Sideman is a slice of paradise hidden in the centre of Bali. Known for its small scale agriculture production and rice terraces. This is a part of Bali where you’ll be able to experience authentic village life. Tourism is growing in the area at a slow pace. You’ll find a piece of luxury (or budget friendly stays) whilst able to enjoy a quiet & more honest experience. For most visitors the highlight will be the phenomenal scenery of the terraces of Sideman and the uninterrupted views of Mount Agung on a clear day. Food lovers can use this guide to find some of the best eats in Sideman.
Distance – an hour and a half from the international Denpensar airport Indonesia. Undoubtedly, it’s a visually stunning drive to Sideman. Slide by coconut plantations, glimpses of empty beaches, then finally ascend into the mountains to vistas of endless green. The simplest way to get to Sideman is via private car. Practically every hotel will have a driver service available or you can use the app GRAB to charter a driver.
We’ve created a YouTube channel guide that you can view – here!
Here is our food lovers guide to Sideman, Bali:
Seek fantastic accomodation – The Alamdhari Resort Sideman
In the heart of the township of Sideman you’ll find the Alamdhari. A chic 4 star hotel carved into the steep hills. Surrounded by 5 star ultra luxurious resorts you’d be mistaken for thinking that you’d have to pay big bucks for the best views of the area. Located down a quiet alley off the main drag, this resort focuses on quality over quantity. There are only 14 rooms available. The resort features standalone duplex style dwellings – with each building having only one room on the ground and one above. The resort is configured with buildings tiered down over the property. This grants each room uninterrupted views over the terraces. The spectacular pool at the centre of the space has plenty of sunbeds & shaded spots available.
The rooms themselves are spacious. The Deluxe Double room focuses on a large bed with dreamy white net canopy. The high ceilings give the rooms an airy feeling and allow the views to take centre stage. One entire wall is windows and a sliding door that opens out onto a generously sized balcony. The balcony demands time spent watching the landscape from the day bed or comfortable seating area. The room does not have a television, therefore relax, watch the farmers in the nearby field and enjoy the sunset.
Back inside the hotel room the bathroom is functional with a focus on storage. There is a built in storage area where you can unpack all your belongings. The bathroom has separate shower & toilet, in addition a large vanity with plenty counter space.
Food at the hotel
There is a restaurant next to the lobby area which serves a delightful breakfast. Rather than a traditional buffet breakfast guests select from a concise menu. Each meal comes serves on a private breakfast tray along with fresh fruit, juice & tea/coffee. The Indonesian & balinese breakfasts were delicious. The highlight of the restaurant is that on a clear day you will have an uninterrupted views to Mount Agung- the largest and most sacred volcano in Bali.
Seeking local flavours
Warung Dapur Kapulaga
Sideman is spoilt with excellent food and coffee. Within a short walk of the resort you’ll find cute coffee hangouts, upscale dining options and local family run warungs.
Warung Dapar Kapulaga is a small family run businesses producing comforting meals. The open air dining space with chic black & white tiles is an ideal spot for an afternoon lunch. The menu is extensive with plenty of local specialities – curries, satay and fried dishes. Furthermore there are some western staples of sandwiches & pastas available. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for with plenty of tofu & tempe options.
There is a change of pace in this restaurant. The mother & son team work quietly in the kitchen preparing all the dishes from scratch. There seems no rush in turning over tables. Order some cold drinks and settle in for a slow lunch. You’ll have time to watch the motorbikes zip by, to notice workmen building with rudimentary tools, or to poke your head into the kitchen and watch with a smile.
The vegetarian springs rolls are generously sized. Bite in and you’ll notice that they are stuffed with an array of veggies – cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts and onions. Their rustic nature proves they were made fresh to order.
There is a humbleness in the food served here. Perfectly cut streamed veggies. A simple fragrant rice. Sticks of tofu marinated and then smothered with a creamy satay style sauce. Pork spare ribs falling off the bones. Hand cut perfectly cooked chips. This is simple, unfussy and flavourful food.
The owner (and chef) is so sweet and surprised us with a plate of freshly cooked pisang goreng (fried bananas) for dessert. It was a memorable lunch.
Prices – Spring rolls – 30K ringgit. Tofu stay – 45K ringgit. Pork ribs- 60k ringgit
Lihat Sawah
This is an upscale restaurant in Sideman. By upscale we mean highlighting local flavours with elevated precision. High quality ingredients prepared with consideration. Yet the vibes is that of relaxed tranquility. The venue is open air and has wonderful views looking over the hill of Sideman. In the evenings the venue becomes a more intimate dining experience without the distraction of the landscape.
You’ll find the menu consists of both western & Indonesian favours. Classics of pizza and soups sit alongside sate, nasi goreng and grilled meats. The salads menu offers some flavourful and refreshing options for those wanting a lighter style dinner. The Gado Gado is not the humble mix one expects. The salad of greens, tempe, potato, tofu, boiled eggs and the iconic peanut sauce are served in a deconstructed style. The pan fried tuna ‘tuna sambel Bongkot’ marinated in shallots, lemongrass, torched ginger and garlic oil is a flavour sensation. Whilst the ‘Rujak Dang’ with grilled marinated prawns over a mango salsa with a chilli & coriander dressing was the true standout. The dishes were simple and flavour packed.
For sweets the local speciality is Dadar Gulung – a Balinese style crepe made rice flour with pandan. A mix of shredded coconut and palm sugar wrapped in a crepe and served with classic vanilla ice cream. It’s moorish.
Prices- each of the salads were 45K ringgit and the dadar gulung was 40K ringgit.
Radah Warung
If you only visit one eatery from this food lovers guide to Sideman- make it this one. An unassuming open air restaurant that will take you by surprise. The service may be slow yet the wait is worth it. Ikan Bakar literally translates as ‘grilled fish’. However the perfectly grilled tuna steak marinated with aromatics such as lemongrass, ginger & cocnonut oil, is far more complex than its name suggests. Thinly cut vegetables, coconut, herbs and peanuts make the staple side dish ‘Lawar’. A mixed salad often used in traditional Balinese ceremonial meals. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the fish. Each mouthful feels like an ideal balance of flavours & textures.
The satay chicken sticks & the vegetarian spring rolls were also of high quality. Simple ingredients prepared with thought & care. Overall this is an unmissable meal in Sideman.
Price – Ikan Bakar- 60K ringgit. Satay Chicken sticks – 60K ringgit. Springs rolls – 35k ringl
Seeking excellent coffee- 9AM Coffee
Imagine the perfect rural island coffee shop and 9am coffee in Sideman would tick all the boxes. It’s a quiet spot off the main road with chic industrial seating made out of old oil drums. The coffee is impressive – strong, robust & satisfying, and served with local cookies on the side. The staff are very friendly and are happy to let you relax and enjoy the space quietly. Sit back and observe life in Sideman unfold before you. I.e- deliveries made, farmers tending to their fields and the sound of children playing at the locals school. It’s a family friendly spot where staff are happy for kids to hangout (and rearrange all the sugar packets!) and will even bring out their own children for a play.
Price – a cafe latte is 30K
Santi Silver Class Sidemen
Bali is famed for their jewellery craftsmanship. Sideman is home to many skilled artisans who specialise in silver. There are many shops selling the jewellery in the area. However for those with a couple of hours spare, a jewellery making workshop is a fascinating option. The Santi Silver Class offer classes in the roadship workshop. The lesson includes the a 7 gram nugget of silver and the opportunity to transform it into a piece of jwelwey of your own design. Rings, necklaces or bracelets are common choices. Melting the metal, rolling it thin and sculpting it are all steps taught during the lesson. It’s a unique hands on experience and the perfect keepsake from your time in Sideman.
Cost of 2 hour lesson & silver- 300k ringgi
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We hope this food lovers guide to Sideman will help you plan your next adventure. Sideman is a slice of paradise that will surprise & delight. The food is authentic & unforgettable. The views are enchanting. It will leave an impression.
Want to explore more parts of Bali? Check out our guide to Sanur – here!