Ni Luh Putu Tanya Dellani Novitasari has been a prominent figure in Bali’s food scene for the past six years, passionately creating content about local dining experiences long before it became a widespread trend.
Her dedication to exploring and showcasing Bali’s diverse culinary landscape shines through in her collaborations with restaurants and cafes, allowing her to savor new flavors and dishes.
She observes how migration and technology have transformed food practices, bringing global cuisines to Bali and influencing local traditions. For example, authentic Italian and Chinese dishes have become common in Bali, reflecting the broader impacts of globalization on local food culture.
Despite these changes, global culinary influences often enrich local traditions by introducing new ingredients and techniques, though they also present challenges to maintaining cultural authenticity.
Her personal culinary journey took an exciting turn this year when she discovered a love for Indian cuisine, thanks to a memorable experience with her boyfriend.
Ni Luh Putu Tanya Dellani remains fascinated by how modern techniques can coexist with traditional methods, aiming to preserve culinary heritage while embracing innovation.
Her top five recommended dining spots in Bali reflect her diverse taste, from Indian Tandoor and Vagabondo Bali to Muda By/Suka, ShiShi Restaurant, and the must-try local specialty, Babi Guling.
When did you started your journey as an Food blogger
I started creating content related to food and restaurant in Bali since 6 years ago. I find my passion in creating content and social media before it becomes a big thing like now. Collaborating with restaurants and cafes is my favorite as I can try new things and new flavours in each dishes.
How do historical events shape the evolution of food practices and culinary traditions
It’s interesting to see how migration and technological advancements played a key role in shaping food practices and culinary traditions.
As Bali is a tourism place where people either come for holiday or choose it as a home by moving and living here, it creates and introduced new food traditions to different parts of the world, influencing local culinary practices.
For example, authentic Italian food is now so easy to find in Bali or Chinese brought dishes like dim sum and stir-frying.
Contemporary food practices also evolved due to modern globalization, where technology and transportation have made it easier for ingredients and cuisines to travel the world, from other part of the world to Bali.
How do global culinary exchanges impact local food traditions and identity
Global culinary in positive way impat local food traditions and identity by introducing new ingredients, flavors, and techniques, which can enrich local cuisines.
It gives access to global cuisines allows people to experience a broader variety of foods, leading to more diverse dining experiences even in local communities. Even if it pose challenges to cultural authenticity and identity, local traditions often find ways to adapt, evolve, and preserve their unique identity within a globalized food landscape.
For example, Chinese noodles that used to have rich flavours with Chinese tradition and when it brought to Bali, it’s adapted to the local flavour which a lot more spicy.
Your favourite food you always wanted to have
This year my boyfriend made me to try Indian food which is my first time trying Indian food and I am so amazed by how good it is. He ordered me beef curry and cheese naan to try and I was surprised by how good the taste.
I tried it in one famous Indian restaurant in Bali and Indian food easily become my favorite food now. I am hoping for the opportunity to experience the authentic flavour in India one day.
How do you see the role of traditional culinary techniques evolving in the face of modern culinary innovations?
It’s fascinating to see how chefs are integrating modern techniques while respecting traditional methods, perhaps making dishes healthier, more sustainable, or quicker to prepare. However, it’s still important to preserve culinary heritage while embracing innovation, maintaining the essence of a culture’s food traditions even as they evolve.
Top 5 places in Bali food Delicious food?
My top 5 places in Bali for delicious food are
• Indian Tandoor with it’s rich flavour and memorable experience for me as it’s my first Indian food with my favorite person (my boyfriend)
• Vagabondo Bali for modern greek cuisine in Bali with it’s unique taste but so flavourful
• Muda By/Suka for Asian cuisine that is acceptable for many people
• ShiShi Restaurant for Pan-Asian culinary experience as they offer a classic Asian favourites with a modern twist inspired Chinese dishes, paired with Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines
• Babi Guling (Suckling Pig) is a local Bali food everyone must try when coming to Bali.
