Fu House | Seminyak — Restaurant in Pulau Bali

I went there by myself. Yes, it was an impulsive decision, but I'm glad I did.

The place has been dancing around my instagram explore for a while now, and I was intrigued by the picanha... initially, I didn't want to go that much because the chairs really threw me off. I'm sorry, but if I have to pay 700k eating by myself, the chair needs to not be the kinda chair that's in government offices. Not child and elderly friendly, perhaps this is not their target audience... it's also hard to put your bag and I didn't see any bag basket anywhere.

My experience began from the moment I reserve my table. The admin was very engaging, and I love that. This was consistent from the moment I stepped foot into Fu House. The security was nice, and the hostess was accommodating.

I am SO glad they sat me on the sofa because it truly helped elevate my experience (dining alone truly increases your senses, and you become more sensitive towards things, especially comfort). Ayu was a great hostess, nice, and always trying to be at your service. Indah and the kind gentlemen with earrings were also super helpful and friendly, again v important characteristics to have when you're dining alone. I'm pretty decisive in what I want, but the way they were giving me words of affirmation made me feel like I was there with friends. Sandra and the kind Bapak were also so nice. Sandra approached and helped elaborate the dishes a little bit more when I was finding the picanha meat to be chewy (not the melt in my mouth meat I was expecting). When I was about to leave, I asked Ayu to help me get some pics, and she was even offered some places to take photos and more poses to try. I love that! I also talked to Sandra about how much I enjoy the personal touch of non-smalltalk small talk that they have. The amount and length of the conversations are just right. The team also seems to be v knowledgeable on the dishes, which is appreciated.

Okay, now onto the dish. The picanha was a letdown... since I was looking forward to this, it being chewy was not it. I didn't enjoy having to use toothpicks in between bites! But the leaves and radish along w the sambal does balance the meal. The hero of the evening was the Raw Fish. I reckon everyone that goes to Fu should get the Raw Fish! It was stellar. I would be happy to eat two plates of that alone. The wonton was great. They have sufficient portions! Folded and cooked to perfection. I also had the dessert. It was great, but I feel like Tamarind was too overpowering for the coconut ice cream. I could hardly taste the coconut, which is a shame because I LOVE coconut and chocolate together. The Coconut Agave cocktails were stunning, though. The creaminess and coconut were what I wanted and more. Could be stronger, but I already had some drinks before dinner, so I'm okay. If I didn't, I'd probably ask for it to have less ice or something. Overall, it was great, I would say, though, that the presentation could be better... I'm not into the plates and glasses, very basic... again, for spending that amount, I wish all my senses to enjoy the whole experience.

Lighting was good, music was good, layout of the place is okay, but the restroom is great. It is located away from the dining area and on the second floor. Each stall have their own sink, and the space plus lighting all equates to the restaurant being pretty high-end. Although a thought came to mind, we're in Indo... so why is there no jet shower in the toilet? Good tissue...

Ambiance: Fu House’s retro-inspired vibe is a feast for the eyes. The curated interiors, from the vibrant furniture to the harmonious color palette, paired with carefully selected music, make it a place where every detail adds to the experience.

Service: The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, quick to explain menu items and offer helpful insights. While you may need to call them over, a common custom in Asia, their attentive service and training shine through.

Cuisine: Fu House offers a bold fusion of traditional Thai flavors and Western culinary techniques, resulting in a true modern cuisine. While it doesn’t serve classic staples like Pad Thai or Tom Yum Soup, expect punchy, balanced flavors with creative twists. The dishes lean toward bold interpretations, and preferences may vary, particularly regarding the seasoning. Beer is a recommended pairing to balance the intense flavors. Dessert is a standout, with the Watermelon Granitas earning high praise as a refreshing finale.

Dish-by-Dish Breakdown:

Mud Crabs Crispy rice with mud crab and young mango. Flavorful, though slightly salty. Pairing with beer helps. 7/10

School Prawn Topped with rice crisps (due to unavailable pork skin). A highlight dish with perfect texture and balance. 10/10

King Fish Crudo Creamy sauce paired with fish didn’t hit the mark. An experimental dish that missed expectations. 4/10

Green Papaya Salad Perfectly ripe papaya and balanced dressing make this an authentic, enjoyable Som Tam. 9/10

Pork Collar Salad Generous portions of pork with mango, cashew, and herbs. A delightful side dish. 8/10

Smoked Tomato Salad Overwhelming coriander flavor and underwhelming cherry tomatoes detract from the potential. 4/10

Beef Massaman Curry Tender beef and bold flavor. Opinions differ on sweetness versus saltiness, but chili addition enhances the dish. 8/10

Pork Chop Tender and well-cooked with a flavorful fermented relish. Gamey meat on the bone might not suit all. 7/10

Scallion Pancake Lightly crispy and subtly flavored to complement the dishes. A versatile side. 9/10

Fried Rice Beautifully seasoned with smoky wok hei aroma. A solid comfort dish. 8/10

Coconut Custard Creamy, well-balanced, and locally sourced ingredients elevate the dish. 9/10

Watermelon Granitas Sweet, sour, and refreshing—an ideal palate cleanser and the perfect conclusion. 10/10

Kulantro Lime Cocktail Mezcal-tequila mix with a margarita twist. A good complement to spicy dishes, though tequila dominates was excited for the smokiness from the Mezcal. 7/10

Overall Experience: Fu House excels in delivering a sophisticated dining experience that combines vibrant retro aesthetics with inventive modern Thai cuisine. While a few dishes could be refined further, the bold flavors, thoughtful presentation, and exceptional desserts make it worth a visit. Ideal for adventurous diners looking for something...

ANOTHER DINING HIT

Trendy buzzwords like fusion, fine dining, and casual dining don’t quite capture the essence of Fu House, although it’s a hot spot in Seminyak, Bali. And it’s for sure not another hobby restaurant set up by some bliss-chasing expat with too much money and too little taste.

Adam McAsey, well-seasoned in the hospitality game, knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s taken his love for food, blended it with his passion for travel, and crafted another successful concept in a long line of hits. If you know his other projects—Sisterfields, Skool, and Times Beach Warung—you already know the man has a knack for turning ideas into institutions. Fu House is no different.

Centered around Thai cuisine, Fu House reimagines ancient recipes with a modern edge. Traditional techniques like fermenting, smoking meats, and working with wood-fired grills are given new life in a menu that’s adventurous yet respectful of its roots. It’s the kind of place where you’ll get those bold, earthy flavors Thailand is famous for but served with a touch of polished flair.

Step out of your Grab car or hop off your GoJek motorbike, and you’ll be greeted by an exterior that feels like it was plucked from an ‘80s Miami movie set. Inside, the place feels like a dance hall repurposed into a restaurant, straddling the line between sleek design and borderline kitsch—right down to the DJ spinning tracks that set the mood just right.

Sharing is key to the dining experience here, in line with the modern food scene’s obsession with small bites and communal eating. Pair it all with one of their signature cocktails, and you’re in for a good time. Sure, on paper, Fu might sound like one of a hundred other spots on the island, but where it really stands out is in the quality. The food comes with fine-dining precision, but the atmosphere and service are casual, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious. Fu House is an adventure in flavors and textures, driven by a passionate staff that genuinely wants you to...