Watercress Meets Milk & Madu: The Better Breakfast at North Kuta

If you’re an avid traveller, chances are the typical hotel breakfast does not appeal to you much anymore. Simply because it’s same-same here and there, likely. Only one or two hotels deserve your applause for adding that unique touch during breakfast that make them the routine you cannot skip. Hence, you opt for having breakfast elsewhere, never mind the journey or extra budget to fork out.

Well, when you are in Bali, I recommend going for both. Have that breakfast by the beach (some swanky resorts offer this) for the first day, and venture out on the next for an out-of-hotel scrumptious breakfast. The scene in Bali is getting more interesting with new places opening up, offering serious coffee and über delicious a la minute Eggs Ben.

If you stay in North Kuta — yes, the one with the island’s poshest beach clubs, designer boutiques and party venues, you’ll only need a good 10 to 15 minutes’ ride to this place called Watercress on Batu Belig Street. If you are taking a taxi, give the driver this as a direction: “Before Naughty Nuri’s on Jalan Batu Belig”. Notice the simple, inviting and intimate concept when you’re inside the cafe. One that you can sit in for hours, with your books or for unwind after your earth-shattering week at the office.

This Watercress Breakfast Set (Rp110k) surely was more than a safe choice. This fix allows you to choose a breakfast menu, one fresh juice (a la carte options from Rp40k) and a cup of coffee or tea. Less than a minute after you order this, fruit salad and juice will come at you in a flash. I knew I had not made a wrong choice right that second. I opted for their Eggs Florentine (a la carte Rp70k). Nothing beats fine poached eggs in the morning and the Watercress folks nailed it effortlessly. The sides such as sautéed butter spinach and the garlic mushrooms won over my palate easily.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head up a bit north from Watercress for your next brunch hunt and you’ll find another gem. Located in Canggu area, just 10 minutes from Batu Belig, Watercress’ founders have helped pave the way for Milk & Madu. The name surely sounds quirky but their menu screams brunch loudly.

Expect Javanese-feel ambiance both indoor and outdoor, thanks to their joglo-styled house. It’s one of those decors that gets you in a village mood, and yet makes you feel right at home once you’re in the dining area. I jumped straightaway for the coffee. Similar to its Batu Belig counterpart, Revolver Espresso joins in and coffee party gets started!

The barista did Revolver justice by serving me a fine cup of flat white (Rp 38k). A quick look at their menu and you would find it simple, as breakfast is meant to be. But to be safe and not miss out on what’s cooking in their kitchen on most days, I opted for Milk & Madu Specialties. The section has four items, all popular and all sound wonderful.

I was totally digging my order – Poached Eggs over Smashed Peas, Feta, Mint, Lemon & Olive Oil on Grilled Sourdough (Rp 70k). I tried my best to fit in every part of the dish on my fork and the effort paid off. This best seller was so rich in taste and texture, I wanted more and more. Lemon, olive and feta of course worked well together, but the unique dash of mint kept me going. Poached eggs were cooked to perfection and they were like oozing (and waving) ‘good morning’ to me.

Every now and then, I would come across news about the crowds at Watercress and Milk & Madu, so these eateries have definitely set the bar high. I urge every Bali visitor to go explore the island and find gems like these two. Whenever you feel like delving into the Western part of Bali, from Seminyak up, that trip will not be complete without a munch stop at these two eateries. Visit for coffee from the cheeky barista, helpful waitresses, and warm smiles.
Watercress
Jalan Batubelig 21A, Kerobokan
Bali, Indonesia 80361
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 7:30 am – 4 pm; Dinner 5:30 pm – late | Sunday Family Brunch all day until 5 pm