My husband, Mr. Anak Agung Gde Raka, started business in the tourism industry by opening an art gallery in 1983. Gradually the gallery developed well, hence my husband and I wanted to expand our business. We planned to open a restaurant and a hotel.
Our dream to open a restaurant and hotel finally came true. The restaurant was established on land of 3500sqm. Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner was launched in 1990 and managed by my husband (the late Anak Agung Gde Raka), supported by myself and with positive feedback from our friends. In the beginning, the restaurant only served a few simple dishes and beverages. Having the name Dirty Duck 'Bebek Bengil' in mind, we decided to buy some of my friend's ducks as well for the restaurant.
In the past, Crispy Duck was not included in the menu since preparing duck was not easy and really needed extra attention. Duck has specific odor that is difficult to get rid of unless you know how to prepare it. Thanks to our hard work, gradually we refine the food, beverages as well as the services.
The seating capacity was only for 300-500 people in the past. The first official who visited 'Bebek Bengil' was Mr. Fuad Hasan, Indonesia’s Minister of Education. Since then we became very popular amongst the politician and celebrities, like Mrs. Megawati; Indonesia’s 5th president, Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; Indonesia’s 6th president, Mr. Jokowi; Indonesia’s current president, Mr Jusuf Kalla, Indonesia’s former Vice President and also many Indonesia’s ministers.
My husband, Mr. Anak Agung GdeRaka passed away on 25 August 25 2003 and I continued to expand the restaurant.