Babi Guling Week

Overview

Melbourne's ARU is turning two, which is great for two reasons. First, it's quite fun to say. And second, they're bringing back the famous babi guling — Balinese suckling pig.

If you missed ARU's opening in 2021, it launched with a mind-blowing babi guling which quickly became one of the most talked-about dishes of the year. Despite being a sell-out hit, owners Khanh Nguyen and Adi Halim eventually had to take babi guling off the menu because it turns out preparing authentic suckling pig isn't easy, and the pigs were fighting for dry-ageing space with ARU's ducks. The ducks were victorious.

Ari Hatzis

But for their birthday celebrations, they're bringing back the pig. Imagine crispy crackling, tender roasted pork belly, finished over a wood fire and served with three kinds of native sambals, fresh herbs and lettuce. It's kind of Bali's answer to Peking Duck.

The babi guling special will be running at ARU from June 12 – 17 (dinners only), and no pre-orders are necessary. Just book a table, rock up and point. It'll set you back $80 per pig and that's enough suckling for two average humans.

Form an orderly queue for this one. Stocks are limited, and once the pigs are gone, they probably won't be back for a while.

Images: Supplied