I have done some quick research before coming to Canggu, Bali this time round because the last time I was here was 1.5 years ago and I know a lot of new places have opened up (and old ones have shut). Meimei was on my radar to check out as the 1-year old sister restaurant of another popular restaurant Yuki so I made a booking on Xmas eve this year. Going in, the place was buzzy, dark but well-ventilated despite the gigantic open kitchen on the right side where the BBQ action was happening.
I had to wait a tiny bit for my table so I sat at the bar and got a cocktail. I like the Asian twist on cocktails, even if all the alcohol's been pre-made.
I got the Tomat dry martini (170k IDR) made with gin, tomato & bell pepper brine, vermouth. It was the right call because it was refreshing with a hint of tomato tartness to whet my appetite for dinner. It wasn't too sweet or syrupy.
Here's the ala carte menu. If you are here as a pair you get to try the Chef's Menu but since I am solo, ala carte it is. Actually the floor manager was so friendly and he made all the best dishes recommendations so I didn't feel like I was missing out. Prices were also decent for a lot of the raw seafood.
I first started with the handpicked Papaun crab "opor" on toast (IDR 85k) which was probably my favourite dish of the night. The crab flavour was so delicate from the spices used and was perfect on the toast. 5/5
Next was another stellar recommendation, the squid with tamarind butter sate skewer (IDR 85k). It was the right size and the chilli oil mixed with the slightly acidic tamarind butter mixed with the juicy and soft squid was a great combination. Who knew squid could taste so good?? 5/5
Next was the Beef carpaccio kilawin baka, shallot, chilli, citrus, puff tendon (IDR 170k) which was the weakest of the lot I think. Should have skipped it and gone for another skewer, maybe. Nothing offensive, just a bit too tart with the citrus that the natural beef flavour was covered up. 3/5
For my mains, I was glad the Filet "line caught fish", Jimbaran butter, sambal matah (IDR 300k) was suggested. I think it is a red snapper. Regardless, the thin layer of sambal matah sauce below went so well with the clean taste of the super fresh fish. It wasn't overwhelming either despite being very similar to the sambal stingray combi we have in Singapore. There was just enough. The star of the show was the fresh fish with that gorgeous charred skin that showed off the skill of the chefs. 5/5
I was quite full mostly due to the fish, but still decided to order a dessert. It was Xmas eve after all! I had their sticky ginger pudding, tamarind caramel with vanilla ice cream (IDR 100k) which was a bestseller. To be honest, it was not as indulgent as I'd imagine because they have used ginger and the tamarind was a bit too sour in the caramel. The vanilla ice cream was the best quality though, you could see all the vanilla bean bits. 3/5
I also got to try their mango sorbet with passion fruit, coconut yogurt & mint (IDR 95k) with compliments from the chef and I have to say, this actually beats the sticky ginger pudding. It was tropical, it was rich and refreshing and the perfect ending to a great meal. I really appreciate the freebie! 5/5
Overall there were more hits than misses at meimei and I left feeling satisfied. It wasn't just the food either - the service was warm and friendly without overly selling. The phrase that comes to mind is "just the right touch". The spices were not overpowering, the salt was measured and the warmth was like a hug from a friend. I would recommend the restaurant and would love to try their organic chicken next time with more friends!
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Meimei | Southeast Asian Barbeque
87 Jln. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali 80361
Daily 5pm to 2am
Reserve on Google
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