A Balinese Culinary Showcase At Alila Diwa, Goa

When one hears of a land filled with pristine beaches, enticing waves for a surfer, exotic food produce and lovely locals, Bali comes to the mind. A land that seems to have a magnet at its very heart − it is a feeling that is difficult to understand unless visited and experienced once, you are surely compelled to come back and you may even want to stay forever, such is its pull. Maybe it is the beauty, maybe the friendly people, or even the influence from spirits that certainly abide in this place. A land that is called by many names − some call it the island of gods, while others Shangri-La. The last paradise, the dawning of the world and the center of the universe are yet more names for this truly beautiful tropical island inhabited by remarkably artistic people who have created a dynamic society with a unique art form and ceremonies. Alila Diwa, Goa decided to bring the authenticity of this rich cuisine through Chef Eko Purjiono from Alila Villas, Uluwatu. The Executive Sous Chef brings to Goa, a list of Balinese culinary secrets and will showcase authentic Balinese cuisine from 12th to 22nd January, 2017 at Alila Diwa, Goa. 

An option of À la carte, buffet menu and a set 4 course menu is available at Vivo and Bistro, their award winning restaurants. These restaurants will have some of the local dishes from the menus put together by him such as lawar udang (green papaya salad with prawn), a simple yet flavourful dish, Bali’s famous ayam betutu – steamed chicken cooked in a delicious blend of sweet and spice mix along with many others.

Chef Eko will display his love for the richly spiced flavours of the Balinese cuisine, combined with the sweet essence, unique to his hometown of Klaten, Central Java. His preparations are filled with the flavours of lemon grass and kaffir lime, red chillies, creamy coconut and mild garlic. The aroma of this flavoursome cuisine transcends one on a journey through the culinary heritage of the island. An affable gent, his culinary journey has taken him from Java to the bustling streets of Jakarta and the paradise island of Bali, where he has worked with Alila Villas Uluwatu since 2009. Experienced in many varieties of Indonesian cuisine, he began to master the traditional flavours of Bali after marrying his beautiful Balinese wife. Ever excited to be present here for this Goan showcase festival, he quips in a tete-e-tete ‘Spiciness, sweetness and passion are the keys to being a chef. The rich spices of Balinese cuisine represent me as a chef and I am waiting to share with one and all, the unique flavours of Bali and its culture.’

A unique mix of tranquility and culinary sustenance awaits guests from all over. We are also told that the entire Bali experience lies in a relaxing Balinese massage right before the meal at the Spa Alila.