Bali 2018 – Day 7 – Traditional Gastronomy Immersion

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The first two thirds of our Bali trip were centered largely on the usual things that make up a typical vacation: places to see and experience, and thrills. The last few days were set aside for workshops and cultural immersion. These were actually booked fairly late through Airbnb in our itinerary planning – just a fortnight before we left. Many of these workshops are run by the local Balinese and as family businesses. The take-up rate for them seemed rather varied: the ‘Traditional Gastronomy Immersion’ workshop, which really was traditional Balinese cooking, was well-subscribed, but the other workshops had fewer participants. More on that later in any case.

There are quite a few traditional Balinese cooking workshops around the Ubud area if signs we saw as we roamed around the area over 9 days is any indication. We didn’t really spend too much time fact-finding to decide which workshop would be best; we just zeroed in on one that suited our timing, and had respectable reviews. As it turned out, this particular workshop we (almost randomly) selected was a well-regarded one that’s been running for 15 years as we understood it.

I’m not a culinary expert nor do I know how to describe very well flavors, scents, or the art of cooking. So, for this entry, we’ll just let the photos and captions do the talking!

Our first stop after the morning pick-up was a visit to the local market to pick-up fresh produce. Totally non-touristy, and we don’t see markets like these very much at home anymore.
Peter is a big hit everywhere this trip. He keeps getting carried by the local men!
A quick stopover to the padi fields owned by the family hosting the class.
Fun photo that underlies that great hospitality of our hosts!
The class was conducted at the family home of the host. Upon arrival and a quick introduction to the compound, we each made a simple flower offering.
The class runs twice a day, with different menus and slightly different procedures too. Specifically, the morning class is geared towards traditional Balinese foods that the locals eat, while the afternoon class skips the local market visit and centers on the more ‘exotic’ Balinese dishes – but not necessarily what they consume normally.
The Balinese have mad balancing skills. Made, our host, happily posed for pictures at every opportunity, and quipped that she was a “Balinese Super Model”.
Besides H and P, there was one other Aussie girl in the class of 8 years old. Everyone got involved!
The hosts really made sure that there were no bystanders in the class. The kids were engaged by being responsible for sprinkling various condiments and sauces.
I think this is Hannah’s first time handling a knife, and she did fine.
Roasting traditional chicken satay, and over flames burnt from coconut husks.
Ten graduates of the class!

We really recommend this workshop for visitors to Bali who’d like something that’s different from the usual visitation spots, or just want to avoid the tourist traps. And if our four-year old boy can handle it, I reckon it’s suitable for all ages!