Bali Seafood Dinner or Disney Scene? You Decide 🏰
📍Bale Udang Mang Engking
💰~$30 per pax (floating pavilion min spend: 600k IDR)
⏰ dinner (30min ride from Canggu)
okay first things first – this was the furthest place we went to from Canggu. took a 30-min bike ride (felt long af ngl 😮💨), but once we arrived?? WORTH IT. the place is HUGE, like 3 different seating areas, very Bali resort vibes
we booked the floating pavilion 🛶 (think Tangled lantern scene vibes... romantic af) it’s basically a little hut ON the water surrounded by koi ponds and lantern lights. super peaceful, super cute, and best of all – totally private! can fit up to 8 pax so def recommend if u’re going with a group
bonus: u can feed the koi 🐟🐟 and most of the diners were locals, so this ain't just a tourist trap 💯
🥬 kangkong (spice level 2/5?? LIES 😭)
okay listen… they said 2/5 but it felt like a 4/5 💀 had to scrape off the chili just to survive. that said, the flavour is legit – very umami, very salty, but u NEED to eat it with rice or else ur tongue will cry. if you’re not a spice warrior, go for 1/5 or non-spicy dishes pls 🙏 spice drama aside, still a solid veg dish!
🍤 honey grilled prawn
non-spicy prawn option but kinda too sweet tbh. served on skewers, which made peeling a struggle (why must u make us work so hard?? 😤). sweetness overload BUT the charred flavour was rly nice. worth a try if u want something different – just be prepared to fight the shells
🦐 oyster sauce prawn
ahhhh finally, COMFORT FLAVOUR. tasted exactly like zi char style stir-fried prawns back home – slightly salty, v familiar, v safe. comes half-shelled so peeling is EZPZ. not super adventurous but super satisfying! if u miss SG-style seafood, THIS is the one 🫶
🦑 sweet & sour squid
exactly what it sounds like – sweet & sour pork vibes but with squid, onions, capsicums, classic stir fry combo. flavour's a bit on the sweet side but texture?? 10/10 soft and chewy. they nailed the cook. not groundbreaking but comforting & well-executed. would def order again.
🥵 sambal scallops
came with a MOUNTAIN of sambal LOL. like the sambal to scallop ratio was 2:1 🔥🔥 we scraped most of it off, kept a lil for flavour – and that worked out perfectly. scallops were fresh but a lil small. spicy but not insane (less than the kangkong thank god). must eat with rice tho, the sauce is SALTY.
✅ FINAL THOUGHTS
despite the distance, we LOVED the vibes here. that floating pavilion?? ✨ 100/10 experience. food is solid – mostly hits, a few things a bit too spicy or sweet, but all v flavourful. great place to bring friends or go for a chill date night. all in all, if u love zichar but dw to spend so much (esp in sg), come here!! it wont lose out!!
If you're planning your visit to Bale Udang Mang Engking, it helps to know a little more about their menu and what to expect beyond just the dishes I tried. The restaurant features multiple seating areas, notably the floating pavilions perched on tranquil ponds filled with koi fish—truly a unique setting that made the trip worthwhile despite the distance. When it comes to menu options, their set meals offer a great way to sample a variety of local seafood delicacies combined with Balinese flavors. Though the menu varies slightly by location (Kuta, Ubud, Seminyak), the signature dishes remain consistent—highlighting fresh prawns, squid, and scallops prepared with spicy sambal or sweet-and-sour sauces. The spice level can be deceptive! For example, the kangkong was rated mild but felt quite fiery, so if you're sensitive to spice, definitely request a lower spice option to ensure a comfortable meal. Also, peeling prawns served on skewers can be a bit fiddly, so be ready for some hands-on dining fun. Beyond food, the ambience is enriched by the koi fish swimming under the pavilion and the cozy lantern lighting, giving it a romantic and resort-like feel. Feeding the koi is a delightful bonus that adds to the whole experience, especially if you’re visiting with friends or family. For visitors craving familiar flavors from Singapore-style zi char seafood, the oyster sauce prawn offers that comforting taste while bringing a taste of home to Bali. To fully enjoy your visit, plan to spend the minimum pavilion spend, and come with a group if possible to make the most of the private seating. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a beautiful getaway meal with unique vibes, Bale Udang Mang Engking gives you the best of both worlds.
