A taste of Bali at the PIC buffet

“I learned how to cook from my grandmother and mother when I was 9 years old growing up in Indonesia. Most of the dishes in the Taste of Bali dinner buffet will be from my family’s recipes,” says chef Sugent Pribadi of Pacific Islands Club. (Bea Cabrera)

Indonesian cuisine speaks to not just one’s sense of taste but also appeals to the other senses: its vibrant colors appeal to the eyes, the sound of every bite is music to the ears, its fresh ingredients is a culinary experience, and the smell of authentic spices is inviting. Tasting dishes that are so rich in spices and flavors never fail to amaze.

Expect that and more in Taste of Bali, a dinner buffet happening at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan on Sept. 15 and 16.

PIC head chef Sugeng Pribadi is excited as he gets to serve what he considers the best dishes of the different islands of his motherland, Indonesia, from the appetizers, to the main dishes, and up to the desserts.

“We are going to showcase the best dishes of the different islands and provinces of Indonesia. This is the first time we are doing this at PIC and we hope that this will be the first of many times that we will celebrate the uniqueness of Indonesian cuisine,” Pribadi said.

Those who get to try the Java Rice ala King from Java Island will truly feel like the king of Indonesia, Pribadi said, as this dish is very popular and served especially on special occasions.

“Whenever we have a big party for the government, like the president’s party, Java Rice ala King is a priority on the menu. It is rice boiled in rich coconut milk with spices and presented like a mountain of rice on the plate with some meat, sliced scrambled eggs, and vegetables on the side.”

“Java Rice ala King is already a meal in itself but pair it with other dishes and the combination is scrumptious.”

Included in the buffet menu is the classic and popular dish called Babi Guling or suckling pig that’s from the island of Bali.

“Babi means pig and guling means pillow in Indonesia. When we roast the pig, it actually looks like a pillow, [hence] the name. No visit to Bali is complete without having this dish.”

From the island of Subaraya is the hearty soup called Soto Ayam (chicken noodle soup) and the tasty Oxtail Stew. Both dishes are guaranteed to elevate your taste buds.

Other popular Indonesian dishes like the Nasi Goreng, beef, chicken and lamb satay dipped in sweet peanut dressing and Rendang will be part of the mouthwatering array of dishes at the Taste of Bali. For vegetarians, flatbread with vegetable fillings will be served.

PIC’s regular international dishes will still be available.

“Since Indonesia is composed of many different islands with unique food and tastes, it is somehow similar to the island of the CNMI. Same ingredients. We both rely heavily on coconut milk for our dishes so I hope residents will also come and enjoy a different taste,” Pribaldi said.

He assures guests that the level of spiciness will be appropriate to their tastes and comfort. “We will make the dishes not really hot but mild. We understand we have a different culture here on Saipan. Some like it hot, some don’t, so we make it mild so that it will cater to every taste.”

The Taste of Bali is also a sort of post-celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day last August, when the country celebrates independence from British colonization.

“We are celebrating so many things for this weekend. That’s why the Taste of Bali at PIC is going to be special and we invite everyone to come,” Pribaldi said.

PIC Magellan has an ongoing promo—for a group of four people, only three customers will pay. This is available for lunch and dinner. This can be availed of during the Taste of Bali dinner buffet.

For reservations call PIC at 234-7976 or email sales@picsaipan.com. The dinner buffet is $37 for adults and $18.50 for children. A 10-percent discount for locals apply. Maximum of 12 people for reservations.