There’s a bit of rustic Bali in the concrete jungle known as Jakarta’s Central Business District. Tucked away in a corner, away from the horrendous traffic, is this quaint “institution” – Bebek Bengil. Translated into Bahasa, it means “dirty duck”.
Since its birth in 1990 in Bali, Bebek Bengil has offered duck as its specialty dish.
Original-recipe crispy duck. Consisting of half a duck steamed with Indonesian spices, deep-fried for a crispy finish and served with steamed rice and Balinese vegetables or sautéed potatoes and a side salad.
(The meal is so down-home inviting that most guests ignore the silverware and use their fingers.)
Even the bones are as crispy as French fries.
looks lean… but surprisingly meaty
The duck is always served with the required “hot” trimmings
What looks like “all bones” is oozing with meat. I was extremely full when I finished my duck.
Oh, before I forget…
Quite a fascinating story as to how the restaurant got the name “Dirty Duck Diner”.
When the owners were building the restaurant, they had no idea what to call it. They wanted a Balinese name that translated well into English, but couldn’t find a perfect name – until one monsoon morning: the restaurant was almost fully built when – unannounced – a group of ducks from the rice field, walked straight quacking and squawking into the restaurant. The ducks made a total mess and left muddy footprints all over the place.
Then, everyone shouted in unison… “the dirty ducks”!
2012/07/31 at 9:23 am |
I hope to sample it given a chance to go to Jakarta.
I like the story behind the name which I hope is written somewhere in menu or plaque on wall.
Thanks Dennis.
2012/07/31 at 10:34 am |
looking forward to hosting that dinner with you & stephen