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.
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”!
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.
looking forward to hosting that dinner with you & stephen