Bali cooking class
By participating in a cooking class in Bali, you’ll get a true taste of the vibrant food culture in Bali. You won’t be just following recipes; you’ll immerse yourself in the culinary journey! After one class you’ll experience the unique hands-on learning that comes when you chop, grind, and mix your ingredients.
Master classic specialties including Sate Lilit and aromatic sambals! You’ll be in the hands of skilled local chefs who’ll help you discover the secret to traditional techniques. You’ll learn how to grind fresh spices using a stone mortar and wrap ingredients in banana leaves for steaming. This experience is really immersive and hands-on, making it easier for you to connect to the roots of Balinese cooking.
Balinese cuisine is all about those bold flavors, usually made with fresh ingredients such as coconut, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric. These spices help shape the flavor and reveal the island’s Hindu influence and dependence on homegrown agriculture.
The Bali cookingclass usually starts with a trip to the market. There, you’ll experience close-up just how these ingredients are gathered before rolling up your sleeves to cook and share meals in a friendly, family-style atmosphere.
During this unforgettable cooking experience, you’ll be creating approximately eight recipes, from zingy pork curries to fresh, fragrant salads and desserts. This cooking class also offers a deep dive into the culinary traditions of the island, making it a truly enriching experience.
Our guides bring Bali's food and culture to life.
Types of Cooking Classes
Traditional Balinese Cuisine Classes
Traditional Balinese cooking classes are a fun, immersive way to dive deeper into the roots of local culture. The Balinese are known for their rich culinary traditions, culinary heritage, and these classes offer a deep dive into their unique cooking techniques and flavors. You will learn to make the famous satay, with mouthwatering skewers of meat. In addition, you will learn to make sambal, a chili-based condiment that is indispensable to any Balinese meal.
Rice, the staple of Balinese cooking, becomes the focal point of their learning experience—from cooking it, traditional recipes, to understanding its cultural significance. Traditional cooking methods found in most Balinese kitchens are shown, like cooking in clay pots or steaming in banana leaves.
Communal dining is the high point of the experience. Along with your fellow participants, you’ll share these meals, immersing yourself in the warmth and togetherness of Balinese culture. The Omahneka Cooking Class is an intimate experience limited to just 4-6 participants. Led by Chef Ketut, you’ll enjoy plenty of one-on-one instruction throughout the class.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Balinese cuisine is equally thrilling for plant-based eaters. A Bali cooking class focused on vegan and vegetarian recipes showcase how local produce like jackfruit, coconut, and tempeh are transformed into hearty dishes. You’ll master balancing spices and herbs to build layers of flavor, all without a drop of animal products. Balinese cuisine, including plant-based cuisine, offers a rich culinary experience.
With the instructors, they’ll even have you re-create typical recipes like lawar, swapping in plant-based ingredients. In addition to hands-on cooking, these classes provoke discussions on sustainability and the concept of mindful eating, making them as insightful as they are tasty. These discussions often highlight sustainable cooking practices, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly choices in the kitchen.
Market Tour and Cooking Experience
A market tour is a hands-on, sensory introduction to Balinese cuisine. You’ll wander through colorful markets, local markets hawking fresh ingredients such as turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal as you learn how to identify them in all their seasonal glory. These markets are not just a place to shop—they’re a cultural hub.
Knowledgeable guides detail why that offering matters or why mangoes are at their most perfect ripeness. The Intro to Omahneka class features morning market tours, submerging you into this dynamic scene and culinary adventure before launching into the cooking experience.
Advanced Techniques for Skilled Cooks
For those who are more experienced, advanced classes and culinary expertise help you hone your skills even further. You’ll immerse yourself in creating intricate spice pastes such as base genep, the foundation of many a Balinese dish. Grilling with coconut husk in the style of the Toraja people or making moist, fragrant, complex dishes steamed in banana leaves are all taught.
Through hands-on experiences, participants can hone their craft by working alongside instructors and professionals such as professional chefs like Chef Ketut. They will learn practical, authentic tips on presenting and pairing dishes.
Whether you’re a budding chef or just eager to replicate rich Balinese flavors in your home kitchen, these sessions are the perfect introduction.
Cooking Class Experience
Our cooking class experience is designed to provide you with a unique and immersive culinary journey. You will have the opportunity to learn about the rich and flavorful Balinese cuisine, and how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh and local ingredients. Our experienced chefs will guide you through the cooking process, sharing their knowledge and expertise to ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable experience. From grinding spices to wrapping ingredients in banana leaves, you will be fully engaged in the hands-on process of creating authentic Balinese dishes. This is not just a cooking class; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Balinese culture and culinary traditions.
Expert Instruction
Our cooking classes are led by expert instructors who have a deep understanding of Balinese cuisine and culture. They will provide you with personalized attention and guidance, ensuring that you learn the techniques and skills needed to prepare authentic Balinese dishes. Our instructors are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise, and are committed to providing you with a fun and engaging learning experience. Whether you’re learning to make intricate spice pastes or mastering the art of grilling with coconut husk, our instructors will be there every step of the way to help you achieve culinary success in our Bali cooking class.
Worldwide Students
We welcome students from all over the world to join our cooking classes. Our classes are designed to be inclusive and accessible, regardless of your culinary background or experience. We have hosted students from over 32,149 countries, and our classes are a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you will feel at home in our cooking classes. The diverse backgrounds of our students create a rich and dynamic learning environment, where you can share your own culinary traditions and learn from others in our Bali cooking class.
Private Classes
We offer private cooking classes for individuals, couples, and groups. Our private classes are tailored to your specific needs and interests, and can be customized to fit your schedule and preferences. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner experience or a fun and interactive team-building activity, our private classes are the perfect solution. You will receive personalized instruction and have the flexibility to focus on the dishes and techniques that interest you the most. Enjoy a bespoke culinary experience that is as unique as you are with our cooking class.
Booking and Vouchers
Booking a cooking class with us is easy and convenient. You can book online or by phone, and we offer a range of payment options to suit your needs. We also offer gift vouchers for our Balinese cooking class, which make a unique and thoughtful present for friends and family. Our gift vouchers can be redeemed for any of our cooking classes, and are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or looking for the perfect gift, our cooking classes and vouchers offer a memorable and enriching experience.
Frequently Asked Questions Bali cooking class
What is a Bali cooking class?
Taking a cooking class in Bali is one of the most fun, interactive experiences you can have on the island. Classes usually feature thrilling market tours and engaging cooking experiences. These hands-on experiences of a Balinese cooking class offer a fascinating glimpse into local ingredients and techniques, enriching your knowledge of Bali’s vibrant culinary heritage.
What types of Bali cooking classes are available?
You’ll discover experiences including group, private, vegan or vegetarian-focused, and advanced workshops. Some even focus on honing specific skills, such as creating ceremonial dishes or mastering street food specialties.
Why is Balinese cuisine culturally significant?
Balinese cuisine is a testament to the island’s Hindu traditions, fusing local spices, fresh ingredients and ceremonial cooking techniques. The Balinese have a deep connection to their culinary traditions, which are an integral part of their cultural heritage. Cooking is an integral part of community and traditions, it is an immersive art form that is an everyday facet of Bali’s rich culture and lifestyle.
How do I choose the best Bali cooking class?
Read the reviews and choose a class with excellent reviews, experienced instructors, and clear itineraries. Think about your skill level, dietary preferences, and whether you’d like a small group or private experience. Look for market tours or cultural insights as well.
What are the benefits of joining a Bali cooking class?
Joining a cooking class in Bali offers numerous benefits, from learning traditional recipes to immersing yourself in local culture. You’ll walk away with practical cooking techniques, a repertoire of genuine recipes, and an understanding of the local ingredients. Plus, you can really soak up Balinese culture. By enjoying the local cuisine, you’ll bring a bit of Bali back with you!
Do I need any prior cooking experience?
All levels are welcome – no experience necessary! Bali cooking classes are open to all—from greenhorns to gourmets! They walk you through every step, ensuring that you have an enjoyable and educational experience, no matter your skill level.
What should I bring to a Bali cooking class?
Dress comfortably, bring a notebook, and come ready to think differently! Many even include everything you need in the cost of the class. Some will suggest that you bring reusable bags if you plan on going to the market or some kind of container for leftovers.
Our Guests
5 Star Rated Food Tours
fede punto2025-03-03 Il tour al local market di Denpasar è stato un vero e proprio viaggio nei sapori di Bali e dell’Indonesia. Abbiamo assaggiato piatti tradizionali, frutta mai provata prima, bevande e dolcetti tipici. Tutto consumano come pic-nic sulla riva del fiume che passa al lato del mercato, molto carino. La guida Agung, a cui va un ringraziamento speciale, ci ha raccontato tantissimo sulla cucina locale ma non solo anche sulla tradizione e cultura balinese. È stato davvero un ottimo modo per avvicinarsi a una tradizione culinaria e non, che ci ha appassionato si dal primo giorno su quest’isola. Ann Halloran2025-03-03 Having spent a number of months in Ubud and enjoying the many food restaurants here, it was a pleasant surprise to uncover some hidden gems on the tour which I have since returned to! The tour guides are passionate about food and gave a good insight into Balinese culture as well. Highly recommended! Barbara Standaert2025-03-01 I had so much fun discovering these hidden gems in Ubud. It was a fantastic experience meeting new people, stumbling upon unexpected places, and enjoying amazing food along the way. The guide was both humorous and knowledgeable about Balinese culture (off course he is a local :)) and he was happy to answer any questions. I would definitely recommend joining the tour, perhaps at the beginning of your stay, so you can revisit the spots later and try more of their dishes. VICTOR SITARA2025-02-16 My experience was wonderful on my tour. The curation of restaurants was great. Each was a different and introduced me to a variety of new plant based dishes. I highly recommend!!! Hanyu Zhu2025-02-06 What a pleasure to join this vegan food hunting experience in Ubud. I never thought vegan food can be that yummy. If you are in Ubud and wanna try out different vegan food/restaurants, this is gonna be a great opportunity because it offers a little bit of everything so you don’t miss out all the great spots! Highly recommend it to anyone:) Mauricio Disilvestro2025-02-01 I had a lovely experience in this tour. It allowed me to discover different yummy restaurants in Ubud that I then visited again during my stay. The guide was well prepared and always willing to answer questions. I fully recommend it! Cacau Nic2025-01-31 The culinary tour in Ubud was exceptional! Visiting a curated selection of special restaurants, we savored a variety of delicious dishes. The guided walks between venues offered a refreshing way to experience Ubud’s charm, a departure from the usual modes of exploration. The team’s thoughtful selection of establishments made the journey delightful. Highly recommend this unique culinary adventure! Julie Zhu2025-01-30 I always thought vegan food would just be salads and vegetables, but the Bali Culinary Tour completely changed my perspective. We visited five amazing restaurants, and I was honestly blown away by how creative and delicious the dishes were. Even at a place I’d been to before, the organizer picked dishes I hadn’t tried—and they were incredible. What stood out the most was how much thought and care the guide puts into the tour. The restaurants he chose focus on conscious eating, using organic ingredients, natural flavors, and avoiding refined sugars and chemicals. It’s not just about the food—it’s about connecting with nature and understanding Bali’s unique approach to sustainable living. The organizer is so warm and knowledgeable who is clearly passionate about creating this experience. The tour was also a great way to meet new people; spending four or five hours together made it easy to connect and bond. If you’re new to Bali, I can’t recommend this tour enough. It’s such a special way to discover the island’s food scene while learning about the deeper connection between food, nature, and our well-being. Thank you for such a memorable and inspiring experience! Linus Fleck2025-01-28 What an amazing experience! Did the food tour in Ubud with Bali Culinary Tours and was overwhelmed but the selection of top restaurants. All the food was to notch! Really really high quality ingredients and soooo tasty! I also really loved the short walks between the restaurants through the beautiful small streets of the area. The guide has a lot of knowledge about the food and the way it's prepared. Can highly recommend doing one of the food tours with Bali Culinary Tours! Thanks a lot for the great time! Robyn Horwitz2025-01-26 I believe the best way to experience a new country or culture is through food ???? It’s very hard to find a good tour that caters for vegan diets but Bali Culinary Tours is very inclusive and plant-forward! I did the Denpasar night market tour which is authentic Balinese/ Indonesian street food and there were loads of delicious vegan-friendly options from tasting durian to eating fresh gado-gado with the most amazing peanut sauce, to indulging in sweet lak laks (my favourite). Our guide, Agung, was knowledgeable and shared a lot about traditional food and ingredients. We really enjoyed spending the evening with him. This tours are a great experience for foodies and travelers who want to dive into Bali’s authentic street food scene and connect more with local culture. Bring your friends and family or enjoy a night meeting new people. You’ll love it!
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