At the western tip of Bali Island, in the small port town of Gilimanuk, lies a legendary eatery that has become a must-visit culinary destination for decades: Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh 1978.
Established in 1978, this humble restaurant is widely known among locals and travelers alike for its authentic and spicy ayam betutu—a traditional Balinese dish rich in herbs and spices.
Conveniently located on Jalan Rajawali, just 500 meters from Gilimanuk Harbor, it takes only about 5–10 minutes by vehicle to reach this culinary gem.
The access is smooth, with ample parking available for private cars and tour buses.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by a traditional Balinese ambiance.
The interior showcases authentic local decor, including a prominent portrait of the founder, Ni Wayan Tempeh, displayed on the wall as a tribute to the woman who started it all.
The spacious dining area can accommodate hundreds of guests, making it ideal for family meals or large groups. Supporting facilities such as a clean prayer room (musala) and a tidy dining environment enhance the overall experience.
The star of the menu is, of course, ayam betutu, cooked in Bali’s signature base genep spice mix that delivers a bold and complex flavor with a spicy kick.
The dish comes in various portion sizes, from individual servings priced at IDR 40,000, to portions for two people at IDR 80,000, and a full family-size chicken for IDR 155,000.
A frozen version is also available for takeaway at IDR 120,000. Each portion is typically served with sambal matah (raw shallot chili relish), plecing kangkung (water spinach with spicy sambal), fried peanuts, tofu, tempeh, and occasionally sate lilit or chicken liver and gizzard.
The chicken is tender, flavorful, and marinated to the bone, making it a favorite that keeps customers coming back.
The restaurant operates daily from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM local time. It tends to get crowded during lunch hours, so visiting earlier or later in the afternoon is recommended to avoid long queues.
One of Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh’s main strengths is its consistent flavor, preserved for decades, along with the use of young free-range chicken, which gives the meat a soft yet firm texture.
For travelers coming from Denpasar, the drive to Gilimanuk takes about 3–4 hours. Though the journey may be long, it’s well worth the effort for a truly satisfying taste of one of Bali’s most iconic traditional dishes.
Ayam Betutu Men Tempeh stands as a culinary legend in West Bali—one that continues to be remembered and craved by all who’ve tried it. (BT)
