Indian Flavors Take Flight – Ganesha Ek Sanskriti Opens at Ngurah Rai Airport
Denpasar, Bali – Travelers passing through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport now have a new, tantalizing dining option as Ganesha Ek Sanskriti, Southeast Asia’s largest Indian restaurant chain, officially opened its doors in the drop-off and arrival halls on Wednesday, July 8, 2025. This strategic expansion marks a significant step for the culinary powerhouse, which has been serving authentic Indian cuisine in Jakarta and Bali for over 22 years.
Ganesha Ek Sanskriti prides itself on offering the most authentic North and South Indian dishes, renowned for their rich flavors and a unique blend of hospitality and culture. According to many patrons, best-selling dishes like their biryani and butter chicken even surpass those found in India. The restaurant boasts a diverse international clientele, attracting guests from India, Idonesia, China, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Welcoming Tourists with Authentic Tastes
Shilpa Dave, Founder and President Director of Ganesha Ek Sanskriti, highlighted the significance of the new airport location. “We’re taking this step to welcome Indian and international tourists as they arrive and depart Bali,” Dave stated at the launch. “Ganesha is here to serve authentic Indian food throughout their stay in Bali.”
The opening comes at a time when Indian tourist arrivals to Bali are surging. In 2024, Indian travelers ranked second only to Australians, with over 550,000 visitors, and March 2025 saw a 14.36% increase in Indian tourist visits compared to the previous month. This growing demographic, coupled with a broader international appetite for Indian cuisine, makes the airport a prime location for Ganesha’s expansion.
A Commitment to Health and Flavor
A nutritionist by profession, Shilpa Dave emphasized Ganesha’s unwavering commitment to serving healthy and delicious food with warm hospitality. The restaurant offers a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with a particular focus on a diverse selection of vegetarian options to cater to various dietary preferences. All dishes are meticulously prepared by specialist Indian chefs using traditional recipes, ensuring an authentic taste that leaves a lasting impression on guests.
Dave drew a parallel between Indian cuisine and Indonesia’s beloved Padang food, noting their shared richness in spices. “If Padang food has many fans, I think Indian cuisine is no less popular,” she remarked, adding that the widespread appeal of Indian arts and culture, including Bollywood films, further contributes to the cuisine’s growing popularity in Indonesia.
Expanding Footprint Across Bali
The Ngurah Rai Airport outlet is just the beginning of Ganesha Ek Sanskriti’s continued expansion in Bali. The restaurant plans to open new branches in the GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) area and several other key locations across the island. With 22 locations now in operation across its 22 years of existence, Ganesha is steadily working to popularize Indian cuisine throughout Indonesia, mirroring the success of Indian films in the country. This strategic growth aims to meet the increasing demand from both international tourists and local residents for genuine Indian culinary experiences.
