Bali now on your doorstep as new eatery brings authentic flavours to Grant Street

BA BA BALI

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Chef Zeno Yan and his wife Emily Tung realised their dream of bringing Bali to Port Douglas. Picture: Jamie Jansen

BUSINESS FEATURE

Forget waiting for that yearly Bali getaway, now you can savour the flavours of Bali right here in Port Douglas. Ba Ba Bali, a tasty blend of traditional and modern Balinese cuisine, opened its doors on Grant Street in May.

Ba Ba Bali is the creation of husband-and-wife team Zeno Yan and Emily Tung, who, after 15 years in the food industry, achieved their dream by opening the eatery in Port Douglas with a commitment to authentic flavours.

Chef Zeno Yan’s story is as rich as his dishes. Born in rural Burma, he travelled through Singapore, Indonesia, and Taiwan before honing his culinary skills on the Gold Coast under Michelin Star Chef Gary Jones, whom Mr Yan considers his “culinary father”.

Upon moving to Port Douglas, Mr Yan held Head Chef positions at various establishments and, as a qualified nutritionist, crafted meals with strict dietary requirements at Douglas Shire’s Meals On Wheel and other local aged care centres.

At Ba Ba Bali, he blends his culinary expertise to offer a diverse menu that features Balinese cuisine alongside dishes from Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and European fusion.

His nutritional knowledge is evident in his menu, which includes healthy options such as the Gado Gado salad, which incorporates quinoa, brown rice, and nutrient-rich ingredients.

“I designed the menu to be both delicious and healthy,” Mr Yan explained. “Our goal is to make sure that what you eat benefits your health. Just like a Lamborghini needs the right fuel to run smoothly, our food is crafted to nourish and energise.”

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You can visit Ba Ba Bali at Shop 8, Grant Street, Port Douglas. Opening Hours are Tue - Sat  11:30-2:00 and 5:00 - 8:30 pm. For the menu click here. To place an order, call 0417 794 151.

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Drawing from his Burmese heritage, Zeno uses spices like turmeric, clove, cinnamon, and cumin, known for their traditional medicinal benefits. 

For his chicken curry, he incorporates ginseng and uses a precise temperature control technique to extract nutrients from the chicken bones. Fish is steamed rather than fried for a healthier choice, and tofu and tempeh are featured for their high protein content.

“Our menu is always evolving, and I’m testing new options like keto-friendly dishes,” Mr Yan added.

Ms Tung, who also has extensive experience in the food industry, handles the business side of things. “We understand the local perspective,” she said. “We’re focused on how local workers can access good food during their break times.”

Looking ahead, the couple plans to offer online ordering and home delivery. “We want to provide affordable, quality food for those who are too tired to cook,” Ms Tung explained. “People will be able to order meals in bulk at a discounted price, with options for pickup or delivery.”

You can visit Ba Ba Bali at Shop 8, Grant Street, Port Douglas. Opening Hours are Tue - Sat  11:30-2:00 and 5:00 - 8:30 pm. For the menu click here. To place an order, call 0417 794 151.

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