Who Knew? This Indian Restaurant in Bali Serving Flavors Just Like Home

A portion of butter chicken has just been served on my table. The aroma is rich and comforting, filling the warm afternoon air. I’m having lunch at an Indian restaurant in Bali, Chai of the Tiger. It’s located on Jalan Sukma, not far from the famous Sacred Monkey Forest.

This time, my family and I are lucky to travel to Bali. For years, the island has been our dream destination. Among so many beautiful areas, I chose Ubud as our main stop. Its calm energy, surrounded by nature and culture, feels peaceful and grounding. It’s the kind of place that makes me want to slow down and enjoy life.

During our stay, we explored some of Ubud’s most beautiful spots. We walked along the lush Campuhan Ridge Walk, visited the Ubud Palace, and cooled off at the serene Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

Of course, we couldn’t skip one of Ubud’s most famous icons, the Sacred Monkey Forest. My little one was thrilled to see the monkeys up close. But I was a bit worried because some of them were quite aggressive, so I kept a close eye and made sure we didn’t get too near.

After visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, I decided to take a walk along Jalan Sukma. The street felt lively yet calm, lined with boutique guesthouses, cozy cafes, and small local shops. Among the many places offering food in Ubud, one Indian restaurant in Bali instantly caught my eye. A crowd was laughing and chatting with such excitement that it felt impossible to walk past. Curious, I stepped closer and realized something fun was happening inside.

The place turned out to be Chai of the Tiger. It's a vibrant Indian restaurant in Bali that blends authentic Indian street food with a Balinese touch. The restaurant often becomes a hub for travelers from around the world. And today, it hosted a lively event called Bahasa Bounce.

One of the spots at Chai of the Tiger Restaurant - Source Instagram @chaiofthetigerbali

Locals and foreigners sat together, switching languages with every sentence. Indonesians spoke English, and visitors tried their best in Bahasa Indonesia. I joined one table, and before long, we were laughing over pronunciation mishaps, sharing stories, and enjoying the playful chaos that made the whole evening unforgettable.

I stepped into this Indian restaurant in Bali not only to join the fun event but also to finally try authentic Indian food. My tablemate, Lucas from France, recommended that I should try the Butter Chicken. He said it’s a homemade favorite that guests at this restaurant can’t get enough of. Hearing that, I knew I had to try it myself.

The first bite completely surprised me in the best way. The chicken was tender and juicy, wrapped in a sauce that felt both rich and familiar. It started creamy and mild, then slowly revealed layers of warm spice, tangy tomato, and a hint of nuttiness that reminded me of a comforting home-cooked meal. Each flavor blended perfectly, creating something bold yet soothing at the same time.

Every spoonful made me pause, as if I had tasted something I already knew but had been missing for a while. This Indian restaurant in Bali captures that rare feeling of food that tastes just like home, even when I am far away.