Naughty Nuri’s is a popular chain of Balinese restaurants. There are 4 outlets in Klang Valley as well as 1 each in Penang and Johor Bahru. Today’s dinner brings us to the restaurant in Atria Shopping Gallery in Damansara.
Naughty Nuri’s started as a popular roadside stall in Bali. Founded by an American-and-Indonesian couple, the restaurant specializes in Balinese fare. Compared to the mainstream Indonesian cuisine, Balinese food differs most notably in its liberal use of pork. Indeed, pork dishes are Naughty Nuri’s strongest suits.
No visit to Naughty Nuri’s will be complete without ordering Naughty Nuri’s 1995 Signature BBQ Spare Ribs (RM48.00). The pork ribs are first marinated with a Balinese spice mix. Then, the ribs are grilled over flame while basted with a special sauce. The result is a gratifying delicacy of epic proportions. The meat is so tender is that it virtually peels off the bones.
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ Pork Chop (RM25.00) is another delicacy which brings out the best of the swine. The pork chop is also marinated with peppery spices from Bali. Barbecued to perfection, the flesh is succulent down to the bones. Thanks to a glossy coating of honey, the pork chop carries a noticeable hint of sweetness.
As for poultry, Balinese Ayam Bertutu (RM35.00) is guaranteed to tantalize the taste buds. Bertutu is a Balinese spice mix which prepared from a mortar and pestle. The braised chicken is served with caramelized onion rice on the side. Meanwhile, acar awak (spicy vegetable pickle), sambal hijau (green sauce) and sambal dadakan (chili paste) serve as condiments.
Sukawati Inspired Red Curry Rendang Bebek (RM42.00) is another spicy dish that uses duck instead. “Bebek” is the Indonesian term for “duck”. The duck’s flesh is arguably more flavorful than the chicken’s, but I think this is just a matter of personal preference. Like the previous dish, the duck goes well with and acar awak, sambal hijau and sambal dadakan.
Indonesian Style Nasi Goreng (RM23.00) is not a dish to be trifled. The rice is stir-fried with fiery aroma à la Balinese style. The presence of juicy roasted pork makes the rice even more enticing to the palate. The fried rice is topped with a fried egg and crispy prawn crackers.
I cannot commend Naughty Nuri’s BBQ Satay Lilit (RM26.00) highly enough. Satay Lilit (“lilit” means “wrap”) is made from minced pork marinated with Balinese spices. The pork is wound around lemongrass stalks and grilled over flame. Bursting with lovely flavors, every bite of pork is extremely gratifying.
As for drinks, Lemongrass Ginger Fizz is available by the glass (RM11.00) or the jug (RM28.80). This non-alcohol drink is not really fizzy because we opted for the warm version. The drink helps to cleanse the palate between dishes. A lemongrass stalk serves as the stirrer.
Naughty Nuri’s caters to drinking crowd, as evidenced by a well-stocked bar that serves mojitos, martinis and sangria. Unfortunately, we are unable to try these drinks this round. According to the friendly staff, Naughty Nuri’s also serves all-you-can-eat buffet lunch (11:00am-3:00pm) on Sundays.
Address: G25, Atria Shopping Gallery, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 012-446-6679
Business hours: 11:00am-11:00pm