If you love bold flavors, long-simmered spices, and curries that offer real heat, Bali has plenty to explore. But when it comes to spice-forward dishes that feel deep, layered, and expertly crafted, Red Gunpowder in Pererenan is one of the best restaurants to visit. Their food is rooted in Indian coastal and North Indian cooking, which means the spices aren’t just added for heat, they’re built into every stage of the dish.
This is the place I recommend to anyone staying around Canggu or Pererenan who wants strong spices done properly, with balance, aroma, and technique. After going through the menu, reading reviews, and trying my way through their spice centric dishes, here’s everything I’ve learned about what to order if you want maximum flavor and heat.
Why Red Gunpowder Is Perfect for Spice Lovers
Red Gunpowder isn’t simply “spicy.” Their cooking uses traditional Indian methods: blooming spices in hot oil, slow reducing gravy bases, layering aromatics, and balancing heat with richness. That’s why the dishes here have dimension, not just a single note of chili.
Spice at Red Gunpowder comes in different forms:
- Heat from dried red chilies and chili powder.
- Warmth from cloves, cardamom, and turmeric.
- Smokiness from slow roasted capsicum.
- Tang from tamarind and lime.
- Richness from long simmered onion and tomato masalas.
If you’re someone who truly appreciates the profile of spices rather than just the burn, this restaurant is an ideal match.
Top Recommendations Spicy Food for Spice Lovers
Rogan Josh — Deep, Warm, Aromatic Spice
If you prefer aromatic intensity over sharp chili heat, the Rogan Josh is the right choice. Reviews often highlight how flavorful and rich this curry feels without being heavy.
Its spice base includes:
- Kashmiri red chili powder
- Cloves
- Fennel powder
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Garam masala
When simmered with tender lamb, it becomes a deeply fragrant curry that feels warm and smoldering rather than aggressively hot. This is the kind of spice that lingers and builds slowly.
Bhuna Curry — Smoky and Strong, Perfect With Rice
The Bhuna Curry is ideal if you want strong flavor with a roasted, smoky edge. Bhuna style dishes are cooked until the masala reduces and caramelizes, which intensifies the spices beautifully.
Key elements include:
- Roasted tomatoes
- Red capsicum
- Cumin seeds
- Curry leaves
- Kashmiri chili powder
- Cardamom and cloves
This curry is thick, rich, and slightly smoky. If you’re someone who loves the taste of spices that have been slowly cooked into a deep, complex base, this one is unmissable.
Goan Curry — Spicy, Tangy, and Tropical
For a curry that brings heat plus coastal brightness, the Goan Curry is one of Red Gunpowder’s most vibrant dishes. The heat from dried chilies and ginger is softened by coconut milk, while tamarind and lime add acidity that cuts through the richness.
Highlight of goan curry:
- The heat is punchy but refreshing
- The tang makes it feel lighter
- Seafood (when chosen) pairs beautifully with the spices
If you want a spicy curry that doesn’t sit too heavily, this is one of the best options.
Chili Paneer — A Fiery Starter
Before diving into the curries, the Chili Paneer is a great way to warm up your palate. Reviews often mention how satisfying the mix of:
- Black pepper
- Garlic
- Green chilies
- Red chilies
The sauce clings to the paneer, making each bite spicy, savory, and slightly tangy. It’s one of those dishes that sets the tone for a spice heavy meal but doesn’t overwhelm.
Not All Spice Is “Heat” — Red Gunpowder’s Spice Philosophy
One of the things I appreciate most is how Red Gunpowder uses spice beyond heat:
- Aroma: cardamom, cloves, and fennel
- Earthiness: cumin, turmeric
- Acidity: lime, tamarind
- Sweetness: slow cooked onions
- Smokiness: roasted capsicum and masalas
This is why their dishes stay interesting from the first bite to the last. Even if you love strong spices, you won’t feel fatigued, the flavors evolve rather than overwhelm.
Tips for Ordering If You Love Strong Spices
- Choose at least one heat driven curry (Vindaloo or Bhuna).
- Pair it with a more aromatic curry like Rogan Josh for balance.
- Order rice or roti, you’ll want something to carry all that gravy.
- Chili Paneer makes a great spicy starter.
- Ask the staff about spice levels; they can guide you based on your preference.
- Claypot dishes (when available) intensify spice flavor even more.
Final Thoughts
If strong spices are what you’re looking for in Bali, Red Gunpowder is easily one of the best restaurants to explore. The curries are bold, fragrant, and built with real technique, from spice roasting to slow reduction, which makes every dish feel layered and satisfying. Whether it’s the fiery punch of Vindaloo, the smoky depth of Bhuna, or the rich warmth of Rogan Josh, the flavors here go far beyond “spicy.” They’re deliberate, balanced, and full of character.
For anyone who loves spice driven food with personality and depth, Red Gunpowder is a must visit dining experience in Bali.
