Sambal matah restaurant

This is the story of Sambal Matah:

For years, Ida Bagus Oka wanted to open a restaurant on Goatama street. He would often pass by what is now the Sambal Matah restaurant and always had a feeling that he would open a restaurant there someday. Oka always said to his business partner Yande Toro (who owns Toro Sushi down the street), "if you ever see that place go up for rent, let me know as soon as you can. Someday I want to open a restaurant there." Years passed, until one day Yande Toro was passing on Goatama street early one morning. He almost never passed through the street at that time of day, but coincidentally this was also the morning that the owner was putting out a "for rent" sign. Yande immediately stopped and asked the owner what was going on. "I want to rent my space," he said. Yande told the man to take his sign back inside and immediately called Oka on the phone. Oka heard the news and was on site in a matter of minutes. Yande and Oka sat down at Toro Sushi to talk about the possibility of opening a restaurant. It was then that they came up with the name Sambal Matah. Having decided to take the space, they met with the landlord the next day at Surya Kembar Villas and paid the deposit for the place. After making a deal for the land, Oka and Yande were having dinner at Toro and Seba called. Oka mentioned the restaurant and Seba's wife, Ayu from IOU, took the phone from Seba and excitedly asked Oka if she could become a partner. Thus the three partners of Sambal Matah were formed.

One month later, with record speed construction never before seen on the island of Bali, Sambal Matah was opened. The menu and staff were trained by renowned Spanish chef Alfonzo (winner of the food truck competition in Spain!).

Sambal Matah is an Indonesian salsa/spice mix made from garlic, shallot, chilis, ginger, ginger flour, and kefir lime. This spice base is used to enhance and anchor the flavors of many of the dishes served at Sambal Matah, providing a starting point for a culinary world tour that reflects the combined efforts and experiences of three Balinese friends. The menu cleverly blends the familiar with the unexpected and introduces culinary characteristics from the four corners of the world into Asian cuisine.

The ethos extends to the beautiful interior, which the owners have curated to highlight the many intricate crafts and artistic traditions that exist in the archipelago of Indonesian islands.

At Sambal Matah you will find an intimate space to enjoy time with friends, to share experiences, food and life.