Foreign tourists share many funny and unforgettable experiences while on vacation in Bali, Indonesia. Some of the most common are cultural differences or culture shock over food.
When ordering food via the online motorcycle taxi (ojol) application in Bali, this foreigner was surprised to see something unusual arrive. She even thought the food was fried lizard.
As shared by a foreigner named Kacey Watson, on her TikTok account @kacey.watsonn, shared her experience when ordering food via motorcycle taxi.
The menu she ordered was chicken steak, but what came was Pecel Lele with rice, vegetables, and chilli sauce.
“So I just ordered food via Go-Jek, which is the Balinese version of Uber. I usually order dinner, but today, I was sent the wrong food. But what is this food? It’s scary!” Kacey explained.
Kacey opened the package a little and was presented with two fried catfish. She didn’t know that it was Pecel Lele and thought that the seller had sent her a fried lizard.
@kacey.watsonn I got catfished by a catfish #bali #gojek ♬ original sound – Kacey watson
At first glance, the shape of Pecel Lele is surprising for people who are not used to eating it. Moreover, the shape of the catfish head is like a lizard, and the colour is indeed dark.
In the comments section, many Indonesian netizens described the Pecel Lele and the deliciousness of the dish.
“It’s my favourite food. Don’t u dare to call it lizard😭😭🫵🏻,” wrote one netizen.
“That name is Lele.. really yummy.. It looks like fish.. try it with sambal… seriously. 🥰,” wrote another netizen.
In response to the comments, Kacey explained that she had no intention of bad-mouthing the Pecel Lele dish. She was just surprised by the slightly creepy shape of the fried catfish.
What is Pecel Lele, a popular Indonesian food
This food is commonly served at night. It’s savoury and filling. It is no wonder that pecel lele is spread across many areas in Jakarta and is popular and a favourite of many people.
In the beginning, pecel lele was only offered in East Java, specifically in Lamongan, around the 1970s and 1980s. The name at that time was pecek catfish, not pecel lele.
Pecak uses a side dish of fresh fish, including catfish, but the presentation is different.
To make pecak, the fish is fried or grilled and then doused in coconut milk sauce with a mixture of chili and candlenut spices.
Over time, many catfish pecek sellers in Lamongan have migrated to Central Java, West Java, Jakarta and Bali.
Recommended places to eat pecel lele in Bali
If you are a foreign tourist or expat in Bali and are interested in tasting this food, here are recommendations for Pecel Lele restaurants in Bali.
Lalapan Pak Dul
If you are in the Monang Maning area, Warung Lalapan Pak Dul is a good place to try a pecel lele. In addition, there is chicken salad and fried banana here. The price is affordable, and you can visit until midnight.
Address: Jl. Gunung Lempuyang No.11 A, Monang Maning, West Denpasar, Bali
Lalapan Sari Rasa Kenyeri Branch
Another place that serves this Indonesian food with a delicious taste is Lalapan Sari Rasa Kenyeri Branch. In addition to pecel lele, this place serves a variety of other menus that are no less delicious, such as fried tempeh and eggplant chili sauce.
Address: Kenyeri Street No.171, Tonja, North Denpasar Sub-district, Denpasar City, Bali
