Unlike Nasi Kucing, which is famous for its tasty flavor and simple recipe, Nasi Jinggo in Bali has its own unique charm. I could easily find it while I was staying at POP! Hotel Harris, located on Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar, Bali, during my visit in April 2011. The hotel is not far from Ngurah Rai International Airport—it takes about 25 minutes to reach the hotel from the airport.
The first thing that catches your attention when you see Nasi Jinggo is its appearance, which closely resembles the shape of a hat. What do I mean by that? Well, just look at the outside of the wrapped Nasi Jinggo. What comes to your mind? Doesn’t it look like a small hat? Yes, exactly! Its presentation is quite unique and charming, don’t you think?
.Photo by Syahrir Badulu / Champion from Makassar
Small and Cheap
While staying at the hotel, I explored the area around Jalan Teuku Umar and discovered that it’s filled with local food stalls and cellular phone shops on nearly every corner of the street. Some people told me that you can find many types of cellphones in this area at competitive prices. At the time,
I was actually planning to buy a small cellphone, but in the end, I didn’t go through with it—though I’m sure I could have found a great deal there. Let me give you a quick description of POP! Hotel Harris on Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar,

Bali. This hotel offers friendly and warm service for guests from all across Indonesia and around the world. One of my Balinese friends told me that the hotel is also known for serving Nasi Jinggo as part of their breakfast menu. Interestingly,
Video edited by me. I spoke Indonesian. I am sorry
All Right Reserved video by Asep Haryono
I didn’t notice this food while I was driving from Ngurah Rai Airport to the hotel. I even recorded a short video at the hotel on April 11, 2011, during my stay there with six other Kang Guru Indonesia champions. We were attending a small presentation and workshop organized by Kang Guru Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (I/A/L/F) and funded by the Australian Government
The concept of the hotel is designed to provide the best service for budget travelers, just like myself. It offers modern hotel facilities with several free amenities for those enjoying their vacation in a simple, modest, and affordable way. It’s a smart and eco-friendly type of hotel. Even with a small budget, you can stay here comfortably at an affordable price.
I stayed at this hotel in April 2011 with my companion, Mr. Syahrir Badulu from Makassar, South Sulawesi. During my stay, I discovered many convenient services offered by the hotel. For example, they provided free internet access in the hotel lobby, and guests were given a password upon check-in.
One of the details I really appreciated was the high-quality linen—100% cotton. The white blanket provided in the room was both warm and soft, making it very comfortable to sleep with. I liked it a lot!
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Its me at the reception desk at Pop Harris Hotel in Bali. The photo taken about 2011. Its not good picture I guess but at least this a proove right |
More Excellent Services
The hotel also offers several other excellent services and amenities. These include rooms with king-sized beds, a safe deposit box with a key code, a wonderful bathroom, cable TV, and CCTV security throughout the hotel. You can even enjoy massage services and a food outlet on-site.
One unique feature I found inside the room was the third bed, which reminded me of a “bangsal” (hospital-style bed). It had a black leather design, which was quite unusual and interesting to see in a hotel room.
Free Nasi Jinggo
Now it’s time to share my personal experience with Nasi Jinggo, one of the best services offered by POP! Hotel Harris. This food was free of charge and part of the hotel’s facilities for visitors. You simply step out of your room and head to the “Quick Bite” area located in the hotel lobby, where many guests gather to enjoy this simple yet tasty meal.
I took some photos of the Nasi Jinggo with my own digital camera, and they are already displayed here (or on my blog, depending on where you post this).
A friend of mine, Gung Dwinta, a young Balinese woman originally from Bali, confirmed over the phone that Nasi Jinggo is very affordable and can also be found easily around Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari in Denpasar.
I Gede Suparta, a taxi driver, told me that Nasi Jinggo is very cheap and can be enjoyed by people of all ages without worrying about the ingredients used. I found that the contents of Nasi Jinggo are very common and can be found all across Indonesia—such as noodles, fish, tempeh, and some local recipes.
If you eat Nasi Kucing anywhere in the heart of Jogjakarta, you will certainly get “lauk pauk” (side dishes in English). I think the typical menu includes ikan teri (small dried anchovies), tempeh, abon sapi (shredded dried beef), and of course, hot chili.
The size of Nasi Kucing is quite small, so small it’s considered fit to feed a cat—hence the name Nasi Kucing or in Javanese called “Sego Kucing.” On the other hand, when you eat Nasi Jinggo, the menu is a bit different. It usually includes a small slice of steamed egg, a little fish, and chicken. The fish might be tuna or something similar. It really tastes good.
One common characteristic of Nasi Jinggo is that it is “pedas” or spicy. Most Nasi Jinggo comes with chili, so you will definitely need some cool water to soothe your mouth after eating it. Remember, you usually only take Nasi Jinggo once a day, especially at breakfast time. Need more? Just go outside the hotel and find them easily.
Have You Tried Nasi Jinggo or Nasi Kucing?
If you've ever tasted Nasi Jinggo in Bali or Nasi Kucing in Jogjakarta, I’d love to hear about your experience! How did it taste? Which one do you prefer?
✅ Leave a comment below and share your food story with me. .
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