Savouring & Sipping in Style – A Culinary and Cocktail Adventure in Bali
I recently had the immense pleasure of experiencing the extraordinary culinary offerings of Locavore NXT, Herbivore, and Night Rooster in Ubud, Bali. These establishments, part of the Locavore family, exemplify innovation and creativity, blending local ingredients, modern techniques, artistic design, and community engagement into unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a groundbreaking tasting menu at Locavore NXT, the plant-based perfection at Herbivore, or the folklore-inspired cocktails at Night Rooster, each venue offers a unique journey that celebrates the spirit of Bali. Sounds too good to be true? Let me take you on a culinary cruise through Ubud, where dreams of exceptional food, world-class drinks, and sustainable living meet reality.
Locavore NXT: A Localized Rebellion
Locavore NXT is one of Indonesia’s and Southeast Asia’s most celebrated restaurant concepts, embodying what the team calls a “localized rebellion.” At its heart is a commitment to local communities, sustainable practices, and a philosophy that challenges the notion that what is foreign is inherently superior. Chef-partners and co-founders Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah have redefined what it means to work with the land, proving that culinary greatness can be achieved by embracing local resources.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a creative hub and celebration of community, art, design, and, above all, provenance. Everything at Locavore NXT — from the ingredients to the architecture — is infused with an ethos of sustainability.
Designed by Budi Pradono Architects, the structure is a stunning example of tropical brutalism, seamlessly integrating the building into its lush natural surroundings. Wide windows invite views of rice paddies, while the open kitchen at the heart of the dining area immerses you in the artistry of the chefs at work.
From the moment I stepped through the traditional Balinese entrance, I felt like I’d entered another world — one where nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony. Look closely at the intricate wood carvings on the doors, and you’ll notice playful details like kitchen utensils and even a UFO tucked into the design.
A Taste of Innovation: The ‘Nature’s Compass’ Tasting Menu
The latest offering, the ‘Nature’s Compass’ Tasting Menu, launched in late 2024, embodies Locavore’s commitment to working creatively with nature. This updated menu eliminates imports, wheat, and dairy, while reducing animal protein to highlight the incredible diversity of Indonesia’s local habitat. Each course is a tribute to hyper-local ingredients, seasonality, and sustainability, brought to life through techniques like fermentation, curing, and pickling.
Locavore NXT is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary adventure that pushes the boundaries of traditional dining. The ‘Nature’s Compass’ tasting menu, which I had the delight of experiencing, exemplifies their commitment to hyper-locality, seasonality, and sustainability.
One standout was “Foraged”, a dish served in the Root System area beside their mushroom fruiting room. This dish featured chewy pickled oyster mushrooms grown just steps away, earthy pangium nuts (kluwak), aromatic jungle garlic (kulim), and a sweet touch of trigona honey. Another favourite was the kampung chicken and spiny lobster sausage, paired with vanilla cream and spices. The textures and flavours were perfectly balanced — a memory my taste buds won’t soon forget. The accompanying drinks program was just as impressive. My choice, the alcoholic pairing, featured the local spirit arak, infused with unique ingredients to complement each course. The result was a harmonious blend of flavours that elevated the entire dining experience.
The Innovation Behind the Scenes
Locavore NXT doesn’t stop at serving exceptional dishes; it’s also a hub for culinary innovation. Their fermentation lab develops unique flavours using koji strains, miso, and tempeh, while the on-site mushroom chamber cultivates rare varieties like Lion’s Mane. The B.I.O Library (Biodiversity Interactive Open-Source Library) is another marvel — a 3D digital catalogue of edible ingredients, offering diners a chance to explore the incredible biodiversity of Indonesia firsthand. This dedication to sustainability extends to waste management. Locavore minimizes its environmental footprint by carefully managing food scraps and waste materials, ensuring that every aspect of the dining process aligns with their green philosophy.
Herbivore: Plant-Based Perfection
For those seeking a completely plant-based experience, I visited Herbivore, the sibling restaurant of Locavore, located in the heart of Ubud. Helmed by Chef Arnaud Hauchon, Herbivore celebrates Bali’s abundant flora with a seasonal tasting menu that blends respect for Indonesian culinary traditions with bold innovation.
The menu highlights iconic ingredients like jackfruit, cassava, and banana blossoms, alongside lesser-known and wild varieties. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to bring out the natural flavours and textures of these ingredients, creating a dining experience that is both generous and comforting.
The restaurant’s serene and inviting interior mirrors its philosophy, offering a tranquil setting that enhances the culinary journey. Herbivore also features meticulously crafted drink pairings, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, designed to perfectly complement the dishes.
Herbivore offers three thoughtfully crafted tasting menus:
- A 3-Course Menu, perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch.
- A 5-Course Short Menu, ideal for those seeking a more immersive experience.
- A 7-Course Long Menu, the ultimate culinary journey for plant-based enthusiasts.
For my visit, I opted for the 7-course Long Menu, paired with the alcoholic drink pairing. This ultimate plant-based culinary journey elevated each course with complementary beverage selections crafted from local ingredients. The pairings were masterfully curated, enhancing the flavours of the dishes while adding an extra layer of indulgence to the experience.
Each menu showcases the best of Bali’s local flora and offers optional drink pairings to elevate the experience.
At both Herbivore and Locavore NXT, the hospitality was exceptional. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. Detailed explanations of each course and drink pairing added depth to the experience, making each visit unforgettable.
Herbivore and Locavore NXT offer distinct yet equally captivating dining experiences in Ubud. Whether it’s the innovative, nature-inspired approach of Locavore NXT or the plant-based celebration of local ingredients at Herbivore, both promise a journey that delights the senses while honoring Bali’s rich culinary heritage.
I wholeheartedly recommend these establishments to anyone seeking a unique dining experience in Bali. They set standard for sustainability, creativity, and exceptional service, leaving me with cherished memories of unforgettable meals.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit their official websites:
- Locavore NXT: https://locavorenext.com/nxt/menu
- Herbivore: https://locavorenext.com/family/herbivore
Night Rooster: A Speakeasy with a Balinese Soul
Located at 5 Jalan Gootama, just steps away from Jalan Raya Ubud, Night Rooster is an intimate cocktail bar that blends the essence of a modern speakeasy with the spirit of Bali. Part of the renowned Locavore family, the bar offers an unparalleled mixology experience, steeped in Indonesian folklore and crafted with a passion for local ingredients.
As I stepped inside, the ambiance immediately drew me in. The interior boasts plush seating, artistic bookcases, and a sophisticated bar that invites exploration. Skylights inspired by Bali villa roofs and a mirrored ceiling create a sense of spaciousness and elegance, making it an ideal retreat for an evening of indulgence.
Cocktails with a Story
The cocktail menu at Night Rooster is a testament to creativity and cultural depth. Each drink tells a story, many inspired by Indonesian myths and supernatural tales, while showcasing indigenous ingredients and house-made concoctions. This thematic approach not only enriches the flavours but transforms the act of drinking into a narrative experience.
As a fan of well-crafted boba tea, my first choice was clear: The Mung Time. This unique creation combines dark rum, mung bean, Kintamani coffee, coconut milk, palm sugar, espresso boba, topped with a piece of toast. The drink’s story adds an enchanting layer: Time stops to disorient you. Is it morning? The middle of the night? Mung beans—a magical ingredient—blur the line between sweet and savoury, dessert and breakfast, drinks and cakes, indulgence and health. Now in cocktail form. Stop time, then drink.
The Mung Time lived up to its tale, offering a dessert-like flavour profile that was delightfully complex and indulgent. Pairing this drink with one of their bar dishes—prepared right alongside the cocktail station—created a striking contrast. While the bartenders worked their magic with ice, the chefs commanded fire, showcasing the perfect synergy between the two crafts. I also admired the lower bar counter and overall setup, where the backbar featured familiar spirit brands alongside jars of self-infused potions, highlighting their inventive approach to mixology.
Another standout was the Moonbeam Lover, a cocktail that epitomizes Night Rooster’s concept. It combines Sandat flower-infused arak, bourbon whiskey, marigold leaf vermouth, calamansi cordial, and kampung egg white. The drink comes with an intriguing narrative: Buy this drink for your heart’s desire. Once consumed, the potion embeds a magical “false memory,” tricking them into believing they have always loved you. Beware: the effect lasts until they are struck by the light of a full moon. The cocktail’s delicate floral notes and velvety texture made it a standout choice, blending whimsy with a sophisticated flavour profile.
Another bold and unforgettable choice was the Kiss of Death, a daring mix of passionfruit, mezcal, chili tincture, and a side of passionfruit jelly. The balance of sweetness, smoke, and heat was a great flavour composition, leaving a lasting impression.
A Taste of Bali’s Botanical Heritage – Night Rooster’s dedication to local ingredients is evident in every glass. The bar team skilfully incorporate traditional herbs, spices, and botanicals into their creations, offering a true taste of Bali’s natural bounty.
Night Rooster is an immersive experience that celebrates the art of storytelling through cocktails. With its enchanting atmosphere, inventive drinks, and commitment to local culture, it’s a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
If you find yourself in Ubud, don’t miss the opportunity to experience Night Rooster. Whether you’re drawn by the folklore-inspired drinks, the inviting ambiance, or the chance to discover Bali’s rich botanical landscape in liquid form, this speakeasy promises an evening to remember.
For more information or to make a reservation: https://locavorenxt.com/family/night-rooster
