Celebrating Chinese New Year in Bali – The Year of the Snake
As we like to say, "every day is a holiday in Bali"—and this week was no exception.Monday marked the Isra and Mi'ra ( Celebrating theAscension of Mohammed Day, a banking and school holiday, followed by Chinese New Year on Wednesday.
Although none of us are Chinese, we always enjoy joining in the festivities of the world's most populous culture.
This year, we planned ahead and booked a table at Golden Monkey, the renowned Chinese restaurant at the new Icon Mall in Sanur.
This year, we planned ahead and booked a table at Golden Monkey, the renowned Chinese restaurant at the new Icon Mall in Sanur.
Having enjoyed several great meals there before, we knew it would be the perfect place to celebrate.
We invited our good friend and fellow tennis player Morton, his lovely wife Femi, and their lovely daughter Kira Alicia to join us, along with our two sons, Xander and Darius, and of course my beautiful wife, Azizah.
To earn our feast, we started the day with two hours of intense doubles tennis at the Liga.Tennis Center.
Our international mix of players included friends from the U.S., England, Australia, Norway, and myself from Canada.
With ages ranging from 30 to 75, the match was both entertaining and competitive.
My smartwatch reported 754 calories burned, so I was more than ready to indulge in a well-earned banquet.
As is often the case in Bali, our family was scattered throughout the day—one son at a birthday party, the other working with me, and Azizah taking time for her usual self-care routine, including an afternoon at the hair salon.
As is often the case in Bali, our family was scattered throughout the day—one son at a birthday party, the other working with me, and Azizah taking time for her usual self-care routine, including an afternoon at the hair salon.
But by 5:00 PM, we all gathered at Golden Monkey for our much-anticipated culinary journey.
We kicked things off with a selection of appetizers before moving on to delicious wonton soup and a flood of flavorful dishes, including beef, sweet and sour chicken, and an entire roast duck, which Morton, Darius, and I devoured enthusiastically.
We kicked things off with a selection of appetizers before moving on to delicious wonton soup and a flood of flavorful dishes, including beef, sweet and sour chicken, and an entire roast duck, which Morton, Darius, and I devoured enthusiastically.
Midway through our meal, the restaurant’s owner, Dewi, came over .
She invited us to continue our celebration at their sister restaurant, Blossom, next door, where we’d have more space and cooler surroundings.
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3 of Bali's most beautiful ladies from left Febi, Dewi, & Azizah |
The staff treated us like royalty, and we were introduced to their fresh oysters from Bangiwani, Indonesia—which, in my opinion, rival the best oysters in America.
To top off the evening, we indulged in three different flavors of ice cream before heading home, fully satisfied and grateful for an unforgettable celebration.
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Having lived in Vancouver and Hawaii, And the last one is 7 years Bali all with large Chinese communities, I’ve celebrated many Chinese New Years—but this one was the best yet.
Many thanks to Dewi and the incredible staff at Golden Monkey and Blossom for making the evening so special.
If you're ever in Sanur, Bali, be sure to visit the Golden Monkey for authentic Chinese cuisine and Blossom for a top-tier steakhouse experience.
Happy Year of the Snake! ππ
Dining at Golden Monkey, the well-loved Chinese restaurant located on the ground floor of Icon Bali Mall, Sanur.
Happy Year of the Snake! ππ
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Dining at Golden Monkey, the well-loved Chinese restaurant located on the ground floor of Icon Bali Mall, Sanur.
With its reputation for serving some of the best authentic Cantonese and Szechuan dishes on the island, we couldn’t wait to indulge in a flavorful feast.
A Taste of Authenticity
Golden Monkey is known for its dedication to traditional Chinese cuisine, with a menu featuring beloved classics such as dim sum, BBQ specialties, and hearty noodle soups.
Golden Monkey is known for its dedication to traditional Chinese cuisine, with a menu featuring beloved classics such as dim sum, BBQ specialties, and hearty noodle soups.
Their signature dishes, including whole fish, Szechuan clay pot creations, and the famous Peking duck, have earned them a loyal following among both locals and visitors.
The restaurant’s ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving high-quality Chinese food, Golden Monkey provides a welcoming atmosphere for couples, families, and friends alike.
The restaurant’s ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving high-quality Chinese food, Golden Monkey provides a welcoming atmosphere for couples, families, and friends alike.
The Owners Behind the Excellence
Golden Monkey in Sanur is owned by Dewi & Anthony Syrowatka, a husband-and-wife team with over two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry.
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Their impressive culinary ventures include the fine-dining establishment Aperitif Bali, the renowned Viceroy Bali’s Cascades Restaurant, and the Balinese-inspired Dapur Raja Restaurant.
With their expertise and passion for authenticity, it’s no wonder Golden Monkey has become a go-to spot for Cantonese cuisine in Bali.
The Mastery of the Executive Chef
Golden Monkey’s kitchen is led by an executive chef with over 20 years of experience in crafting exquisite Chinese-Cantonese dishes. Having honed his skills in China and earned a certification from the Culinary Art Centre, he brings a mastery of traditional techniques and flavors to the restaurant. His expertise shines through in every dish, from the delicate dim sum to the perfectly roasted Peking duck.
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