Cooking Class Bali – learn balinese cooking in Ubud
Best Cooking Class in Bali – Paon Bali
Ubud, is often described as the lush cultural heart of Bali. It is a destination that captures the imagination of travelers from around the world. The area has breathtaking rice terraces, vibrant art galleries, and serene atmosphere that invites relaxation. If you ask me, Ubud is an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling to Bali. This enchanting part of the island offers countless reasons to explore, including its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, vibrant creativity, and serene atmosphere—all blending together to create a truly unique experience. However, for me, the true essence of Ubud lies in its food and its people. Together, they embody the heart and soul of this magical destination, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to Balinese traditions. I have always wanted to attend a cooking class in Bali, and I chose to do so in Ubud.
Local food is a window into Balinese culture
In the local food you learn about flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods passed down through generations. Exploring Ubud’s culinary traditions provides a deeper connection to the area, turning a visit into a rich, sensory experience that goes far beyond sightseeing.
It is through its rich culinary traditions that Ubud truly comes alive, offering a deeper connection to its culture and heritage. During my recent visit, I decided to explore this connection further by immersing myself in a hands-on culinary experience. After some research, I opted for the highly acclaimed Paon Bali Ubud Cooking Class. Without a doubt, it is one of the best cooking classes in Bali, providing not just an opportunity to learn, but also a chance to truly experience the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define Balinese cuisine.
About Paon Bali Ubud cooking class
Paon Bali Ubud Cooking Class offers an authentic and unforgettable culinary journey in the heart of Ubud. “Paon” means kitchen in Indonesian. The class is hosted in the private villa of the warm and welcoming Puspa and her husband Wayan. Their outdoor garden kitchen is the perfect setting to explore the vibrant flavors of Balinese cuisine. With their friendly humor and exceptional hospitality, the couple and the rest of the team made the experience feel like cooking with close friends.
Our wonderful teacher at Paon Bali Cooking Class that in a traditional Balinese home in the lush surroundings of Ubud, providing an authentic setting. Photo: Merete Moen
Why cooking classes in Bali are so popular
Cooking classes in Bali have gained immense popularity among travelers looking to dive deeper into the island’s culture. The Paon Bali Ubud Cooking Class stands out as an experience that combines traditional techniques, local ingredients, and recipes you can bring home as a lasting souvenir. Whether you’re joining a private cooking class in Bali or sharing the experience with fellow travelers, you’ll learn how to prepare dishes that reflect the island’s rich culinary heritage.
Exploring Balinese cuisine
During the class, participants explore what to cook in Bali, learning how to create authentic dishes like ayam betutu (spiced chicken) or gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). We begun the cooking class experience with a visit to a local market. In the market we were introduced to the fresh ingredients and spices that define Balinese cooking. Back at the kitchen, the step-by-step guidance ensures that all of us, even the beginners, could create delicious meals.
Target Audience: English-speaking tourists and food enthusiasts interested in local cuisine, culture, and hands-on cooking experiences. Photo: Merete Moen
Every dish was a labor of love, but nothing felt rushed. Puspa and Wayan’s enthusiasm made it feel like we were cooking for friends. And when we finally sat down to enjoy the feast we had created, it was incredibly satisfying. I felt like I had not only learned to cook Balinese food but also understood the heart behind each dish. Below the magical yellow sauce that goes into many Balinese traditional dishes is in the making.
The class typically lasts about 5 hours, including market tours and cooking time. Photo: Merete Moen
A memorable culinary experience
For me, the Paon Bali Ubud Cooking Class is not just about cooking; it’s about connection. I learned a lot ang connected both to the culture and to the people who make Bali so special. It was one of the highlights of my trip, and the recipes and techniques I learned have brought the flavors of Bali into my own kitchen. If you’re visiting Bali, don’t miss the chance to take part in one of the best cooking classes in Bali. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious, these experiences offer a deeper understanding of the island’s unique traditions.
A cooking class that starts at the Ubud Market
We started the cooking class by going to the market in Ubud early morning. The experience began with a market tour, a colorful and bustling start to the day. Our group gathered early, and after a warm welcome, we headed to a traditional Ubud market. The market is where Balinese life starts every day. Shopping for food at the market is an explosion of colors and scents. The chatter of locals bargaining for fresh produce is enjoyable. It’s not just a shopping trip; it’s a window into the soul of Balinese cooking. Our guide walked us through the unique ingredients we’d be working with—exotic spices, fresh herbs, and vegetables I couldn’t wait to try.
Participants will learn about traditional Balinese cooking techniques such as using a mortar and pestle to grind spices and how to properly balance flavors like sweet, spicy, and savory. Photo: Merete Moen
Cooking at home
After the market, we made our way to Paon Bali, set in a beautiful traditional Balinese home. I felt like I was stepping into another world one where food is not just a necessity, but a celebration. Our hosts, Puspa and Wayan, greeted us with the kind of warmth you only find in Bali. The cooking class in the teachers home, made everyone feel like part of the family. The temperature and humidity is high in Bali and the fresh lime juice we were greeted with upon arrival at Paon Bali tasted heavenly.
Cooking Class workshop
We were split up in groups to do preparation, chopping, slicing, dicing and blending. The cooking itself was pure joy. We each had our own station and ingredients, so there was no need to share. Puspa led us step by step, showing us how to grind fresh spices using a traditional mortar and pestle, something that might look simple but requires skill to master. The smells wafting through the kitchen were intoxicating lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and ginger all mingling together.
When it came to cooking we were paired and each of us took turns doing the cooking under close supervision of the instructors. As a starter we made Kuah Wong, a delicious clear mushroom and vegetable soup. The dishes on the beautiful plate below are Sate Siap ( minced chicken grilled on bamboo sticks), Kecang Me Santok ( vegetables in peanut sauce), Jukut Urab (coconut and snake bean salad) and Pepesan Be Pasih (steamed fish in banana leaves).
For dessert we made Kolak Bui This is boiled banana in palm sugar syrup. I am giving you this recipe:
Kolak Bui. Photo: Merete Moen
Kolak Bui, boiled banana in palm sugar syrup, serves 4-6:
Ingredients:
2 bananas, 2 tablespoons palm sugar, 2 tablespoons coconut cream,
5 pieces of jackfruit, 1 pandan leaf, 1 tablespoon corn flour (optional),
1 pinch of salt, 2 cups of water.
To finish the dish, add 1 tablespoon of grated coconut and 1 tablespoon of palm sugar.
Instructions: First, slice the bananas, grate the palm sugar, and cut the jackfruit into thin slices. Next, boil the water and add the pandan leaf, banana slices, jackfruit, palm sugar, and coconut cream. Meanwhile, mix the corn flour with about 2 tablespoons of water in a separate cup and let the banana mixture cook for about 2 minutes. Add the corn flour liquid and at the same time you need to keep stirring gently to ensure the mixture thickens evenly. Furthermore, it is important to stir continuously for consistency. Stir for less than a minute and then carefully remove the pan from the heat. When finished, serve the banana elegantly on a dessert plate, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious creation!
The instructors often share cultural stories and history that deepen the understanding of Balinese culinary traditions. Photo: Merete Moen
A cultural and culinary immersion in Ubud
One of the differences between Paon Bali Ubud Cooking Class and other cooking classes I’ve taken around the world is the cultural immersion. This isn’t just about learning a few recipes; it’s about experiencing the Balinese way of life.
Every ingredient, every technique has a story, and Puspa and Wayan share those stories with such love and humor that you can’t help but be enchanted. Paon Bali Cooking Class in Ubud was a wonderful experience. Everything was brilliant from the market tour, the premises, the jungle view, the preparations, the cooking and the food.
Why you should take a cooking class in Bali
If you’re planning a trip to Bali and Ubud and want to do more than just scratch the surface of Balinese culture, this cooking class is a must. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll leave with new skills, a satisfied appetite, and a deeper connection to Bali’s rich culinary heritage. It’s an experience that goes beyond the kitchen, it’s a journey through Bali’s vibrant food culture, and one that I’ll always treasure.The couple running the cooking class and the staff are so lovely and so welcoming. Puspa was our cooking teacher and she is so generous, friendly and authentic. She takes the time to explain everything in details and is so pleased to have you in her home.
Make sure to come hungry
If you love good food, then you will undoubtedly and thoroughly enjoy this unforgettable experience. You just have to make sure to come hungry!
Moreover, if you are planning to visit Bali, it is absolutely essential to book this cooking class well in advance, as it is highly popular. In addition, the class itself is held in a welcoming and relaxed environment, which ensures that every participant feels at ease. Furthermore, the setting, which is located in a private home, instantly creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Not only are the hosts exceptionally enthusiastic, but they are also highly skilled at making the class both fun and informative. As a result, this ensures that everyone not only learns something new but also has a fantastic time.
Additionally, the experience goes far beyond just a typical cooking lesson. Specifically, it offers a much deeper cultural immersion, which is particularly appealing for travelers seeking meaningful activities. For instance, visitors can directly connect with Balinese traditions through hands-on activities. Moreover, this allows participants to actively engage with the local culture in a way that traditional sightseeing simply cannot provide.
The Joy of Cooking and Connection
Do you enjoy active and participatory experiences? If so, then a cooking class is the perfect choice because it goes far beyond ordinary sightseeing. Furthermore, learning how to make local food is an incredibly rewarding experience. A cooking class leaves a lasting impression. Most importantly, the best part of a cooking class is that you get to enjoy the delicious food you have personally prepared. Additionally, this activity offers a memorable experience. Cooking brings people together, fostering both camaraderie and connection.
Moreover, the class allows participants to learn about local ingredients and authentic cooking techniques, which makes it both highly entertaining and deeply educational. Furthermore, it provides a hands-on way to completely immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. In fact, it offers a unique and unparalleled way to truly connect with the essence of Bali. Finally, the visit to the local market before the class adds an extra layer of authenticity and insight. Consequently, this makes the entire activity an absolutely unforgettable part of your trip to Bali.
To learn more or to book a session, click to visit the homepage – Paon Bali Cooking Class. I was on a press trip to Bali invited by Visit Indonesia.
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