Full of the kind of charm that some say is fast disappearing from the ‘new Bali’, Poppies is a cosy throwback to the kind of Kuta restaurant that I remember from my first trips to Bali well over a decade ago. In fact, Poppies opened way back in 1973 when there were still coconut groves separating Kuta and Legian, and is pretty much the reason Poppies Lane is called Poppies Lane.
Step through the almost hidden doorway up the top of Poppies 1 and settle into the laidback old-style ambience. Solid wooden chairs and antique furnishings are scattered throughout the garden, and compliment the tastefully old-fashioned décor. Numerous ponds and fountains provide a calming air, while friendly waiters walk to and fro along the interconnecting pathways between tables – it really is a little oasis of tranquility amidst the bustle of Kuta.
Open all day, Poppies boasts an all-encompassing menu that takes in breakfast, lunch and dinner. Anyone familiar with Kuta institution Kopi Pot will feel right at home here, with a continental style menu of both Indonesian and International fare that has been perfected by longtime chef Agung, who divides his time between Poppies and Kopi Pot.
Although it’s been a verrrry long time since I last visited Poppies, the welcoming smiles of the staff and nostalgic familiarity of an ‘old school’ Bali eatery instantly grasps me. A friend and I grab a spot in the garden bale and quickly order up a couple of refreshing Poppies Fruit Punches (38k++) happy to be enjoying the almost retro vibe.We get stuck right into a plate of the excellent Greek Salad (69k++), that incorporates succulent black olives, crumbly feta and crunchy peppers doused in a classic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a perfectly simple, perfectly satisfying appetizer, and gets the thumbs up all round. For the mains, I tuck into the Grilled Mahi Mahi (92k++), which is done to perfection and served with parsley potatoes, fresh baby vegetables and a superb orange & cardamom sauce. The flavours are perfectly balanced and it’s impossible to fault, although I do feel a mild twinge of food envy when my friend’s Shish Kebab (112k++) arrives. Served on three skewers atop a traditional sate mini barbeque, the lamb is a tender as it gets. A side of sultana rice, salad and tandoori sauce adds the final touches.
Plates duly scraped clean, and we decide to split a portion of the enormous Panna Cotta (39k++) to finish up on a sweet note. We’re not disappointed – as far as pannacottas go, this one is pretty much as good as it gets. A couple of Chocolate Milkshakes (33k++) completes the picture, and we both leave feeling rather chuffed to have rediscovered this classic Kuta treasure.
Dan Ashcroft
Poppies Restaurant
Poppies Lane 1
T. 751059
www.poppiesbali.com
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