Ubud's dirty duck rice is a must-try, but are this place's rice paddies more fragrant than the duck?
qponx
2026-02-01
Escape to an Ubud eatery famous for its incredible rice paddy setting. Settle into a private gazebo and savor the signature Crispy Duck, known for its perfectly crunchy skin. While the stunning view is the main star, the refreshing Es Podeng dessert is a delightful surprise. This article weighs the unique ambiance against the high prices and potential pitfalls, helping you decide if this iconic Bali dining experience is right for you.
Seriously, isn't coming to Bali all about this Chill vibe? When the car turned into that small road in Ubud and I saw vast green rice paddies spread out before my eyes, I had only one word in my mind: Mantap! 🤌 This place has been popular for so many years, and half the credit definitely goes to this scenery.
The entire restaurant is as big as an estate, winding through small bridges and flowing streams, and finally, you must choose an independent Gazebo in the middle of the rice paddies[1]. Sitting there, with your feet dangling, and the wind blowing through the rice fields before your eyes, you can truly zone out for an entire afternoon, it's perfect for Nongkrong.
As soon as the menu arrived, you should blindly go for their signature Crispy Duck[2]. The duck is fried to perfection, very dry, the skin is super crispy, and the waiter suggested tearing it apart with your hands for the best experience[3]! Although the meat isn't super juicy, it's very flavorful. The portion is quite generous[4], one person can easily finish an entire serving. My friends ordered the Grilled Duck[5], with a rich sauce, it's a different flavor, but I personally prefer the crispy texture.
The dessert after the meal, Es Podeng[6], was a pleasant surprise! Coconut ice cream with various jellies and red beans, one bite and all the heat disappeared, so delicious I'd want to come back just for it!
But hey, this place isn't perfect. Firstly, the prices are considered high for a Lokal place, and they add a not-so-low service charge[7], so your wallet might feel a bit of pain. Secondly, and this is important, although we didn't encounter it this time, I've heard more than one person complain about hygiene issues, for example, finding sand in their Sate Lilit[8], and some even got stomachaches after eating... Anjay, this really needs attention, especially for families with children.
Cheat Sheet Time 📝
So, here are a few sincere tips for you, girls:
- 1. Is it worth it for the view? Absolutely! Just for this unique rice paddy Gazebo, it's worth experiencing once. Treat it as a scenic spot + restaurant package, and your mindset will be much better.
- 2. How to order? Stick to the Crispy Duck, and finish with a serving of Es Podeng, you basically can't go wrong.
- 3. How to avoid pitfalls! You can observe other side dishes first, those with sensitive stomachs should pay extra attention.
- 4. When to go? Evening is the most beautiful, but there are also many mosquitoes, remember to bring mosquito repellent[9]. Also! Don't fully trust the operating hours online, they take their last order at 9 PM[10], don't make a wasted trip!
- Go for the unique rice field central daze pavilion! Dangling feet, wind-blown rice waves, chill all afternoon. View's Mantap! [1]
- Don't miss the signature crispy duck! Skin's super crunchy, tear by hand. Flavorful, generous portions! [2][3][4]
- Dessert's Es Podeng is a pleasant surprise! Coconut ice cream, Jelly, red beans. One bite cools you instantly. So good, you'll return for it! [5]
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