Bali has always been one of the destinations I dreamed of visiting, and I was finally able to go there. Among all the places on the island, Ubud became my main stop. The reason is simple. It has its own quiet soul. There, I can explore ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and vibrant art markets. Every corner told a story. But honestly? The most unexpected thing that left a deep impression on me was stumbling upon incredibly tasty Indian food Ubud.

Let me be honest. I had never eaten Indian food before. I had heard about it, of course. From travel websites, MasterChef episodes, and friends who raved about its bold and complex flavors. But I never really imagined myself trying it. Then Jalan Sukma happened.

One afternoon while walking along Jalan Sukma in Ubud, my eyes stopped at a small Indian street food restaurant called Chai of the Tiger. I had not eaten lunch yet, and those stories about Indian flavors suddenly returned to my mind. Hunger plus curiosity? I walked in.

I sat down and opened the menu. Blank. I had no clue what half the dishes even were. So I asked the waitress for help.

She was incredibly patient. She walked me through the options one by one, asked about my spice tolerance, and genuinely seemed to enjoy explaining each dish. When she got to the Thali, she lit up a little. It is a personal platter with a selection of curries, snacks, and sides. She said Thali was the best way to try a bit of everything, especially for first-timers exploring Indian food Ubud has to offer.

Her enthusiasm made me even more curious, and I ended up ordering it together with a mango lassi.

While waiting for the food, I simply enjoyed the moment. The restaurant felt surprisingly comfortable. The warm lighting softened the room, the music stayed pleasantly in the background, and people seemed relaxed. It was the kind of place where nobody looked at the clock.

Suddenly, the Thali arrived.

Honestly, I had mentally prepared myself to just be okay with it. I had heard so much about Indian food Ubud locals and travelers swear by it. But I thought, well, maybe it just isn't for me. And that would be fine. I picked up my spoon with zero expectations. Then I took the first bite and I was completely wrong about myself.

The flavors hit in waves. First came the warmth, then the depth of the spices, then a subtle tanginess from the chutney that tied everything together. Each curry on the platter tasted different. Bold, layered, and nothing like I imagined. I moved from one section to the next slowly, not wanting to rush it.

The mango lassi was equally satisfying. Cold, creamy, and lightly sweet. It balanced the spices perfectly. Every sip felt refreshing after each bite of the Thali.

This whole experience shifted something in me. I found myself wanting to explore more Indian food Ubud has tucked away. I think I found a hidden gem on my short trip to Ubud.

So if you're looking for a culinary adventure that's bold, eye-opening, and deeply satisfying, I'd say go find this little spot. It’s on Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.25, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali. You'll spot it easily with the sign that reads “Chai of the Tiger”.