Probably the Best Ribs in the World

I’m just back from a week chilling in my fave place in the world – Bali. We decided to mix things up a bit this time and actually spend a few days in Ubud, instead of just being ‘fabulous’ in Seminyak (of course we saved some time for that too…)

One of the reasons to head to Ubud was, obviously, to check out the renowned eateries in the area – and top of my list was Naughty Nuri’s. This roadside warung has built itself a reputation over the years for serving mean martinis – and succulent barbecue ribs. A strange combination, I agree – but one I wasn’t going to miss out on.

We were lucky to find ourselves a table as soon as we arrived, as within just a few minutes people were bunching around the tables waiting for a space. The first thing we did was order a martini of course – they were out of vodka, so it was two Gin Martinis with an Olive, shaken vigorously at our table and generously poured out into chilled glasses.



Now this was a powerful potion – it took us way longer than it should have done to finish it. But well deserving of its reputation (it has been named ‘Best Martini in Bali’ by Hello Bali mag).



Once we were feeling nicely warmed from our cocktails (don’t you just love the way a martini warms you from the toes up…), we went and checked out the barbecue. Naughty Nuri’s barbecue is set up on the street – as basic as you like.



But there is nothing basic about the flavour of the food coming off it. The ribs had been marinated in a sticky sweet sauce, and the meat was falling off the bones and mouth-meltingly succulent. Oh my goodness – I just know these ribs will be in my dreams years from now.



We also spied a burger on a neighbouring table which looked hugely promising so we ordered one of these to share too. Unfortunately it just didn’t live up to its looks – bland and uninteresting, definitely one to avoid.



The Chicken Satays however were an honourable accompaniment, tender and juicy and beautifully marinaded.

But at the end of the day, it’s all about those ribs. If this were a Carlsberg commercial, it would go something like this: Naughty Nuri’s – probably the best barbecue ribs in the world.