If you’ve found yourself typing “beef rendang near me” while wandering the streets of Ubud, you’re probably in search of something comforting, aromatic, and deeply Indonesian. At Spice by Blake, we take this beloved dish and give it not one, but two creative interpretations — each one celebrating the same soul-warming flavours, in entirely different ways.
A Rendang, Reinvented: The Croquettes
Let’s start with the one that started conversations across Monkey Forest. Chef Blake Thornley’s Beef Rendang Croquettes are everything you didn’t know you wanted from rendang — golden, crispy, and filled with tender spiced beef that melts in your mouth. The first crunch gives way to rich, slow-cooked depth or the traditional rendang.
This is rendang made fun — approachable yet refined, playful yet unmistakably Indonesian. Each croquette captures the spirit of the street but with the precision of fine dining. It’s a small plate that’s as perfect with cocktails as it is as a prelude to your main course.
A Rendang, Reimagined: The Braised Beef Cheek
And then, there’s the heartier side of rendang.
The Beef Cheek Rendang is slow-braised for hours, allowing the spices — lemongrass, galangal, and candlenut — to seep deep into every fibre of the meat. The result is melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, coated in a rich, coconut-infused sauce that clings to the beef like silk.
It’s the dish that honours the patience and tradition behind Sumatran rendang, while giving it the kind of clean, elegant presentation that modern Indonesian cuisine is all about. Every element on the plate — from the plating to the texture — shows how much love and respect goes into balancing tradition with technique.
From Sumatra’s Spice to Ubud’s Soul
Rendang has travelled far from its origins in West Sumatra, where it was once a ceremonial dish cooked for hours as a symbol of honour and celebration. At Spice by Blake, we carry that same respect, but bring it into a new rhythm — one that feels right for Ubud’s energy: vibrant, creative, and endlessly curious.
Chef Blake doesn’t just recreate rendang; he studies it, deconstructs it, and puts it back together in a way that surprises without losing its roots. Whether you choose the crispy croquettes or the slow-braised cheek, each bite tells a story — of spice, balance, and reinvention.
Pair It With a Cocktail That Speaks the Same Language
No Spice experience is complete without a drink that keeps pace. The bar team crafts cocktails that play with Indonesian herbs and fruits — each designed to complement dishes like the rendang.
Order the Whisk Sour if you like your cocktails bold and grounded, or the Island Tribe for something lighter to cut through the richness of the rendang. It’s all about balance — just like the food.
The Spice Philosophy
At Spice by Blake, we believe that food should be as expressive as the people who make it.
Our open kitchen lets you see every step of the process — from the first sizzle of the pan to the final plating. It’s honest, it’s energetic, and it’s a reflection of what dining in Ubud should be: authentic, creative, and alive.
Whether you’re visiting us for dinner, cocktails, or simply because you Googled “beef rendang near me”, you’ll find that every dish on our menu tells a story — one that starts in Indonesia, and ends right here on your plate.
Find Us
We’re located in the heart of Ubud, on Jl. Monkey Forest, just a short walk from Ubud Palace.
Find Spice by Blake on Google Maps
Your search for the best beef rendang in Ubud ends here — whether you crave the crisp indulgence of our croquettes or the comforting depth of our braised beef cheek, both deliver that unmistakable Spice touch: modern, local, and full of soul.
