Arriba and Chupacabras unveil journey through South American flavors and atmospheres

Arriba and Chupacabras unveil journey through 

South American flavors and atmospheres

The newest dining destinations in Bali, Arriba and Chupacabras, have opened their doors for food and cocktail enthusiasts to indulge a sensory journey through South American flavors and atmospheres. These two complimentary gems are located in the heart of Sayan, Bali. "We are thrilled to finally bring Arriba and Chupacabras to life. Our concept celebrates South America's diverse cuisines, blending unique flavors that remain undiscovered by many, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails,” said Stijn van Leeuwen, founder of Sensorial Collective, which manages and develops Arriba and Chupacabras. 

“Set against Sayan’s exotic jungles and river views, our venues offer unparalleled views, making them an ideal setting for celebrating special milestones, from birthdays and intimate weddings to corporate gatherings," he added.  Upon arrival, guests will cruise over a hill lined by lantern lights and lush greenery, leading them deeper into the mystic jungle until they reach the main lobby area. Here, a personal hostess warmly welcomes guests, setting the tone for a personalized dining experience, providing a brief introduction to the distinctive concepts of Arriba and Chupacabras, with excitement, as they escort guests to the dining destination. Situated on the upper ground floor, Arriba is the quintessential cocktail bar where Latin-American spirits take center stage. 

The bar's diverse range of signature cocktails blends locally sourced ingredients from the Indonesian archipelago with premium Latin-American spirits. Each drink is crafted with precision and passion, perfect for laid-back enjoyment while admiring the sunset views over Sayan’s jungle and river vistas. For those seeking a bit of spice, go for the Diablo Caliente; this innovative cocktail re-imagines the classic El Diablo by combining premium tequila with spiced ingredients inspired by the traditional Indonesian hot ginger beverage, wedang jahe. 

Complementing the cocktails at Arriba are small bites inspired by the Latin American street food scene such as pork anticuchos, marinated pork belly in Balinese sauce, served with pico de gallo and vieiras con cítricos, featuring scallops marinated in a zesty citrus dressing with orange segments and yuzu. Heading down to the ground floor, guests enter the mystical atmosphere of Chupacabras, where the ambiance is defined by rugged natural stones, dimmed overlooking the lush jungles of Sayan. Inspired by the mythical South American creature known for its love of fine meats, Chupacabras’ menu offers a gastronomy journey through South American flavors, with a highlight on premium meat cuts, served with a contemporary twist and a hint of Indonesian flair. The open kitchen lets guests peek behind the scenes and witness the chefs work their magic over the wood-fire grill.

 For starters, guests can kick the night off with humita, a must-try native South American dish with roots dating back to pre-Hispanic times. This traditional dish features a creamy sweet corn base, with variations across the region that brings distinct flavors to each rendition. At Chupacabras, the humita is elevated with a contemporary twist, adding in pancetta, provolone cheese, and red chimichurri; creating a balanced blend of textures and subtle flavors.

This article was published in thejakartapost.com