From Bali: Cooking Class at Ubud Organic Farm

Planning a trip to Bali and craving a taste of the island’s authentic flavors? This cooking class at Ubud Organic Farm offers more than just recipes—it’s a chance to see local life up close, gather fresh ingredients, and master traditional Balinese dishes in a relaxed, open-air setting. Whether you’re a food lover or simply curious about Bali’s culinary secrets, this experience promises a memorable blend of culture, flavor, and hands-on fun.

What we love most is how accessible and authentic the experience feels. You’re not just watching a chef prep ingredients—you’re actively involved, picking your own herbs, spices, and vegetables straight from the farm, giving you a real sense of connection to the land. Plus, the opportunity to learn both traditional and vegan/vegetarian menus makes it appealing for a wide range of dietary preferences.

One potential consideration? The group size is limited to 14, which is great for intimacy but could mean you need to book in advance. Also, the class requires a bit of travel from busy tourist hubs, but the inclusion of hotel pickup makes it hassle-free.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy culinary adventures, want to experience local Balinese life beyond temples and beaches, and appreciate the value of learning practical skills they can recreate at home.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Hands-on cooking in an open-air farm kitchen blends education with culture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Picking vegetables and herbs on the farm adds a tactile, rewarding element to the class.
• Local Market Tour: For the morning class, you’ll explore a bustling market, gaining insight into daily Balinese life.
• Flexible Menus: Choose between a traditional or vegetarian/vegan menu, accommodating different dietary needs.
• Inclusive Package: Hotel pickup, recipes (including downloadable PDFs), and meals cooked during class enhance the value.
• Small Group: Limited to 14 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Looks Like

The experience begins with a convenient hotel pickup, typically in the Bali regions of Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua—if accessible by car or minibus. From there, you’ll travel to the lush outskirts of Ubud, a hub for arts and nature, where the organic farm is located. As you arrive, you’re greeted with a warm welcome—coffee or tea and light breakfast—setting a relaxed tone for the day.

The first part of the tour involves a guided walk around the farm. Here, you’ll see how locals utilize natural resources for daily life, gathering vegetables and herbs for your upcoming cooking session. This element of harvesting fresh ingredients is especially appreciated by those interested in sustainable practices and farm-to-table concepts.

For the morning class, there’s an added highlight: a visit to a local market. As you stroll through the vibrant stalls, you’ll witness the early morning hustle of vendors buying and selling fresh produce. This glimpse into local commerce enriches the overall experience, connecting you directly with Bali’s food culture.

The Heart of the Experience: Cooking in the Open Air

After the farm tour, you’ll meet your chef—an engaging guide who ensures that everyone participates, regardless of cooking skills. The open-air kitchen is simple yet charming, with enough stations for pairs to work comfortably. The relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and shared laughs, especially when trying to perfect traditional techniques.

The class generally lasts about six hours—ample time to prepare, cook, and enjoy your creations. During this period, you’ll learn to make 6 authentic Balinese dishes, with options for traditional and vegetarian/vegan menus.

The Regular Menu

We loved how the menu balances familiar flavors with local twists. You’ll prepare a Base Gede, a traditional spice paste that forms the foundation of many Balinese meals. Other highlights include Sayur Urab—a fresh green salad spiked with coconut and spices—and the complex, flavorful Opor Ayam, Balinese chicken curry. Sate Lilit, a signature dish, involves delicate meat or fish wrapped around bamboo sticks with a rich spice and coconut paste.

Desserts such as pisang goreng (banana fritters) or bubur injin (black rice pudding) top off the meal, giving a sweet finish to your culinary journey. The process of making these dishes offers insight into Balinese flavor profiles—think bold spices, coconut richness, and balancing sweet and savory.

The Vegetarian Menu

For those opting for a plant-based experience, the vegetarian menu is equally compelling. The gado gado, a vegetable salad with peanut sauce, showcases how Bali uses simple ingredients to create complex flavors. Tempe, a staple protein, is featured in Opor Tempe and tempe asam manis—sour and sweet varieties that highlight the versatility of this fermented soybean product. Vegan sate lilit made with jackfruit provides a satisfying alternative to meat, with the same aromatic spice paste.

This flexibility makes the experience appealing to a broad audience, including vegetarians, vegans, and those simply eager to explore Bali’s plant-based cuisine.

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Learning and Tasting: What You Take Home

The class emphasizes practical skills along with cultural knowledge. You’ll leave with a recipe book—both printed and downloadable—that enables you to recreate these dishes at home. The recipes are straightforward, and the hands-on nature means you won’t just watch—you’ll do every step, from chopping to mixing to grilling.

Tasting your creations is a highlight. As you sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, you’ll appreciate the depth of flavors that come from fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. Feedback from past travelers highlights how satisfying it is to eat a meal you cooked yourself, especially with the scenic farm as your backdrop.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price?

At $55 per person, this experience offers a lot. Hotel pickup, market tour (if it’s the morning class), farm visit, all cooking, recipes, and a meal—all bundled into a six-hour session—is a compelling package. When you consider the opportunity to learn authentic recipes, gather local ingredients, and enjoy a meal in a peaceful setting, the cost represents excellent value.

While it’s a bit of an investment, it’s an experience that combines cultural insight, practical skills, and delicious food. Plus, you get to bring home a tangible memory—your own recipe book—to recreate Bali’s flavors long after your trip.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Timing: Check the available starting times in advance as the class lasts around six hours and may vary.
• Group Size: With only 14 participants, you’re unlikely to feel lost in the crowd, but booking ahead ensures your spot.
• Dietary Needs: Vegan and vegetarian options are available, making it flexible for different diets.
• Transportation: The included pickup means you don’t have to worry about logistics, but confirm your pickup location if staying outside central areas.
• Language: Conducted in English and Indonesian, the instructions are clear and accessible for most travelers.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue.

The Sum Up

This Balinese cooking class at Ubud Organic Farm is a wonderfully immersive experience that combines culinary education with a genuine look at local life. It’s ideal for travelers who love hands-on activities, want to learn practical skills, or simply enjoy the idea of preparing and tasting authentic Balinese dishes in a scenic, relaxed setting. The inclusion of market visits, fresh ingredients, and recipes ensures you’re not just paying for a meal but for a cultural encounter that lasts well beyond Bali’s beaches and temples.

If you’re eager to connect with Bali through its flavors and farm-fresh ingredients, this tour offers an authentic, enjoyable, and worthwhile experience. It’s a perfect way to deepen your understanding of Balinese culture while adding new skills to your culinary repertoire.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-back are included if your hotel is in accessible areas like Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua.

Can I choose a vegetarian or vegan menu?
Absolutely. The tour offers both regular and vegetarian/vegan menus, so dietary preferences are accommodated.

What is the duration of the class?
The class lasts approximately 6 hours, with starting times available based on your booking.

Do I get to visit a market?
Yes, the morning class includes a tour of a local market, giving you a glimpse into daily Balinese food shopping.

What’s included in the price?
Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, market and farm tours, harvesting ingredients, the hands-on cooking class, a recipe book, and the meal you cook.

Is this experience suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s designed for small groups and involves walking around farms and markets, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or young children. Always check with the provider if you have special needs.

In short, this cooking class offers a genuine taste of Bali’s culinary soul, wrapped in a warm, scenic setting. It’s well worth considering if your Bali trip includes an interest in food, culture, or simply a desire to do something memorable and hands-on.

You can check availability for your dates here: