We were exploring Pondok Indah Mall as such we decided to have dinner there too. There were a few choices of interest but we thought Bebek Tepi Sawah is the most attractive among the few others that we narrowed down. And I later realized that they have an outlet in Singapore at CHIJMES too.
For those who know Bahasa would know that the restaurant is serving duck, since Bebek means duck. The first Bebek restaurant I tried in Indonesia was Bebek Bengil At Gandaria City Mall. Naturally, I tend to make the comparison to my previous experience.
Bebek Tepi Sawah at Pondok Indah is relatively huge. Surprisingly, relatively empty at dinner time too. In the restaurant, there are lots of Balinese painting on the wall and various accessories are place strategically to create the Bali feel in the restaurant.
Marinated fish meat on skewer and a red sambal dip is the Sate Lilit Bali (IDR 65k). The texture is in between otah and fishball. For those who don’t hold their spice well, no worry, as it isn’t spicy eating the skewer on its own.
Next, was the highlight at Bebek Tepei Sawah; the duck. Interestingly, there are only 2 duck dishes as Mains, first is the Bebek Asap Tepi Sawah (IDR 97.5k) and the second is the Bebek Betutu (IDR 102k). We ordered the latter. According to the menu, this is one of the all-time favourite dishes in Bali. First, stuff the duck with banana leaf and traditional Balinese spices then grilled to perfection. Due to the spices, the duck is tasty. But somehow, we thought, the texture would be augmented if the skin is crispy.
Instead of having 2 duck dishes, we chose a chicken dish, the Ayam Betutu (IDR 85k). Comparatively, we found the chicken fare so much better than the duck. The chicken was braised with a sweet sauce. It was extremely appetizing. Even though, like the duck, it is not crispy, somehow, it suited the overall taste profile.
Likewise at Bebek Tepi Sawah, a few sambal are provided for diners.
We ordered a Lemongrass (IDR 35k) which has a nice lemongrass scent but sweetness was overwhelmed. The other drink was the Coco Range (IDR 40k), a mixture of coconut water and orange juice.
Ending the meal with a traditional dessert, Es Jembrana (IDR 35k). This is more of a blended coconut milk drink than a dessert. Blended together with cassava tapai and syrup, finally topped with grass jelly and coconut before serving. I like the combination but due to some colouring added, an artificial flavour is savour which I detest.
NAHMJ Verdict
Overall, I find Bebek Tepi Sawah fare better than Bebek Bengil in terms of taste and quality, though my dinning partner thinks otherwise. So I suppose, it is about preference and familiarity in flavour.
Bebek Tepi Sawah
Restaurant Row 3rd Floor Unit 333-334A, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah Blok 3B, Pondok Indah 12310
Tel: +62 21 7592 0667
Website: http://www.bebektepisawahrestaurant.com/
Opening Hours
Daily 1000 to 2200
Getting There
By Taxi or Car
Rating: 7/10
