As a great lover of Javanese food I am a regular patron at Kafe Batan Waru in Tuban. The sister restaurant to the one in Ubud, the cuisine is just as delicious and although not in a garden setting, the décor more than makes up for this. Located opposite Waterbom Park in Tuban and a stone’s throw from the Discovery Mall, Kafe Batan Waru is not your ordinary open-air warung. Adorning the walls on one side are beautiful collection of flora and fauna prints, and the other, classic prints of Indonesia during the colonial era. The décor is practically simple with polished, long wooden tables and benches giving the place that touch of class. I particularly like the ‘feel’ of the restoran, warm and comfy. And, as with all upmarket restoran the service is first-class.
My last visit there I went with my wife and a Javanese friend, of ours, Meli, making for an excellent night’s dining. I always order Karedok as I find it a delicious accompaniment to any Javanese meal and at Rp24,000 for a large dish, it was good value. Meli decided on the Tum Ayam (Rp48,000) and she commented on the superb tenderness of the chicken and accompanying sauce. My wife Candika on the other hand is a lover of seafood and relished the Seafood Lemon Grass (Rp64,000). My choice for the night was Pepes Ikan Laut (Rp57,000). This dish is a melt-in-the-mouth gastronomically delightful and I was fully satiated with my choice.
Of course you don’t just have to choose the dishes in the extensive menu. There is a nightly specials board to select from if you wish. One thing you cannot miss out on though is their Chilli Crab nights!.
