COCONUTS HOT SPOT — We just may have taken Cinta Grill in Ubud for granted all these years. The grill-cafe has always been there, a solid presence on Jl. Monkey Forest. We might even have subconsciously chose to overlook it in our search for the most authentic Balinese cuisine, or the latest vegan restaurant everyone seems to swear by nowadays. Because the place seemed too polished, too Westernized.
But as we’ve learned from the recent blue-black/white-gold dress debate, our brains play funny tricks on us. In this case, the key to unravel the trick is to let your taste buds tell you like it is.
It’s ironic how quickly we had dismissed Cinta Grill by the very things they do right. A comfortable and spacious dining area, a friendly and knowledgeable crew, excellent live music, and a 2-for-1 flavored mojitos happy hour promotion. Seriously, what’s not to love? Yet somehow they made our jaded brains label Cinta as another oversized touristy establishment and gave it a wide berth.
This photo of Cinta Grill and Inn is courtesy of TripAdvisor
When asked about the best pork ribs in Ubud, most people will point you the other way (you know the one, that other place which name makes you think of a misbehaving bird). Not to say that most people are gravely mistaken. I’m simply urging you to not so quickly join the chorus before you have a slab of succulent baby back ribs at Cinta Grill.
Opt for the creamy basil mashed potatoes and grilled veggies out of the variety of side dishes while you’re at it. And ask for double serving of the tasty sambal. Barbecue sauce, basil, and sambal – really? The combination might sound chaotic, but it’s one beautiful mess that you simply have to taste to believe.
It’s no wonder the Eat, Pray, Love movie crew adored the food here at Cinta Grill. We know it goes beyond cheesy to mention the movie when writing about anything Ubud-related, but hey… for once it’s not about Ms. Roberts or her dress (remember how Ubud street-vendors immediately started selling look-a-like versions of the dress Roberts wore in the film?).
This photo of Cinta Grill and Inn is courtesy of TripAdvisor
FIND IT
Cinta Grill
Jl.Monkey Forest – Ubud
7am to midnight
+62 361 975395
Photo at the top: TripAdvisor
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