Bali: Ubud Cooking Class & Morning Market with Pickup

Summary

Ubud morning market colors, hands-on Balinese recipes, real village life

You’ll start your day in Ubud’s lively market choosing fresh ingredients alongside locals before heading to Laplapan village for a hands-on Balinese cooking class. Make traditional offerings, learn family recipes from a local chef, and share stories over lunch you cooked yourself. This is more than just food — it’s a window into daily Bali life.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what makes Balinese food taste so layered? I didn’t, not really — not until we found ourselves in Ubud at 7am, trailing behind our guide Nyoman through the market. The air was thick with clove and something sweet I couldn’t place. We stopped at a stall where Nyoman handed me a bunch of tiny limes — calamansi, he said, for sambal. I tried to repeat the name and probably butchered it; the vendor just grinned and handed me another one. There was no rush here, just people chatting, bargaining softly over piles of ginger and chilies. It felt like we were let in on something private.

The drive to Laplapan village was short but green — rice paddies everywhere, little shrines tucked between banana trees. When we arrived, some women were making canang offerings on their porch. They showed us how to fold the palm leaves (mine looked like a crumpled napkin compared to theirs), and there was this faint smell of incense mixing with the morning air. It’s funny how quickly you forget about your phone when your hands are sticky with coconut shreds.

Cooking was chaos in the best way: pounding spices with a mortar that felt older than me, laughing as someone splashed turmeric everywhere (not naming names). The chef had this gentle way of correcting us without making anyone feel silly. By lunch, our table was covered in dishes — satay skewers, lawar salad, rice that tasted smoky somehow. Eating what we’d made together felt different than any restaurant meal; maybe it was pride or maybe just hunger after all that chopping. I still think about that sambal — fiery but bright — and how Nyoman winked when I reached for seconds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and Balinese cooking class

• Pick-up from hotel
• Visit local fresh food market
• Choose ingredients for cooking
• Travel to Laplapan village
• Learn to make Balinese offerings
• Participate in cooking class
• Prepare starters, main courses, dessert
• Enjoy meal of your creations

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali cooking class?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

Where does the cooking class take place near Ubud?

The class is held in Laplapan village after visiting Ubud’s morning market.

Do I get to visit a local market during this experience?

Yes, you’ll visit a fresh food market in Ubud to select ingredients before cooking.

Will I learn to make Balinese offerings?

Yes, you’ll be taught how to make canang offerings as part of the experience.

Are all cooking equipment and fees included?

Yes, all equipment and class fees are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during the Bali cooking class?

You’ll eat the Balinese dishes you prepare during the class for lunch.

How long does it take to get from Ubud to Laplapan village?

The drive from Ubud to Laplapan village is short; exact time may vary with traffic.

Are infant seats available during transport?

Specialized infant seats are available if needed; mention when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, all taxes and cooking equipment provided at Laplapan village, full participation in the Balinese cooking class (including making traditional offerings), plus lunch featuring everything you’ve prepared together before heading back home satisfied—and probably smelling faintly of lemongrass.