Indulging in unique experiences, especially when you’re travelling, is one way to create unforgettable memories. For food enthusiasts, this usually entails seeking out unique local fare or hidden gem eateries. If you’re not claustrophobic, there is one food-related activity that your mind will continue to digest in delight long after you polish the last morsel of meticulously-crafted meal off your plate: Cave dining.
That may sound “Flintstone-esque”, but it’s certainly not something a lot of people can say they’ve done on their travels. Ranging from casual to fine dining, cave dining is a one-of-a-kind experience, as finding a restaurant set in an actual cave is a rarity. (We do have a well-known one here in Malaysia, but we’ll get to that later.
) Not many caves possess an environment conducive for long hours of sitting and consuming meals. Here are a few cave dining options that you can consider visiting on your next vacation. Let’s start in Bali.
As its name indicates, The Cave By Chef Ryan Clift is a subterranean restaurant with offerings curated by the eponymous chef. Part of the luxury resort The Edge Bali’s property, the restaurant is set within a cave that is 6.5m underground and said to be over 25,000 years old.
With only 22 seats available for diners, you don’t have to worry about overcrowding. However, you do have to make a reservation on The Cave’s official website beforehand. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, there are two degustation menus to choos.