Rwa Bhineda
Rwa Bhineda is a collaboration between Iwak Arumery and Belmond Jimbaran Puri.
Think Ying and Yang, conflicting elements, the endless battles between two polar opposites, responsible for the tension we witness every day in life.
In the world where one destroys the other, Bali offers a refreshing perspective- one that challenges the popular consensus heavily influenced by the western philosophy.
Rooted in Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese philosophy which seeks the harmony between Gods and men, the unity among men, and the harmony between men and nature, Rwa Bhineda proposes the harmony between two irreconcilable forces.
Today’s five courses are a paradox on a plate, Rwa Bhineda in a symphony of flavors- created with elements from the mountains and the sea, savoured in a personal moment of contemplation in a communal dinner while watching the day turning into night. Today’s dinner is an exploration into the mind of the Balinese, forged for hundreds of years shrouded in a seas of symbols spread around the island, making Bali a land like none other.
Se
Tum Bebek
Minced duck mebase sune cekuh steamed in banana leaf with sambal embe
Known as a delicacy in the west, Ducks hold a philosophical meaning for Balinese. Ducks’ feathers remain clean despite the waters they swim on, a reminder for the Balinese to live a pure and holy life in the midst of the challenging world we all live in. Balinese believe that ducks know how to pick their food. Eating only the clean food while discarding the dirty, Ducks have been dubbed as the symbol of wisdom by the Balinese, making them the star in many religious ceremonies.
Paired with Galang Kangin.
Due
Sate Languan
Minced baby tuna satay on sugarcane stick with sambal bongkot
Balinese do Satay with a twist, a philosophical one at that. Unlike the rest of the world, Balinese minced their meat, blend it with a scrumptious blend of spices before kneading the mixture around a sugarcane stick- leaving some concentric marks on the Sate. The Balinese call this process ‘lilit’, literally means to twist or to coil, this process of blending different spices and flavors represents the Balinese’ desire for unity in their family. This is why in their ceremonies; Balinese families prepare their meal together one day ahead while making Sate as one of those must-have dishes in these gatherings.
Paired with Mojito De Ladro.
Telu
Jukut Undis Be Pasih
Locally grown black beans seafood soup with spinach, chayote and crispy shallot
This is the type of home-cooked meal the Balinese saved for their special occasions. Considered luxurious due to the rarity of its main ingredients, black beans, this elusive dish is no longer known by the younger Balinese- thus slowly disappearing from the Balinese culture. This dish represents our dream to revive our lost cultures, preserving and promoting the traditions that make us who we are today.
Paired with Bukit Merita.
Pat
Be Celeng Base Genep
Slow cooked pork belly in base genep served with sweet potato rice lawar gedang and base genep sauce
It’s not just your ordinary pork dish, Be Celeng Base Genep is made from the species Sus vittatus, the Indonesian-bred, black-colored pig which is believed to be the cross between a local East Balinese species with the Southern Chinese species.
Paired with Awatara.
Lime
Jaje Bali
Godoh Nangke – Ripe jackfruit fritters. Bubuh Injin–Glutinous rice pudding. Klepon–Rice flour balls filled with palm sugar.
There’s always room for desserts, this is particularly true for Indonesians. This course is served by Balinese at any time of the day- as a sign of hospitality. Jackfruits grow in dry fields, while rice in wet fields. This is a reminder for us that life can be sweet no matter the situation we are in. The rounded shape of Klepon is a symbol of life’s impermanence- whispering a clear message from our ancestors that ‘this too shall pass.’ This dish represents our prayer for a pleasant, contemplative and enlightening dinner that you may remember for a lifetime.
Paired with Segara Gunung.
What is Iwak Arumery?
Iwak Arumery is the true Indonesian spirit, gifted to those esteemed delegates of the G20 nations.
Made from a blend of 3 different types of double-distilled pure palm saps, each bottle of Iwak is then infused with a blend of exotic fruits and spices- taking 1.5 years to make before being sent to connoisseurs like you.
Learn more about the exotic palm-based spirit, Iwak Arumery, and some cocktail recipes you can try at home.