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Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner)
The original Dirty Duck Diner on Jalan Hanoman, serving its crispy duck, steamed in Balinese spices then fried, in a garden setting since 1990.
At a glance
- Type
- Balinese crispy duck
- Area
- Padangtegal, Ubud, Indonesia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
Good to know
- Garden seating
- Two levels
- Group bookings
Why we recommend it
Bebek Bengil, better known to many visitors as the Dirty Duck Diner, is one of the longest-running and best-known restaurants in Ubud. The original restaurant is on Jalan Hanoman in Padangtegal, roughly halfway along the street, and has been serving its crispy duck since 1990. It belongs to the Agung Raka group, which also runs Agung Raka Bungalows and the Agung Raka Fine Art Gallery, and its success has led to further branches around Bali, including a second Ubud restaurant on Jalan Monkey Forest.
The name has a story behind it. While the restaurant was being built, a monsoon downpour one morning sent ducks from the neighbouring rice field running into the building, and they left muddy footprints all over the floor and tables. The owners took the hint, and bebek bengil, Indonesian for dirty duck, became the name.
The dish to order is the crispy duck. The bird is first steamed with a blend of Balinese spices, which flavours and tenderises the meat, and then deep-fried quickly at high heat to give it a crisp skin. It comes either with sautéed potatoes and a side salad or, in a more Indonesian style, with steamed white or turmeric yellow rice and vegetables. Duck satay is also on the menu, and smoked duck is available if you order it at least a day in advance. The rest of the menu mixes Indonesian dishes with international comfort food, from salads and sandwiches to chicken dishes, which makes it easy for groups with mixed tastes.
The dining areas are spacious, with wooden furniture, raised platforms and seating on two levels, as well as tables outside in landscaped gardens inspired by the surrounding rice fields. It is a pleasant place for a long lunch, when the garden can be seen at its best. The restaurant is often busy, and reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.
Bebek Bengil suits families, groups and first-time visitors who want to try a Balinese duck dish in a relaxed setting. Allow an hour to an hour and a half. Jalan Hanoman runs south from Jalan Raya Ubud, so the restaurant is within walking distance of central Ubud, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is also within walking distance.
Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) FAQs
What is Bebek Bengil known for?
Its crispy duck, which is steamed with Balinese spices and then deep-fried at high heat.
Why is it called the Dirty Duck Diner?
During construction, ducks from the neighbouring rice field ran in during a monsoon downpour and left muddy footprints everywhere, which inspired the name.
How long has it been open?
The restaurant has served its crispy duck since 1990.
Where is the original restaurant?
On Jalan Hanoman in Padangtegal, Ubud, roughly halfway along the street.
Can I order smoked duck?
Yes, but it must be ordered at least a day in advance.
Is there food for non-duck eaters?
Yes. The menu also includes Indonesian dishes, salads, sandwiches and chicken dishes.
Do I need to book?
Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, as it is often busy.
Are there other branches?
Yes. There is a second restaurant on Jalan Monkey Forest and other branches around Bali, including Nusa Dua.