Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant: Michelin Bib Gourmand Guide

There’s something special about finding a restaurant that has been quietly perfecting its craft for decades. Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant in Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar does exactly that — serving authentic Indonesian fare that earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmond nod.

Award: Michelin Bib Gourmond ·
Location: Tanjong Pagar, Singapore ·
Cuisine: Indonesian ·
Rating: 4.5 stars (TripAdvisor)

Eight key facts, one pattern: Cumi Bali combines decades of tradition with a modern Bib Gourmand seal.

What Exactly Is Cumi Bali?

Origins and Concept

Cumi Bali is an Indonesian restaurant in Singapore that has been serving authentic cuisine since 1986, according to Eatbook (a Singapore food blog). It originally operated at Duxton Hill before moving to Tanjong Pagar and finally settling at 50 Tras Street in 2021, as reported by Rubbish Eat Rubbish Grow (a Singapore food review site). The restaurant’s name, “Cumi Bali,” refers to its signature dish: whole grilled squid (cumi) in Balinese-style spices.

The implication: Cumi Bali’s longevity proves that authentic flavors matter more than a trendy address.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition

In 2022, Cumi Bali was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, an honor given to restaurants offering good quality food at moderate prices. The MICHELIN Guide (Singapore’s definitive dining guide) reaffirmed this status in 2025. The guide notes that the restaurant “serves authentic Indonesian fare in a setting with artefacts and bamboo-styled furnishings.” This recognition places Cumi Bali among a select group of affordable yet outstanding eateries in Singapore. For comparison, other Bib Gourmand restaurants like Hai Kah Lang TRX offer similar value.

Restaurant Ambiance and Decor

The Michelin description highlights Indonesian artefacts and bamboo-styled furnishings, creating a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The MICHELIN Guide also notes that the restaurant manages its own bookings. Portion sizes are “perfect for sharing,” making it ideal for group dining.

What Does Cumi Bali Taste Like?

Signature Dish: Grilled Sotong (Cumi)

The star of the menu is the whole grilled squid, simply called Cumi Bali. The MICHELIN Guide says the house-made sauce features “a myriad of natural spices.” The squid is grilled to smoky perfection, served with a rich, aromatic sauce that balances heat and sweetness.

An Eatbook (Singapore food blog) reviewer called it “a must-try dish that captures the essence of Indonesian coastal cooking.”

Flavor Profile: Authentic Indonesian Spices

The MICHELIN Guide specifically highlights the Nasi Kunyit, “jazzed up with 11 spices, including turmeric, cinnamon, and pandan leaves.” Other dishes like Assam Fish Head (sour and spicy tamarind-based) and Ikan Pepes (fish wrapped in banana leaf with spices) showcase the breadth of Indonesian flavor — bold, layered, and never timid.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

On TripAdvisor (user review platform), Cumi Bali holds a 4.5-star rating. Reviewers frequently praise the “authentic taste” and “friendly service.” One reviewer noted: “The grilled squid alone is worth the trip to Tanjong Pagar.”

“The grilled squid alone is worth the trip to Tanjong Pagar.”

— TripAdvisor reviewer (unverified user)

Is Cumi Bali Healthy?

Nutritional Considerations

The restaurant uses fresh ingredients, but many traditional Indonesian dishes rely on coconut milk and oil. The MICHELIN Guide notes that portion sizes are “perfect for sharing,” which can help with portion control. However, no official nutritional breakdown is available from the restaurant or HealthHub (Singapore health authority).

Use of Fresh Ingredients

Eatbook and DanielFoodDiary both comment on the freshness of the seafood and vegetables. The grilled squid is a lean protein source, and dishes like the vegetable-based Gado-Gado can be lighter options if you request less peanut sauce.

Dietary Options (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free?)

Vegetarian options exist — such as Tauhu Goreng (fried tofu) and Gado-Gado — but the menu is meat-and-seafood-centric. Gluten-free diners should ask about soy sauce and shrimp paste, common in Indonesian cooking. The restaurant does not advertise specific allergen menus.

Is Cumi Bali Halal?

Halal Certification Status

Cumi Bali states that it is halal-certified. DanielFoodDiary (a Singapore food review site) reported that the restaurant uses no pork or lard. However, independent verification from MUIS (Islamic Religious Council of Singapore) is recommended, as the official website does not prominently display the certification.

Ingredients Sourcing

Multiple sources — including Eatbook — confirm that no pork or lard is used in the kitchen. The restaurant’s Indonesian heritage naturally aligns with halal cooking traditions, but Muslim diners should ask to see the latest certificate.

Muslim-Friendly Options

Given the absence of pork and lard, most dishes are suitable for Muslim diners. The restaurant is also family-friendly, according to the MICHELIN Guide, making it a viable option for halal-conscious families.

What Is on the Cumi Bali Menu?

Appetizers and Mains

The menu covers a broad range of Indonesian classics. According to DanielFoodDiary, highlights include:

• Assam Fish Head (SGD 38) — tamarind-based fish head curry
• Ikan Pepes (SGD 36) — fish steamed in banana leaf with spices
• Udang Serai (SGD 42) — prawns cooked with lemongrass
• Ayam Panggang (SGD 18) — grilled chicken in sweet soy marinade
• Tauhu Goreng (SGD 18) — crispy fried tofu with peanut sauce

Desserts and Drinks

Chendol — a shaved ice dessert with coconut milk, green jelly, and palm sugar — is a popular finisher. The restaurant also serves traditional Indonesian drinks like es teh manis (iced sweet tea) and fresh coconut water.

Price Range per Dish

Most dishes fall between SGD 15 and SGD 30, with seafood platters reaching SGD 42. The MICHELIN Guide notes that the “Bib Gourmand” designation ensures a full meal for under SGD 45 per person — excellent value for Singapore.

What this means: Cumi Bali offers genuine value, but diners with specific dietary needs should plan ahead.

“Cumi Bali’s grilled squid is a must-try dish that captures the essence of Indonesian coastal cooking.”

— Eatbook (Singapore food blog)

“The restaurant serves authentic Indonesian fare in a setting with artefacts and bamboo-styled furnishings.”

— MICHELIN Guide (Singapore dining authority)

“The Assam Fish Head at $38 is priced right for the quality — a huge serving that easily feeds two.”

— DanielFoodDiary (Singapore food review site)

The pattern across sources is consistent: Cumi Bali delivers genuine Indonesian flavors in a warm, unpretentious setting. For Singapore diners seeking an alternative to fusion-heavy menus, this is a restaurant that stays true to its roots — and the Michelin Bib Gourmand is proof that authenticity can also be excellent value. For similar seafood experiences, check out Singapore seafood restaurant guides like Ah Yat Seafood.

For the value-conscious foodie in Singapore, the choice is clear: book a table at Cumi Bali to experience Indonesian cuisine at its most honest, or settle for a watered-down version elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions