Biku Bali in Petitenget: High Tea Inside a 150-Year-Old Joglo

In a Petitenget now packed with thumping beach clubs, Biku survives as the place people come to sit for hours. The restaurant occupies an East Javanese teak joglo roughly 150 years old: high ceilings, shelves of second-hand books, and a homeware cabinet. It opens from breakfast through to late evening, but what made it a Seminyak institution is the high tea.

High tea: the main event

Biku serves high tea daily, generally from 11.00 to 18.00. There are several versions — the Traditional Afternoon Tea, the Asian High Tea, and a breakfast-themed set. The tea is not an afterthought: the list runs to more than 50 varieties from China, India and Indonesia, curated by their tea master Tjok Gde Kerthyasa and served on bone china.

• High tea sets run roughly IDR 125,000–200,000 per person; one set is often enough to share between two.
• The Asian High Tea is filled with Indonesian and Asian-flavoured bites, not just cucumber sandwiches.
• Allow 1.5 to 2 hours; this is a slow experience, not a quick stop.
• On certain afternoons there are reading sessions (tea leaf or tarot) — ask for the schedule when you book.

Beyond tea: breakfast and Indonesian cooking

• Nasi Campur A'la Biku — a mixed plate with rendang, chicken sate lilit, tofu and tempe, and sambal.
• Beef rendang for a heavier meal, plus Western comfort food.
• Scones and carrot cake — the two bakes regulars mention most often.
• A typical bill runs IDR 100,000–250,000 per person including drinks.

Why Biku still matters

The difference from its neighbours is simple: quiet music, ceiling fans, and staff who recognise long-time guests. It suits multi-generation family lunches, a few hours of calm work, or closing out a shopping day on Jalan Petitenget without shouting across the table. Children are made welcome, and the bookshelves make waiting for a table feel short.

Practical Info & Reservations

• Location: Jl. Petitenget No. 888 (Jl. Taman Ganesha area), Kerobokan Kelod, next to Seminyak — View on Google Maps
• Opening hours: daily around 08.00–23.00; high tea generally served 11.00–18.00.
• Price range: roughly IDR 100,000–250,000 per person; high tea sets around IDR 125,000–200,000.
• Reservations: strongly recommended, especially weekends and afternoon sessions. Call or WhatsApp +62 851-0057-0888, email [email protected], or use the official site bikubali.com. Walk-ins sometimes get a table, but be ready to wait.
• Instagram: @bikubali

If you want this afternoon tea to be part of a Seminyak staycation, compare and book your hotel voucher first on AccessiaPass.