From May 30 to June 1, 2025, the heart of Bali will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of one of Indonesia’s most anticipated events—the Ubud Food Festival 2025. With this year’s theme of “Heritage”, the festival invites locals and international visitors alike to dive deep into the rich culinary legacy of the Indonesian archipelago.
What Is the Ubud Food Festival?
The Ubud Food Festival is more than just a foodie’s dream—it’s a platform for celebrating Indonesian culinary heritage, supporting local producers, and spotlighting homegrown chefs. Across three vibrant days, Ubud transforms into a hub for cooking demonstrations, food markets, masterclasses, and collaborative feasts that honour tradition while embracing creativity.
Festival Highlights We’re Excited About
There’s no shortage of inspiration at this year’s festival, but a few standout events and workshops caught our attention:
1. Tempe Workshop with Tempeman
Fermentation meets flavor in this hands-on workshop by Tempeman, a local artisan leading the tempeh revival in Bali. Known for his passion and innovation, Tempeman uses traditional methods to create small-batch tempe that’s both sustainable and delicious. This class dives into the process of fermentation and tempe’s role in Indonesian cuisine — a must for plant-based foodies and fermentation fans.
2. Foraging and Wild Cooking with Made Masuk
This free cooking demo is hosted by Made Masuk, a foraging expert and beloved figure in Bali’s slow food movement. The experience includes a nature walk through Sanggingan to discover edible plants, followed by a wild cooking session rooted in ancestral Balinese knowledge. It’s an inspiring reminder of how much nature offers when we know where to look.
3. Pepes & Klepon Unwrapped with Ni Made Novi Jayanti
Culinary educator Ni Made Novi brings her storytelling magic to this cooking session, where participants learn how to make pepes (spiced food steamed in banana leaves) and klepon (sticky rice balls with palm sugar). These traditional snacks are more than just treats — they’re part of Balinese ritual, community, and seasonal rhythms.
Plant-Based Classics with Boemboe Mandhe & Unikayo
Chefs Boemboe Mandhe and Unikayo put a vegan spin on beloved Indonesian dishes like Soto Padang and rendang — using mushrooms, spices, and texture to keep the soul of the dish intact. Their plant-based renditions are rich, aromatic, and satisfying. Ideal for anyone looking to explore meat-free Indonesian cuisine that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Laksa War: Chef Wan vs Chef Bernard
A culinary showdown not to be missed! Chef Wan, Malaysia’s legendary food ambassador, goes head-to-head with Chef Bernard from Singapore in a battle of laksa. With decades of experience and fiery passion, both chefs will present their take on the iconic noodle soup. (We’ll admit it—we’re rooting for laksa all the way.)
The Wild Ones: Forest Feast at Buahan
Hosted in the jungle sanctuary of Buahan, this foraged feast celebrates hyper-local ingredients and zero-waste cooking. The chefs behind the event are known for blending nature, fire, and flavor in ways that feel deeply connected to the land. Expect a magical evening under the stars, with dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Vegan Plant-Powered Lunch at Moksa
A collaboration between Moksa Ubud and KYND Community, this lunch brings together two beloved plant-based pioneers for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing. Set in the lush surroundings of Moksa’s permaculture garden, this event is all about good food, sustainability, and community connection.
Each of these experiences reflects the theme of heritage—reviving the past while embracing the present.
More Than Just Flavours: Food Market, Ideas & Art
The Ubud Food Festival is about so much more than eating. It’s a celebration of everything that food represents. The free-entry Food Market returns with over 70 stalls offering beloved Indonesian street food. From fiery sambals to fragrant satay, there’s something for every craving. Plus, it’s a great place to meet local artisans, producers, and passionate cooks.
Meanwhile, the Food for Thought stage brings together changemakers from across the archipelago. Farmers, chefs, activists, and innovators share ideas on sustainability, food sovereignty, and the future of gastronomy. These powerful conversations reflect the festival’s deep values and mission.
To tie it all together, this year’s artwork by Balinese illustrator Gusde Sidhi brings visual storytelling to the forefront. Inspired by traditional motifs, his designs honour Indonesia’s culinary diversity and its deep connection to culture, community, and tradition.
Plan Your Visit Around Ubud Food Festival 2025
Festival Dates: May 30 – June 1, 2025
Location: Taman Kuliner and venues across UbudCheck the official program and reserve your tickets early. Then, stay a few extra days to explore Ubud with us—and truly taste what locals eat.
Keeping the Festival Spirit Alive, Year-Round
Feeling inspired after the festival? The flavours, the stories, and the passion behind each dish don’t have to be a once-a-year experience. Our curated food tours offer a personal, hands-on way to explore Bali’s rich culinary landscape.
We take you beyond the festival stalls with immersive walking tours and foraging tours. Along the way, we introduce you to local chefs, hidden food gems, and the cultural heart of Ubud. Our guides are passionate food lovers and storytellers who bring Bali’s cuisine, traditions, and community to life.
Whether you’re into plant-based food, curious about fermentation and foraging, or simply eager to connect more deeply with Balinese food culture, we’ve created something for you. Most importantly, our tours keep the spirit of the Ubud Food Festival alive — all year round.
Ready to Explore Bali Through Its Food?
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just discovering Indonesian flavours for the first time, the Ubud Food Festival 2025 is the perfect gateway. And when you’re ready to go deeper, our tours are here to guide you through the stories, tastes, and people that make Ubud’s food scene so special.
We’ll see you at the festival! Or join us for a soulful bite of Bali on one of our tours.
