Bali: Vegan Cooking Class with Garden Harvest & Balinese Menu

Balinese vegan cooking class with garden picking and lunch

You’ll wander through an organic Balinese garden picking fresh ingredients by hand before learning to cook vegan classics like curry and banana fritters with local chefs guiding you every step. Taste your own creations at a long table overlooking Mount Agung — it’s part laughter, part learning, all flavor.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balinese vegan cooking and garden tour

• Join guided garden tour
• Harvest fresh fruits and vegetables
• Learn about plant characteristics
• Cook 4-course vegan meal
• Use traditional Balinese utensils
• Enjoy meal with scenic views

The Experience

“Don’t pick that one — too young, too spicy!” Wayan grinned at me as I reached for some leaves I couldn’t name. We’d barely started the garden tour in Bali and already I was second-guessing every plant. The air smelled like wet earth and lemongrass, and the sun kept ducking behind clouds. There were a few other travelers with us, but mostly it was just Wayan talking about which greens make the best leaf crackers, and how his grandmother used to make them “by feel, not recipe.” I tried to pronounce one of the herbs — failed spectacularly — and everyone laughed, including me.

The kitchen was open to the breeze, with these old wooden tools laid out that looked like they belonged in a museum. Wayan showed us how to grind spices for the vegan Balinese curry. My arm got tired embarrassingly fast; he made it look easy. Coconut shreds went everywhere. The smell of turmeric stuck to my fingers for hours. We took turns stirring things over a small flame while someone else prepped banana fritters (I may have eaten more than my share of those). It all felt kind of chaotic but in a good way — like nobody cared if you messed up as long as you were having fun.

Lunch happened at this long table under some trees, looking out over green hills and Mount Agung in the distance. The leaf crackers were salty and weirdly addictive; the curry had this deep warmth that lingered after each bite. I caught myself thinking about how much work goes into food here compared to what I usually do at home (microwave, anyone?). Everyone got quiet for a bit while eating, except for one woman who kept saying she wanted the recipe for everything.

I still think about that view sometimes — the light shifting on the hills, people joking around about who made the best urab salad. If you’re looking for a vegan cooking class in Bali that’s actually hands-on (and not just posing for photos), this is it. You’ll probably go home smelling like ginger and coconut, but honestly? Not a bad thing.

Top questions

Is this Balinese vegan cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed so anyone can join in — no experience needed.

Do we really pick our own ingredients during the garden tour?

Yes, you’ll harvest fruits and vegetables from their organic garden before cooking.

What dishes are included in the vegan menu?

You’ll make leaf crackers, jukut urab (vegetable salad), vegan Balinese curry, and banana fritters.

Is lunch included in this Bali cooking class?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a 4-course vegan meal that you prepare yourself during the class.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Infused drinking water is served throughout your time there.

How many courses do we cook?

You’ll prepare four courses together with guidance from local chefs.

Are service animals allowed at this activity?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from an organic Balinese garden with guidance from local chefs, hands-on preparation of a four-course vegan menu using traditional utensils, plenty of infused drinking water throughout the experience, and finally sitting down together to enjoy your homemade meal overlooking Bali’s hills and Mount Agung.