Betutu

Betutu is a cherished traditional dish from Bali and Lombok, Indonesia, featuring either steamed or roasted chicken or duck. The allure of betutu lies in its rich and aromatic spice blend known as bumbu betutu. This dish is a favorite among both locals and tourists, frequently appearing on the menus of high-end hotels and restaurants in Bali.

There are two main varieties of betutu: ayam betutu, made with chicken, and bebek betutu, made with duck. Some variations of the dish can be quite spicy, particularly those that include a fiery sauce made from raw onion slices, red chili peppers, and coconut oil.

The signature spice mixture, or bumbu, is an exquisite blend of shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, wild ginger, galangal, candlenuts, chili peppers, shrimp paste, and peanuts. These ingredients are meticulously ground together using a mortar and pestle, then sautéed in coconut oil to enhance their fragrance. The resulting mixture is generously applied to the poultry, infusing it with deep, complex flavors.

Betutu is often served with a variety of side dishes, such as plecing kangkung (a spicy water spinach salad), crispy-fried peanuts, and sambal terasi (a spicy shrimp paste condiment).

The preparation and flavor of betutu can vary depending on the region in Bali. For instance, in Klungkung, the chicken is stuffed with the betutu spices. In Gianyar, the dish is wrapped in plantain leaves before cooking. Meanwhile, in Gilimanuk, betutu is renowned for its intense heat and spiciness.

Whether you prefer it mild or fiery, betutu offers a tantalizing taste of Balinese culinary tradition that is sure to leave a lasting impression.