With its unassuming front, you might walk by Downtown Miami Indonesian restaurant Bali Cafe without even realizing it. But follow your GPS’ directions carefully, delight in a lunch or dinner there, and you’ll be happy you did. I’ve been here so many times, it’s become one of my go-tos in Miami for food that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
A Soup Lover’s Dream
If you haven’t tried Indonesian food before, I recommend my favorite dish– Soto Betawi (beef simmered in a spicy coconut milk broth). It’s flavorful, and served with steamed white rice, tomatoes, fried potatoes, and Indonesian-style crackers on top. The beef is tender and comes apart so easily. This is a soup lover’s dream.
Get the Salad!
Note that a lot of main courses are served with miso soup or salad. I’m not a miso fan, so I always go with their salad, which is the BEST. It’s made with oranges, tomatoes, shredded beets and carrots, lettuce and black sesame topped with their signature orange sesame dressing.
A R-eel-y Good Dish
If you’ve tried unagi (eel sushi), then you’ll love Belut Bumbu Kecap (barbecued eel with a thick, sweet garlic soy sauce). The eel is placed on top of a mountain of rice, with broccoli, bok choy and cabbage hidden underneath.
I’ve tried one of the Indonesian national dishes–Rendang Sapi–(shredded beef marinated in spicy coconut milk and lemongrass), Chicken Lumpia (like Chinese egg rolls, but bigger and served with soy and peanut sauce), and Udang Bumbu Kecap (barbecued shrimp with a thick, sweet garlic soy sauce). They have a vast selection of sushi and poké, as well, if you’re in the mood for that. I’m excited to taste other dishes, too.
The Wind-Down
The place is small and decorated all over with Indonesian art and statues of dragons. Enjoy a delicious meal served by the all-Indonesian staff, at their outside table, one of six inside tables, or if there’s space, slide into one of the two corner nooks and cuddle up with your sweetheart.
Where to find Bali Cafe
Bali Cafe
109 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 358-5751
https://balicafemiami.com