Opened by Chef Will Meyrick — who is also behind the famous Sarong Restaurant at Petitenget — MAMA San is an uber-trendy restaurant which serves Asian-inspired dishes. It is one of the most hyped about restaurants in Bali, and rightfully so.
Generally, most people are not receptive to the idea of spending so much on “fine dining” for Asian cuisine, yet at MAMA San, you do not feel that you are overpaying for street food as Meryick has managed to come up with a concept which provides the complete dining experience. It reinterprets and serves polished and modern Asian street food in an upmarket environment. Not an easy feat, that is for sure.
MAMA San has two concepts: Upstairs – a chic lounge where the cool crowd goes for drinks and food, and Downstairs – an intimate and sexy dining room.
The brick walls, the black furniture, tall pots of plants, yellow lights and a stunning painting of an ancient Chinese woman; the menu of Asian bites such as Char Sui Pork with five spiced sauce, Roasted Peking Duck with red bean sauce, and Vietnamese Grilled Minced Pork Belly – what a brilliant marriage of contrast. There are also a variety of curries and soups such as Thai Green Curry, Tom Yum Soup, Sichuan Slow Braised Short Rib Beef and Vietnamese Pho.
The dishes sound simple, but they are anything but simple as the restaurant only uses top quality local ingredients sourced from around the country.
It was an eye-opening experience to see how well-blended the modern architecture is with the conventional Asia food options.
Restauranteurs who are planning to open an Asian cuisine restaurant should take a leaf out of Meryick’s book. MAMA San is already very popular, and it deserves all the recognition. I have no doubt that the restaurant will continue to shine as one of the best restaurants in Bali.
MAMA San Restaurant
Jalan Raya Kerobokan Badung, Bali
Daily: 12pm – 5pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Tel: +62 361 730436