Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour with Chef Pickup

Summary

Ubud flavors from market to table hands-on with local chef

You’ll shop local markets with a Balinese chef in Ubud, pick your own fresh ingredients, then cook seven traditional dishes (vegetarian or non-veg) at your own station overlooking rice fields. Taste your creations together for lunch or dinner — and maybe laugh over your first try at banana-leaf wrapping.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for the Ubud cooking class mostly because I thought it’d be fun to chop stuff and eat noodles. Didn’t expect to actually like the early morning pickup (I’m not a morning person), but there was something about the soft air in Ubud that made it okay. Our driver grinned when I asked if we’d get coffee first — he just said, “Wait for the market.” So we did.

The Ubud Art Market was already humming when we got there. Our chef, Wayan, knew everyone — he’d point at a pile of turmeric or a woman selling chilies and tell us little stories. I tried to say “terima kasih” and probably butchered it; he laughed and corrected me gently. The smells were wild: sweet bananas, something smoky, a sharp whiff of spice that made my eyes water. We picked out vegetables for our class (I still can’t remember half their names) and Wayan showed us how to spot the good ones. He kept saying “fresh is flavor,” which stuck with me.

Back at the open kitchen — it’s set on this farm edge, rice paddies stretching out behind us — everyone got their own station and apron. There was music somewhere in the distance, roosters calling now and then. We learned to make bumbu Bali (the spice paste) by pounding everything together; my arms still felt it later. Wayan moved between us, showing how to wrap fish in banana leaf or flip satay without losing half of it in the pan. I went vegetarian that day: mushroom pepes, tempeh sate with peanut sauce so good I nearly licked the bowl clean. Lunch was what we cooked ourselves, eaten together at this long table while someone’s dog wandered around our feet hoping for scraps.

I didn’t expect dessert — kolak pisang, bananas slow-cooked in palm sugar syrup — but honestly that’s what I keep thinking about now when I remember Bali. It tasted like warm caramel and rain at once. The whole thing felt less like a class and more like being let into someone’s home kitchen for a few hours. If you’re looking for an Ubud cooking class Bali style, this one isn’t fancy or showy but it’s real, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ubud cooking class and market tour

• Pick up from Ubud hotel
• Visit traditional market
• Learn to cook Balinese cuisine
• Enjoy lunch or dinner meal

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud cooking class?

Yes, return hotel transfer is included for hotels in central Ubud for morning classes.

What dishes do you cook during the class?

You’ll prepare seven Balinese dishes including bumbu Bali spice paste, sate (chicken or vegetable), mie goreng noodles, pepes (fish or mushroom), and kolak pisang dessert.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, there is a full vegetarian menu option with tempeh sate and mushroom pepes.

Is the market tour part of every class?

No, only morning classes include the traditional market tour at Ubud Art Market.

Where does the afternoon class meet?

The afternoon group meets at 2:30pm in front of Lapangan Desa Ubud as the pickup point.

Do I need any cooking experience?

No experience needed — suitable for all levels and fitness abilities.

Is lunch or dinner included?

You eat what you cook yourself as lunch or dinner during the class.

What’s included

Your day includes return hotel transfer within central Ubud (for morning classes), all your cooking ingredients and utensils ready at your own station, guidance from an English-speaking Balinese chef, a welcome drink or mineral water on arrival, a guided tour of Ubud Art Market if you join in the morning slot, plus lunch or dinner made by your own hands before heading back satisfied.