Bakmi is Indonesian soul food at its finest — and one dish you simply shouldn't leave Bali without trying.
"Mi" means noodles, and bakmi is served soupless — tossed in savory sauce, much like a Japanese mazesoba. It's approachable, flavorful, and surprisingly familiar to Japanese palates.
Today I'm taking you to Noodle Bar by Bakmie Rantang Ayam Rebus — a great little find tucked away in Kerobokan.
And just two minutes on foot, the café BlackRock Reserve makes for a perfect post-meal coffee stop.
Quick, satisfying, and full of flavor — bakmi is the ideal Bali lunch.
Let’s dive in!
This article is perfect for those who:
・You want to eat like a local without overthinking it.
・You're a noodle lover curious about the soupless, tossed style.
・You're looking for a solid lunch spot in the Kerobokan area.
・You love the idea of lingering over great coffee right after a good meal.
＼📍 Staying in Kerobokan?／
TOC
📍 Getting There: Location & Access
Noodle Bar by Bakmie Rantang Ayam Rebus is located in Kerobokan, about 50 minutes by car from the airport.
The surrounding area still has working rice fields, dotted with breezy open-air cafés and coffee shops beloved by locals — a slice of unhurried Bali that feels refreshingly off the tourist trail.
Casual, Colorful & Easy to Walk Into
Known simply as Rantang, the place has a fun, pop-art Chinese café vibe — casual enough that you'll feel at home the moment you walk in.
The ground floor features an open kitchen — always a good sign. The two-story space offers outdoor terrace seating as well as indoor tables on both floors.
The interior is wonderfully bright and pop. It's a local eatery at heart, but the stylish, spotlessly clean interior makes it welcoming for anyone — no hesitation needed.
Upstairs The second floor has a cozy, attic-like feel — tables are a little close together, but the relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfectly comfortable spot for solo diners.
🐱 The Secret to Their Success?
An army of lucky cats. Every single one has a motorized waving paw — and when there are this many of them all moving in unison, it tips from charming into genuinely hilarious. Apparently it's the owner's personal obsession. Can't argue with the results. 😄
🍜 Umami-Packed: The Bakmi at Noodle Bar
Beyond bakmi, the menu also features fried rice and dumplings — plenty of reasons to come back. Two styles of bakmi are on offer here, and I tried both —
so let me walk you through each.
▼ Bakmi Asin
Bakmi Asin Original — IDR 40,000 The noodles here are their natural pale color, served alongside a separate broth. They're lightly seasoned with a delicate saltiness — clean and simple.
▼ Bakmi Yamien
Bakmi Yamien Original — IDR 42,000 The noodles here are a deeper, brownish color — pre-tossed in oil and seasoning, giving them a richer, more savory base right from the start.
Both versions come with the same toppings and broth — the real difference is all in the noodle seasoning itself.
How to Eat Bakmi Like a Local
STEP
Add just a splash of broth
The clear broth that comes with your bakmi is light and clean — like a refined chicken stock with a subtle depth that sneaks up on you.
Pour just one or two spoonfuls over the noodles to loosen them up and make them easier to toss.
Sip the rest of the broth between bites as a gentle palate cleanser.
Whatever you do — don't pour it all in at once. Diluting the noodles waters down the flavor and defeats the whole point of the dish.
STEP
Toss everything together
This is a tossed noodle dish, so mix the toppings and noodles together thoroughly before your first bite — trust me, it makes all the difference.
The steamed chicken on top was a real standout — tender, flavorful, and the perfect partner to the noodles.
STEP
Customize with condiments
On the table: pickled chili vinegar, sambal, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) — left to right.
Start with the pickled chili vinegar — add just a little at first and taste as you go.
The acidity is surprisingly gentle, giving a bright, refreshing lift without overpowering the dish.
Next up: sambal.
For me, the sambal addition was the winning combination — it brought everything to life. Highly recommend. 🌶️
The drinks menu includes beer and various juices, but I went for an iced tea — no sugar, to keep things light and refreshing.
Quick heads-up: at local warungs and eateries, iced tea is typically served sweet by default. Always ask for "no sugar" if you prefer it unsweetened.
☕ The Perfect Post-Lunch Stop: BlackRock Reserve
Name BlackRock Reserve Map Google Map Bussiness Hours 7：00〜23：00
The neighborhood around Noodle Bar is dotted with great cafés — so do yourself a favor and build in some coffee time after your meal.
The iced coffee here is smooth and clean-finishing — made with beans sourced from Kintamani, Bali's celebrated highland coffee region.
A thoughtful touch: they use plant-based eco straws. ♻️
Summary
What do you think?
Bakmi is a different beast from mie goreng — quieter, more soulful, and well worth exploring on its own terms.
If you haven't tried it yet, now's the time. 🍜
Information
Area Kerobokan Name Noodle Bar by Bakmie Rantang Ayam Rebus Map Google Map Bussiness Hours 9：00〜0：00 Pro Tip The menu also shines beyond noodles — dumplings, crispy fried wontons, and other snackable sides make this a great spot to graze.
＼📍 Staying in Kerobokan?／
More Local Food Finds in Bali
・The Resident's Edit: Bali Restaurants Worth Visiting Again and Again
・Spicy, Addictive & Iconic: What Is Warung Cahaya's Babi Sambal Matah?
・Hidden in Seminyak: A Secret Sunset Spot with the Best Nasi Campur in Town
Go explore — and eat well. 🌴
YUKI
