komodo dragons and island hopping, but The Kitchen Garden Bajo gave us another reason to remember the trip.
Set in a lovely garden setting away from the busier part of town on the main island, the ambience was relaxed and welcoming. We brought along our own wines, settled in, and ordered quite a spread from their Pulang Kampung menu, which celebrates familiar Indonesian flavours with a strong local touch.
We started with the Tempe Mendoan, lightly battered and fried, followed by Rujak Tahu Telur, a crispy tofu and egg omelette with cabbage and a sweet tangy peanut sauce.
The Lodeh Labu Siam was comforting and rich with coconut milk, while the Ayam Goreng Ketumbar, my favourite dish, had plenty of fragrance from coriander and galangal. I also enjoyed the Dendeng Batokok, flame grilled beef with Minangkabau green chilli sambal, and the aromatic Manuk Rewit, shredded smoked chicken with shallots, lemongrass, ginger and sweet basil.
Another favourite was the Toro Tapa Saus Welu, open flame grilled aubergine with candlenut and chilli paste. Simple ingredients, but full of character.
We ended with Dadar Gulung and Serabe, both traditional, comforting desserts built around coconut, rice flour and palm sugar.
And with the exchange rate, the entire dinner felt almost ridiculously good value compared with Singapore. Good food, our own bottles, a peaceful setting and great company. Hard to complain.
The chef also conducts cooking classes, which would be something fun to try on a future visit.
For me, The Kitchen Garden Bajo is definitely a must visit if you are in Labuan Bajo. Come hungry.
The Kitchen Garden Bajo
Jl. Raimundus Rambu, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86763, Indonesia
