Overview: Best Spicy Seafood Dishes to Try in Bali
- Where to find spicy seafood in Pererenan: A curated guide to Red Gunpowder Bali, one of the top spots for Indian spicy seafood in Canggu and Pererenan.
- Why Red Gunpowder stands out: The restaurant blends coastal-fresh seafood with bold Indian spice profiles, smoky tandoor notes, and rich curry flavors that go beyond typical “spicy seafood.”
- Top spicy seafood dishes to order: Highlights include the Torched Tuna with curry leaf, coconut sauce, Masala Battered Barramundi, smoky Tandoor Octopus, and spicy Vindaloo with prawn or barramundi.
- A balance of heat and flavor: Expect complexity, Kashmiri chilli, ginger masala, custom spice blends, paired with fresh textures and thoughtful use of smoke, acidity, and aromatics.
- Tips for first time diners: Adjust the heat level, pair spicy dishes with cooling rice or naan, and book ahead during busy evenings in Pererenan.
- Perfect for spice lovers: Whether you’re craving fiery curries or smoky, spice-forward plates, Red Gunpowder offers some of the most memorable spicy seafood dishes in Bali.
Whenever friends ask me where to find spicy seafood in Pererenan, I always point them to Red Gunpowder Bali. This contemporary Indian restaurant tucked away on Jl. Munduk Tengah has seriously changed the way I think about spice, heat, and seafood, especially if you’re craving dishes that aren’t just fiery but also thoughtfully balanced and deeply flavorful
Pererenan is full of great restaurants, but what sets Red Gunpowder apart is how it elevates seafood with Indian spice profiles that hit both the palate and memory. The coastal vibe of Canggu means you’ll find plenty of seafood options, but the way Red Gunpowder marries heat with texture, smoke, and aromatic curry notes keeps me coming back.
Here’s where I always start when I want spicy seafood that truly stands out.
Read also: The Best Fine Dining Experience in Canggu
Torched Tuna with Home Spice Blend
One of the first dishes I recommend is the Torched Tuna. The tuna fillet is marinated in Red Gunpowder’s own spice blend and then blow-torched, giving it a smoky char that complements the heat of the spices. It is served with a curry leaf and coconut sauce and finished with tobiko roe that adds pops of flavor and texture.
This dish strikes a perfect balance between spice, citrus brightness, and ocean fresh umami. It’s not just “spicy for heat’s sake” but layered, bold, and exciting with every bite.
Masala Battered Barramundi
Another seafood favorite that always makes it onto my spicy radar is the Masala Battered Barramundi. This dish features masala-marinated barramundi fried with a crunchy honey batter and served with a coriander emulsion and tomato-onion masala.
The heat here is gentle but persistent, elevated by Kashmiri chili powder in the batter and finishing spice dust that gives it a warming kick. I love this one because it’s spicy without being overwhelming, and it pairs beautifully with chilled cocktails or a glass of white wine.
Tandoor Octopus with Spiced Ginger Masala
If you want smoky, bold heat and tender seafood, the Tandoor Octopus at Red Gunpowder is unforgettable. The octopus is first slow cooked in a spiced stock until tender, then marinated in a ginger masala and finished in the tandoor oven.
This dish showcases deep, smoky heat and rich complexity. The ginger masala brings warmth and spice without overloading the palate, while the tandoor char adds another dimension of flavor that feels both rustic and refined. It’s one of my favorite non-curry seafood plates here.
Vindaloo with Prawn or Barramundi
When I’m craving something that turns up the heat, I go straight for the Vindaloo curry with spicy seafood. On the menu Vindaloo is traditionally rich with Kashmiri chilli powder, dry red chillies, ginger, and garlic. You can choose prawn or barramundi as the protein base, and the curry becomes intensely aromatic with a satisfying bite of heat.
Vindaloo’s spice profile lingers on the tongue in the best way, and because it’s a curry you can enjoy it with basmati rice or naan, which temper the fire and let the complex flavors shine.
Read also: Top Cocktails to Pair with Indian Food in Pererenan
Tips for First-Time Visitors
When I bring friends here for spicy seafood, I always suggest:
- Ask about the spice level if you prefer extra hot, the kitchen is happy to adjust.
- Pair spicy seafood with a mild rice dish or naan to balance the fire.
- Reserve a table early in the evening, especially on weekends, because this place fills up fast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring Canggu’s food landscape and want seafood that doesn’t just taste fresh but also ignites your senses, Red Gunpowder should be at the top of your list in Pererenan. The combination of Indian spice traditions, expertly prepared seafood, and thoughtful heat profiles makes it one of the most exciting places on the island to eat spicy seafood.
Whether you’re in the mood for fiery curried prawns or smoky torched tuna, you’ll find that Red Gunpowder serves spice with sophistication and authenticity, and that’s why it’s become my go-to spot whenever I’m craving bold, vibrant seafood in Bali.
