Warung Pondok Madu in Bali, Indonesia

My first introduction to Balinese cuisine should have been at Warung Pondok Madu instead of an airport cafe version of Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice). Touted as the best bbq local pork ribs in Ubud, it certainly does not disappoint. The pork is well balanced with savory and sweet and smokiness, marinated with great care and falling apart from the bone. The way I gush about this pork is sincere, given that barbecue meat is not a favorite meal of mine. On their website, it says that Sri, the owner, and her husband Ketut, opened the warung in 2016. A warung (shop) means a small family owned business, usually a small restaurant or café in Indonesia. We had a shrimp appetizer and fried rice and the sticky rice mango dessert. With traditional foods, some western food, and an extensive menu, you can’t go wrong here. There are also vegetarian and vegan options.