We settled for a cosy candlelit spot at one end of the long wooden table, which serves as the centrepiece of Jenja Restaurant. The long black table is set before the open kitchen where Chef Selma and her culinary brigade prepare the dishes. The main indoor dining area is also lined with plush sofas, serving those who prefer optional lounging with tapas and cocktails prior to heading down to the club. Must-try signature cocktails include the Tropical Tickle of pineapple, lemongrass and lime with 100% agave tequila, and there’s the Jenja Moon that is a mix of mangosteen, cinnamon, lime, longan blooms, honey, and Brazilian cachaca.

Having walked out triumphant from the second season of the Top Chef reality-show in Jordan at a mere 24 years old, Chef Selma has proven herself a rare breed in the business. As a master of Middle Eastern cuisine, she boldly innovates; however, with the menu at Jenja she retains some of the authentic flavours that make up what could be the most aromatic, rich and healthiest cuisine around.

To start dinner in suitable style, a shared appetiser dish of crab cakes with avocado lime mousse and garnished with edible flower and the to-die-for braised pork belly buns with shallots and lettuce is highly recommended and comes served on a pretty wooden tray. Chef Selma’s very cool take on satay is showcased through the grilled fish satay wrap – served on a lemongrass skewer, but eaten by holding it whole inside a lettuce wrap and sliding it off the skewer.

It is enhanced with mango, cucumber, cashew soy dip and yellow Japanese mustard, all devoured in a single bite. The seafood curry is a splendid aromatic treat, served with carrot, garlic chips and naan bread. We later closed with dark chocolate granola, though the caramelised banana tequila cheesecake made it to top of our list for next visit.

Regular DJs Mamsa, Wisdy and Heidy usually get started downstairs around 22:00 as the influx of well-dressed partygoers begins to arrive. Another impressive sight awaits guests down here, with the club’s shimmering walls comprising a mosaic of hexagonal jade tiles. The dance floor and DJ booth with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems is right under the dining hall.

The music here is a line-up of old school hip-hop, RnB and funk. The Jenja Bar & Club is not huge, but it offers a very different scene and caters to a more sophisticated partying crowd compared to other venues in Seminyak. Even though Jenja Bar and Restaurant are open daily, the club section is only open from Wednesday through the weekends.

• Opening Hours: Restaurant Mon-Sun 18:00 – 11:00, Bar & Club Wed-Sun 22:00 – 02:00
• Location: Jalan Naukla 532XX, Seminyak
• Tel: +62 (0)361 882 771