The Holy Crab Bali is a seafood restaurant located on Jl. Batu Belig in Seminyak. I had heard great things about the food and the dining experience, so I decided to give it a try. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the atmosphere, and that sense of awe only grew as the night progressed.
A Brief History of The Holy Crab Bali
Before we get to the food, let’s take a quick look at The Holy Crab Bali’s history. The restaurant was established in 2016 by a group of seafood enthusiasts who wanted to offer something unique to the Bali food scene. Since then, it has become a popular destination for those who love seafood and dining adventures.
The Origins of the Restaurant
The Holy Crab is the brainchild of a group of friends who are passionate about seafood. They felt that Bali was missing a restaurant that offered a hands-on seafood dining experience like the ones they had enjoyed in other parts of the world. The founders of The Holy Crab wanted to create a place where people could savor the taste of fresh seafood while having fun with friends and family.
The idea for the restaurant came about during a trip to the United States, where the founders experienced a Maryland-style crab feast. They were blown away by the communal experience of cracking open crabs for hours while enjoying drinks and conversation. They knew they had to bring this fun and unique dining experience to Bali.
The Inspiration Behind the Name
The name ‘The Holy Crab’ is inspired by the Maryland-style crab feast, where people gather around a table to crack open crabs for hours while enjoying drinks and conversation. The founders of The Holy Crab wanted to bring this fun and communal experience to Bali, where the seafood is just as fresh and delicious.
But the name also has a deeper meaning. The founders believe that seafood is a gift from the gods, and that the crab, in particular, is a sacred creature. They wanted to honor the crab by making it the centerpiece of their restaurant and creating a space where people can come together to celebrate the bounty of the sea.
The Design of the Restaurant
The Holy Crab Bali is designed to evoke the feeling of a beachside crab shack, with wooden tables and benches, nautical decor, and a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the heart of Seminyak, one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, and is just a stone’s throw from the beach.
The outdoor seating area is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tropical oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The interior of the restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with dim lighting and a rustic charm that makes you feel right at home.
The Menu
Of course, the real star of the show at The Holy Crab Bali is the food. The menu is focused on fresh seafood, with a variety of crab dishes as the main attraction. The restaurant offers three different types of crabs: mud crab, king crab, and snow crab, each cooked in a different style.
The mud crab is served in a spicy chili sauce, while the king crab is cooked in a garlic butter sauce. The snow crab is served cold, with a side of homemade cocktail sauce. In addition to the crab dishes, the menu also features a variety of other seafood options, including lobster, prawns, and clams.
If you’re not in the mood for seafood, The Holy Crab Bali also offers a selection of non-seafood dishes, including steak, chicken, and vegetarian options. And no meal at The Holy Crab would be complete without a refreshing cocktail or a cold beer to wash it all down.
Overall, The Holy Crab Bali is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a fun and unique dining experience in Bali. With its fresh seafood, communal dining style, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the bounty of the sea.
The Ambiance and Atmosphere
As soon as I walked into The Holy Crab, I knew this was going to be a unique dining experience. The interior design is an eclectic mix of industrial and nautical elements. The walls are adorned with colorful murals of crabs and underwater scenes, while the ceiling is decorated with ropes and lifebuoys. The lighting is dimmed, giving the place a cozy and intimate feel.
Interior Design and Décor
The restaurant’s interior design is a work of art on its own. The brick walls, polished concrete floor, and exposed pipes give it an industrial vibe. The wooden furniture and warm lighting add a touch of coziness, making it feel like a home away from home. The centerpiece of the restaurant is a massive crab sculpture that hangs above the bar, reminding you of what you came to experience.
The Holy Crab’s design is a perfect blend of industrial and nautical elements. The exposed pipes and brick walls give it an industrial feel, while the colorful murals of crabs and underwater scenes add a touch of the ocean. The wooden furniture and warm lighting make it feel like a cozy retreat from the outside world. The crab sculpture hanging above the bar is a true masterpiece and a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to the crab theme.
The Outdoor Seating Area
If you prefer to dine outside, The Holy Crab also has a lovely outdoor seating area. The open-air space is surrounded by greenery, giving it a tropical feel. The wooden tables and chairs are shaded by colorful umbrellas, making it a perfect spot for a sunny afternoon lunch or an evening dinner under the stars.
The outdoor seating area at The Holy Crab is a true oasis. The lush greenery surrounding the space creates a tropical feel that transports you to a different world. The wooden tables and chairs are a perfect match for the natural surroundings, while the colorful umbrellas add a touch of vibrancy to the space. Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars, the outdoor seating area at The Holy Crab is the perfect choice.
Music and Entertainment
The Holy Crab Bali takes dining entertainment to a whole new level. Throughout the night, live music or DJ plays, providing a perfect backdrop to enjoy your meal with friends or family. It creates an ambiance that is relaxing and fun all at the same time.
The Holy Crab Bali is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience. The live music or DJ playing throughout the night creates an atmosphere that is both relaxing and fun. It’s the perfect backdrop to enjoy your meal with friends or family. The entertainment adds an extra layer of excitement to the already vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
The Mouthwatering Menu
The Holy Crab Bali offers a vast array of seafood selections, with signature crab dishes as the centerpiece. As someone who loves seafood, I was thrilled to browse their menu and see all the different options.
Signature Crab Dishes
The Holy Crab’s specialty is, of course, their crab dishes. Their crabs are imported from different parts of Indonesia and cooked using various techniques. They have crab dishes cooked in garlic butter, chili, lemon pepper, and Cajun-style spices. Regardless of the flavor, their crabs are always fresh, juicy, and cooked to perfection.
One of their most popular crab dishes is the Garlic Butter Crab. The aroma of the garlic and butter as it sizzles on the crab is enough to make your mouth water. The crab meat is so tender and flavorful that you’ll be licking your fingers clean. Another must-try is their Chili Crab, which has just the right amount of spice to give it a kick without overwhelming your taste buds.
Seafood Delights
If you’re not into crab, don’t worry; there are plenty of other seafood options to choose from. The menu includes a variety of shrimp, mussels, clams, squid, and fish dishes. They offer seafood cooked in various styles, such as grilled, fried, sautéed, or steamed.
Their Grilled Squid is a standout dish, with a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender, chewy texture of the squid. The Fried Shrimp is also a crowd-pleaser, with a crispy batter that gives way to succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The Holy Crab Bali also caters to the vegetarian and vegan crowd with a range of plant-based dishes. They have vegan crab cakes, stir-fried tofu, veggie skewers, and vegan fried rice. They also offer a vegan dessert option that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Vegan Crab Cakes are a must-try, with a crispy exterior and a savory, umami-rich filling made from mushrooms and other vegetables. Their Stir-Fried Tofu is also a standout, with a spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch.
Desserts and Beverages
No meal is complete without something sweet to finish it off. The Holy Crab Bali offers a selection of desserts that includes classic Indonesian sweets like pisang goreng and es campur. They also have western-style desserts like cheesecake and brownies. To wash it all down, they have a variety of beverages, including fresh juices, shakes, cocktails, and beers.
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to cool you down on a hot day, try their Watermelon Juice. It’s sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. For something a little more indulgent, their Chocolate Milkshake is a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Unique Dining Experience
Are you tired of the same old dining routine? Look no further than The Holy Crab Bali, where you can enjoy a unique and interactive dining experience. From the hands-on approach to the customizable spice levels, The Holy Crab Bali is sure to spice up your dining experience.
The Hands-On Eating Style
At The Holy Crab Bali, you won’t find any pre-shelled crab dishes. Instead, your crab comes to the table whole, and you’re given tools to crack open the shells and extract the meat yourself. This hands-on approach may seem daunting at first, but it’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal. Plus, the waitstaff is always happy to assist if you’re not sure how to get started.
But it’s not just crab that’s served this way. The Holy Crab Bali also offers other seafood dishes that require a hands-on approach, such as shrimp and lobster. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in!
The Holy Crab’s Special Sauces
What’s a seafood feast without some delicious sauces to complement it? At The Holy Crab Bali, they take their sauces seriously. They have four signature sauces that you can use to enhance the flavor of your crab or seafood dish. There’s the classic garlic butter sauce, perfect for those who love a rich and creamy flavor. The spicy chili sauce is for those who like a little heat in their dishes, while the tangy lemon pepper sauce is great for those who prefer a more citrusy flavor. And last but not least, the savory Cajun sauce is perfect for those who like a little kick in their food.
Each sauce is prepared with a unique blend of spices and flavors, giving your taste buds a culinary adventure. And the best part? You can mix and match the sauces to create your own unique flavor combination.
Customizable Spice Levels
If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll be pleased to know that The Holy Crab Bali offers customizable spice levels. You can choose from mild, medium, hot, or holy moly levels of spiciness. The waitstaff will ask you how hot you like it when you order, and they’ll make sure your food is cooked to your preference.
But even if you’re not a fan of spicy food, don’t worry. The Holy Crab Bali offers plenty of non-spicy options that are just as delicious.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to The Holy Crab Bali for a dining experience like no other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dining at The Holy Crab Bali is a unique and unforgettable experience. From the delicious seafood dishes to the fun hands-on eating style, everything about this restaurant is designed to make your taste buds dance. Add to that the fantastic atmosphere, music, and entertainment, and you have a recipe for a night you won’t forget for a long time.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to The Holy Crab Bali and taste the divine!
