In Bali, food has always been more than what’s on the plate. It’s a language — one that speaks through spice, rhythm, and shared moments.
And if there’s a place that captures the soul of that language, it’s Spice by Blake, an Asian spice restaurant in Bali that redefines what modern Indonesian dining feels like.
Set on Ubud’s iconic Monkey Forest Road, Spice by Blake is not just a restaurant — it’s a story told through the depth of local ingredients and the warmth of Indonesian hospitality.
Where Asia’s Spice Heritage Meets Bali’s Soul
Indonesia sits at the heart of the ancient spice trade — a bridge between East and West, between fire and flavour. For centuries, the island’s kitchen has drawn from that heritage: turmeric, clove, lemongrass, candlenut, galangal, and chili.
At Spice by Blake, those ingredients aren’t just accents — they’re the heart of the experience. Chef Blake Thornley, a New Zealand-born chef with years of experience under Michelin-starred kitchens, fell in love with Indonesia’s vibrant produce and diversity. His vision was to create a restaurant that respects tradition while speaking the language of modern taste.
The result? A dining experience where spice takes centre stage — bold yet balanced, familiar yet surprising.
The Warm Pulse of Ubud
Ubud has its own rhythm. It’s slower, softer, but alive with creative energy. Amid art galleries, boutique villas, and yoga shalas, Spice by Blake offers a dining space that feels both grounded and electric.
The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by an open kitchen — a statement that food here is not hidden behind walls but shared in motion. Chefs move with precision and ease, bartenders shake with rhythm, and laughter hums under warm light and textured wood.
This is what an Asian spice restaurant in Bali should feel like — refined, welcoming, and full of soul.
A Menu That Celebrates Spice Without Borders
Every dish at Spice by Blake starts with one question: What does Indonesia taste like today?
The menu answers that with warmth and confidence. Rooted in Indonesian spice traditions but executed with global technique, each plate is a conversation between old and new.
Highlights from the Kitchen
- Beef Cheek Braised in Rendang Spices – Slow-cooked for hours until tender, served with coconut sauce and a whisper of chili oil. It’s rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting — an ode to Minangkabau heritage.
- Cured Kingfish with Pomelo and Rujak Sauce – Bright and citrusy, this dish captures the play between sweet, sour, and spice that defines Indonesian street flavours — refined into something elegant.
- Duck Nuggets with Turmeric & Lemon Dip – Crisp, golden, and playful. A crowd favourite that turns local ingredients into comfort food with a twist.
- Pork Belly Mantou Slider – Juicy and savoury, it’s the kind of dish that bridges Bali’s love for texture and indulgence.
- Seasonal Dessert – Constantly changing but always anchored in tropical flavours: pandan, coconut, chocolate, and fruit grown on the island.
Each plate is small enough to share — a design that invites conversation and exploration.
The Bar — Spice in Liquid Form
Just like the kitchen, the bar carries the same philosophy: take something familiar, give it depth, and let it surprise you.
Every drink is built on balance — spice, acid, sweetness, and aroma. Using local botanicals, herbs, and ferments, the cocktails here reflect the rhythm of Bali.
Signature creations include:
- Snake in a Jar – Chili, snakefruit, and coconut kombucha with Karu Sotju (25%). It’s bold, fiery, and tropical — a drink that starts smooth and finishes with heat.
- White Snapper – Umami tomato soda with chilli and citrus — savoury yet refreshing.
- Island Tribe – Kalamansi, kaffir leaf soda, and local gin — light, aromatic, and utterly Bali.
Every sip tells a story of contrast: spicy but soft, local yet worldly.
And for those who prefer something lighter, the bar also serves its own kombucha blends and house-made sodas using Balinese herbs.
Why Spice by Blake Defines the New Bali Dining Scene
1. Rooted in Authenticity, Elevated by Innovation
Spice doesn’t chase trends — it refines tradition. The ingredients remain recognisably Indonesian, but the approach is contemporary. It’s a dining experience that honours where the flavours come from and reimagines where they can go.
2. Local Collaboration, Global Perspective
From farmers in Tabanan to fishermen from Amed, every element on the menu has a local story. The philosophy is simple: buy local, cook globally. This connection keeps the restaurant grounded in community while maintaining international standards.
3. The Heartbeat of Ubud’s Nightlife
When night falls, Spice by Blake transforms. The bar glows amber, vinyl records play slow grooves, and conversation lingers longer. It’s one of the few places in Ubud where dining naturally flows into drinks — without needing to change venues.
If you’re searching for an Asian spice restaurant in Bali that captures both culture and creativity, this is where you’ll find it.
The Experience — Warm, Playful, and Personal
Dining at Spice isn’t about formality. It’s about connection — between chef and guest, between food and memory. The staff greet you by name, the bartenders remember your favourite drink, and every table feels like an invitation to stay a little longer.
The kitchen doesn’t hide its process. From your seat, you see fire, plating, laughter — all part of what makes Spice feel alive.
This openness is what sets Spice apart. It’s not just a restaurant you visit; it’s a space that invites you into the rhythm of its people.
When to Visit
Spice by Blake opens daily from late afternoon until late night, making it the perfect transition from sunset to evening.
- Early evening (5–6 PM): Ideal for a cocktail at the bar or a light bite after exploring Ubud.
- Dinner (7–9 PM): The full experience — dishes to share, conversations to savour.
- After hours: The bar stays lively, with crafted drinks and slow vinyl sets adding warmth to Ubud’s calm nights.
Beyond the Plate — The People Behind the Passion
Chef Blake Thornley’s philosophy extends beyond the kitchen. He leads with curiosity, empathy, and respect for Indonesia’s culinary identity. Every member of his team — from the kitchen to the floor — is encouraged to create, contribute, and grow.
This isn’t just a restaurant team; it’s a community. That’s why Spice by Blake feels effortlessly cohesive — every detail, every plate, and every smile flows from the same source: genuine care.
Why You’ll Remember Spice
It’s not just the spice, or the cocktails, or the ambience.
It’s the warmth. The authenticity. The sense that you’re tasting something that belongs to this place — and yet, somehow, belongs to you too.
Whether you’re a first-time traveller in Ubud or a Bali regular, Spice by Blake feels like discovering something both new and familiar.
Because great food isn’t about how it looks — it’s about how it makes you feel.
Plan Your Visit
Spice by Blake
Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali
spicebali.com
+62 812-3458-6169
Open daily from 4 PM until late.
Reservations recommended for dinner service.
