If you’ve by chance read my review on Bali’s Sate Plecing Arjuna, then you may have picked up the fact that I’m a bit apprehensive when it comes to Sate Babi (pork satay). Thus it should come as no surprise that I’ve placed Sate Babi Bawah Pohon around the bottom of my list of eateries to try out – especially with an unappealing name like that. However, duty comes first, so during our second visit to the Island of the Gods, I unenthusiastically paid a visit to the place, accompanied by the managing director of Good Indonesian Food.

Located in the parking area of Gelora Tri Sakti in Legian, its name is derived from the fact that it is actually situated under a giant tree. Sate Babi Bawah Pohon has been around for more than 25 years, and despite its pork-related moniker, it was previously renowned for its sea turtle satay before the animal became endangered. Nowadays it focuses only on satays of the pork kind.

Served with tipat (rice cake), salt, and raw chilli, its Sate Babi are dished out dry, however its revealed a sweet-and-spicy sauce that pleased my taste buds no end. Its tender meat left a lasting impression on our managing director, who waxed lyrical about the satay long after our meal. Surprisingly, it also moved me to the point where I was agreeing with her every word – it definitely was the best pork satay I’ve ever tasted in my entire life.

Jl. Patih Jelantik,
Parkir Gelora Tri Sakti, Legian, Bali
Open daily from 9am-5pm
Price: Rp.20,000/US$1.50 per portion