Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class & Morning Market Tour

Summary

Balinese flavors come alive in Ubud’s kitchens and markets

You’ll taste your way through Ubud’s lively morning market, pick fresh ingredients alongside locals, then learn to cook nine classic Balinese dishes in a family home kitchen—with plenty of laughter and hands-on help from your hosts. Expect muddy toes in the rice fields and flavors you’ll remember long after lunch is over.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell—spicy, sweet, something earthy—before I even saw the little baskets of chilies and lemongrass at the Ubud market. Our guide, Putu, was already chatting with a woman selling tiny green limes. He handed me one to sniff (so sharp it made my eyes water) and explained how every family has their own sambal recipe. I tried to say “terima kasih” but probably got it wrong; she just grinned and tucked another lime into my bag. The morning felt busy but not rushed—just people getting on with their day while we tagged along, learning what goes into real Balinese cooking.

After picking out vegetables and some mysterious roots (galangal? ginger? I still mix them up), we drove out to a rice field. The air was thick and warm, with frogs croaking somewhere close by. Putu showed us how the paddies work—he even let us squish some mud between our toes if we wanted (I did, no regrets). Then we headed to his family’s home for the actual cooking class. There were nine recipes on the board: everything from Sate Lilit to Klepon cake. We chopped shallots until our fingers stung a bit, ground spices with heavy stone mortars, laughed when someone’s coconut milk splattered everywhere.

I didn’t expect to feel so welcome in someone else’s kitchen. Putu’s mother hovered nearby offering tips (and sometimes quietly fixing our mistakes). Lunch was all the dishes we’d made—served on banana leaves at a big wooden table outside. The fried tempeh was sweet and sticky; I’m still thinking about that first bite of Lawar Bali with its crunch of green beans and fresh herbs. The whole thing felt less like a class and more like being invited over by friends who actually want you to stay awhile. If you’re looking for a Balinese cooking class in Ubud that isn’t just about recipes but about people too…well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balinese cooking and market tour

• Pick up from Ubud area
• Visit morning local market
• Learn about rice growing and harvest
• Visit local Balinese house
• Cook 9 Balinese dishes with chef
• Taste your cooked food
• Enjoy lunch or dinner buffet
• Drop off at Ubud area

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Ubud cooking class?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in the Ubud area.

What dishes do you make during the Balinese cooking class?

You’ll prepare nine traditional recipes like Sate Lilit, Lawar Bali, Sambal Matah, Pepes Ayam or Tofu, plus Klepon cake.

Do I get to visit a local market as part of this tour?

Yes, there’s a guided morning market visit where you shop for ingredients with your host before cooking.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

Yes—vegetarian menus are available; just let them know your preference when booking.

Are drinks included in the price?

Bottled mineral water is included; alcoholic drinks are not.

How long does the whole experience last?

The full experience typically covers half a day including market tour, rice field stop, and cooking session with lunch or dinner.

Can children join this Balinese cooking class?

The reference doesn’t specify age limits but families are generally welcome at these classes.

Will I get copies of the recipes to take home?

Yes—you’ll receive printed recipes so you can try making everything again later.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within Ubud, bottled water throughout the tour, all kitchen equipment for hands-on cooking of nine Balinese dishes (with vegetarian options), printed recipes to take home, food tasting along the way, visits to both a bustling local market and peaceful rice fields (morning option), plus lunch or dinner featuring everything you’ve cooked together before heading back relaxed—and probably full—to your hotel.