Authentic Balinese Cooking Class: A Journey into Island Flavors
Savor the True Taste of Bali: Learn to Cook Authentic Dishes with Local Chefs in a Traditional Village Kitchen. Embark on a delicious culinary adventure and unlock the secrets of Balinese cuisine. Our hands-on Cooking Class invites you to explore vibrant local markets (Morning Class option), discover exotic spices, learn traditional cooking techniques, and prepare a sumptuous Balinese feast from scratch, all under the guidance of our friendly and experienced local chefs.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the rich aromas and flavors of authentic Balinese cooking. Our Authentic Balinese Cooking Class is more than just a lesson; it’s a cultural journey. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s culinary heritage, learn skills to recreate these dishes at home, and, best of all, enjoy the incredible meal you helped prepare! We offer morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to fit your schedule.
Essential Details for Your Cooking Class
Choose Your Culinary Experience:
(Timings below indicate the total duration from pickup in the Ubud area to leaving the farm/kitchen location).
OPTION 1: Morning Class with Market Visit
- Timing: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Price: IDR 480,000/person
- Focus: Immersive experience including a traditional market tour, full Balinese menu preparation, and lunch.
OPTION 2: Afternoon Class
- Timing: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Price: IDR 450,000/person
- Focus: Concentrated hands-on cooking session (no market tour), full Balinese menu preparation, and a late lunch/early dinner.
OPTION 3: Evening Class
- Timing: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Price: IDR 450,000/person
- Focus: Evening hands-on cooking session (no market tour), full Balinese menu preparation, and dinner.
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off:
- Free Pick-up and drop-off is from our designated meeting point in Ubud.
- For hotel pickup Ubud and other areas (e.g., Sanur, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Kintamani, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua), transport can be arranged for an additional charge. Please inquire for rates and adjusted pickup times.
- Special Note for Groups: For group bookings of more than 4 people, a complimentary shuttle service from Ubud area hotels may also be available for areas slightly outside central Ubud. Please confirm with us when booking.
Why You’ll Love Our Balinese Cooking Class
This is an immersive experience that connects you to the heart of Balinese culture through its vibrant food.
Your Balinese Culinary Journey: From Market to Meal
Step into our kitchen and let the aromas of Bali guide you:
- Pickup & Welcome (All Classes): Your culinary journey begins with a pickup from your Ubud area accommodation. Upon arrival at our beautiful Balinese kitchen, often set amidst an organic garden, you’ll enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you meet your chef instructor and fellow participants. You’ll receive an overview of the class and the dishes you’ll be preparing.
- Traditional Market Tour (Option 1: Morning Class Only): If you’ve chosen the morning class, your day starts with an exciting visit to a bustling local market. Your chef will guide you through the vibrant stalls, introducing you to exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and essential spices. Learn how locals shop and select the best ingredients.
- Garden Harvest (If applicable & time permits for all classes): You might also have the chance to pick some fresh herbs or vegetables directly from our on-site organic garden to use in your cooking.
- Introduction to Balinese Spices & Techniques (All Classes): Back in the kitchen, delve into the heart of Balinese cuisine. Learn about the key spices and ingredients, and how to prepare the foundational Bumbu Bali (Balinese spice paste) using a traditional stone mortar and pestle.
- Hands-On Cooking Session (All Classes): At your individual cooking station, and under the expert guidance of your chef, you’ll start preparing a series of authentic Balinese dishes. This will typically include:
- An appetizer or salad (e.g., Gado-Gado, Lawar)
- A main course featuring chicken or fish (e.g., Sate Lilit, Pepes Ikan)
- A vegetarian main course (e.g., Tempeh Manis, Vegetable Curry)
- Steamed rice (Nasi Putih)
- A traditional Sambal (chili condiment)
- A Balinese dessert (e.g., Pisang Rai, Bubur Injin)
- Communal Feast (All Classes): Once all the dishes are prepared, gather around the table to enjoy the delicious, multi-course Balinese feast you’ve created together. Share stories, savor the flavors, and celebrate your culinary achievements!
- Recipe Sharing & Departure (All Classes): You’ll receive a recipe booklet with all the dishes you prepared, so you can recreate the magic of Balinese cuisine at home before we transfer you back to your Ubud accommodation.
What You’ll Cook & Learn (Example Menu):
Our menu changes seasonally to ensure the freshest ingredients, but typically includes a variety of Balinese favorites such as:
- Base Gede / Bumbu Bali: The foundational Balinese spice paste.
- Sate Lilit: Minced meat (often fish or chicken) satay, wrapped around lemongrass or bamboo sticks.
- Sayur Urab: Balinese mixed vegetables with grated coconut and spices.
- Kare Ayam/Tempe: Chicken or Tempeh Curry with coconut milk.
- Sambal Matah / Sambal Ulek: Classic Balinese chili sauces.
You’ll Learn:
- About local Balinese produce during an organic farm tour and harvesting session.
- Authentic Balinese cooking techniques.
- How to identify and use key Balinese spices and ingredients.
- The art of balancing flavors in Balinese cuisine.
- Traditional food preparation methods, including using a mortar and pestle.
- Cultural insights into Balinese food and dining etiquette.
Important Information & Considerations
- Activity Level: Light to moderate. You will be walking in the garden, standing, and actively participating in cooking for a few hours.
- What to Wear: Comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. An apron will likely be provided.
- What to Bring:
- Camera to capture your culinary creations and fun moments.
- A hearty appetite!
- Cash for any additional purchases or if your pickup is outside the free Ubud zone.
- Dietary Requirements: We can cater to most dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) with advance notice. Please inform us clearly when booking.
- Age Suitability: Generally suitable for participants aged 10 and above. Younger children who are keen cooks can participate with active adult supervision.
This Balinese Cooking Class is Perfect For…
- Food lovers and aspiring chefs of all skill levels.
- Culture enthusiasts wanting an authentic, hands-on Balinese experience.
- Travelers seeking to learn about local ingredients, organic farming, and culinary traditions.
- Anyone looking for a fun, interactive, and delicious way to spend a part of their day.
- Families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Meet Your Local Chef Instructors
Our cooking classes are led by warm, friendly, and experienced Balinese chefs who are passionate about their culinary heritage and sustainable local farming. Many have learned their skills from their families and have years of experience in local kitchens and teaching visitors. They love sharing their knowledge, tips, and stories, ensuring your cooking class is not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable and filled with Balinese hospitality.
Hear it From Our Guests…
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what guests say about their culinary journey with us:
Booking Form
Ready to embark on a flavorful journey from farm to feast and master the art of Balinese cooking?
Book your Authentic Balinese Cooking Class today!