Ubud: Private Market Tour & Balinese Cooking Class with Pickup

Summary

Early morning Ubud market stroll then hands-on Balinese cooking at Putu’s

You’ll step into Ubud’s morning rhythm with a local guide, picking fresh produce at Pejeng market before heading to Putu’s home kitchen for a hands-on Balinese cooking class. Expect laughter over new flavors, stories behind every spice, and a homecooked lunch shared cross-legged on the floor. You might leave thinking about those smells long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely awake when Putu showed up outside our Ubud guesthouse — she was already grinning, waving us into her little car. The roads were quiet, just scooters humming past and a few roosters making themselves heard. At Pejeng market, everything felt louder: vendors calling out prices, kids darting between baskets of chilies, the smell of jackfruit and something fried hanging in the air. I tried to ask for mangosteen (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Bahasa — probably butchered it), but Putu just winked and bargained for us. We picked up handfuls of herbs I’d never seen before. She let me sniff one leaf — sharp, almost citrusy — and told me it was good for headaches.

The drive back to her place was only ten minutes but felt like we’d left the busy world behind. Her kitchen is tiny, two burners and a window that lets in all the green from her garden. We chopped eggplant together while Putu explained how her grandmother used to make sambal — she said you have to pound the chilies by hand or “the flavor gets lazy.” My arms got tired pretty fast (she didn’t seem surprised). There was this moment when the spices hit the pan — garlic, ginger, something else earthy — and suddenly it smelled like every meal I’ve ever loved but couldn’t name.

Lunch was simple: grilled fish with chili sauce, eggplant with tomatoes, rice that tasted faintly of coconut. We ate sitting cross-legged on her floor because there wasn’t really a table big enough for all of us. She told stories about her family’s ceremonies while we ate — it felt less like a class and more like being let in on someone’s daily life. I still think about that view from her window: banana trees swaying a little, sunlight sliding across the tiles. Hard to explain why that sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and Balinese cooking class

• Pick up from Ubud hotel at 7am
• Drive to Pejeng market
• Explore market and buy ingredients
• Take photos at the market
• Drive to Putu's home
• Prepare 2-3 Balinese dishes together
• Learn about spices and medicinal ingredients
• Enjoy the cooked meal

Top questions

What time does the private Ubud market tour start?

The tour starts with pickup from your Ubud hotel at 7am.

Is hotel pickup included for the Balinese cooking class?

Yes, round-trip transport from your Ubud hotel is included.

How long do you spend at Pejeng market?

You’ll spend about 30 minutes at the market shopping for ingredients.

Can vegetarians join this cooking class?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them when booking.

What dishes might we cook during the class?

You could prepare dishes like grilled eggplant with tomato, grilled fish with sambal, or a curry dish—menu varies by season.

Is this experience private or shared with others?

This is a private experience just for your group.

How long does the cooking lesson last?

The hands-on cooking lesson lasts about 1–2 hours before lunch.

If I have allergies or dietary restrictions can they be accommodated?

Yes, please advise any allergies or preferences at time of booking so adjustments can be made.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—prams or strollers are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your Ubud hotel by Putu herself, a guided stroll through Pejeng market to select fresh ingredients together, then a private hands-on Balinese cooking class in her home kitchen where you’ll prepare 2–3 seasonal dishes before sitting down to enjoy a homemade lunch—all transport fees and gratuities covered before you’re dropped back at your hotel in Ubud.