PRIVATE Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud with Dewa with Transfers

Imagine wandering through lush rice paddies and fragrant spice gardens, then stepping into a traditional Balinese family compound to learn their secret recipes. That’s exactly what you get with this private Balinese cooking class in Ubud with Dewa. For around four hours, you’ll travel to a charming village just north of Ubud, where Dewa and his family open their doors and kitchens for an intimate culinary experience. With round-trip transfers included, you won’t have to worry about transportation or navigating unfamiliar roads — Dewa makes it easy to focus on the fun.

What draws many travelers to this tour are two things: First, the authentic setting in a real Balinese family home, not a touristy restaurant. Second, the chance to learn how to cook several traditional dishes using ingredients fresh from the garden, all over a wood-fired stove. These details give the experience a genuine, local feel that most cooking classes can’t match.

A small consideration is that if you’re staying outside Ubud, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to meet Dewa directly at his home in Keliki. Also, this isn’t a professional cooking school with a large group; it’s a personal experience, so patience and curiosity will serve you well.

This tour is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, or anyone wanting a meaningful connection to Bali’s daily life. If you enjoy storytelling, fresh ingredients, or simply want a break from busy tourist spots, this experience will suit you well.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: Cooking inside a traditional Balinese family compound offers a real glimpse of local life.
• Cultural Insights: The guide Dewa shares stories about Bali’s history, religion, and medicinal herbs, enriching your understanding beyond just cooking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Everything used in cooking comes straight from Dewa’s garden, ensuring flavor and authenticity.
• Personalized Experience: With private transfers, you’ll enjoy a tailored, intimate outing that’s well-paced and relaxed.
• Tangible Recipes: You’ll leave with a small notebook of recipes to recreate these dishes at home.
• Community Connection: Walking through the village and meeting local family members adds a warm, community-centered dimension.

The Location and Start of the Journey

Based in Ubud, this experience takes you about 15-20 minutes out to a quiet village in the terraced hills of Bali. The meeting point is at Rumah Makan Jero Nini in Keliki, a peaceful spot that immediately sets the tone for a day away from the crowds. If you’re staying in Ubud, the round-trip transfers included in the price make this a no-hassle outing. For those outside Ubud, Dewa offers a straightforward way to meet him directly at his home, which is in Keliki.

Traveling through the scenic countryside, you’ll notice the lush greenery and terraced rice paddies — a visual treat and a reminder of Bali’s agricultural roots. Many reviews praise the journey, mentioning how Dewa’s stories about his village and culture add a personal touch even before you arrive.

The Garden Tour: First Steps in Balinese Nature

Once at Dewa’s family compound, the experience begins with a gentle stroll around the garden. Here, you’ll discover exotic fruits and herbs like galangal, cacao, nutmeg, and more. Dewa explains their medicinal and culinary uses, adding depth to what might otherwise be just fresh ingredients.

Reviewers love this early part: “Dewa walked us through the jungle and rice fields finding exotic spices and plants showing their medicinal properties,” says Mayra. We found it fascinating to see where their food begins — a far cry from supermarket shopping.

Learning to Cook Balinese Dishes

Next, you’re invited into the open-air kitchen, where Dewa’s wife Jero is ready to teach. The kitchen is simple but functional, with a traditional wood-fired stove as the centerpiece. This is a highlight: cooking over fire adds an authentic flavor and a sense of connection to Bali’s culinary traditions.

The dishes you’ll learn include pepes Ikan (grilled tuna wrapped in banana leaves), bumbu kuning (a turmeric and coconut milk chicken curry), and bregedel (hand-ground corn fritters). As Dewa guides you through each step, you’ll use traditional equipment like pestle and mortar, emphasizing the hands-on nature of this experience.

Many reviews mention how much they appreciated the detailed instructions and the opportunity to participate actively. One guest noted, “Dewa, is very knowledgeable and shared so much of Balinese history, culture, and spiritual wisdom,” which enriched the cooking process.

The Meal and Cultural Experiences

Once your dishes are ready, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sitting at a family table amidst the greenery, you’ll feast on the freshly cooked meals, washed down with local beer or water. Many reviewers describe this moment as a highlight, praising the delicious food and warm hospitality.

Beyond cooking, Dewa shares stories about Balinese life, religion, and traditions. This storytelling makes the experience much more than a cooking class; it’s a cultural exchange. “This was not just a cooking class, it was a full culture,” one reviewer states.

Final Thoughts and Practicalities

After lunch, you’ll walk back through the village or relax in the compound, depending on your schedule. The entire experience is approximately four hours, including transportation, which offers good value considering the personalized attention and depth of engagement.

The price of $69 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the access to a real Balinese family home, the garden tour, the cooking instruction, and the cultural insights. Many previous guests have felt this was a worthwhile investment in their Bali trip.

Dewa’s hostmanship and the quality of the experience consistently earn 5-star reviews, with many highlighting the friendliness, knowledge, and genuine warmth of the family. Guests often mention how memorable and enriching the day was, with many planning to recreate the recipes at home.

This experience is best suited for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authenticity. If you enjoy stories about local customs, natural ingredients, and family life, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also a wonderful choice for those wanting a more relaxed, personal connection with Bali beyond the usual tourist spots.

Because the tour is private and conducted in a real family setting, it’s ideal for couples, small groups, or even solo travelers looking for a meaningful, behind-the-scenes encounter.

This private Balinese cooking class with Dewa offers much more than just a culinary lesson. It’s a window into daily life, spirituality, and tradition in Bali. You’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes using ingredients straight from the garden, all while engaging with a welcoming family that shares their stories with pride.

The value of this experience lies in its authenticity, personalized approach, and cultural depth. It’s perfect for those wanting a heartfelt connection to Bali’s rich flavors and traditions, away from crowded tourist spots. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or simply curious about Balinese culture, this tour will leave you with delicious memories and recipes to cherish.

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transfers are included if you stay in Ubud. Outside Ubud, you’ll meet Dewa directly at his home in Keliki.

How long does the tour last? The experience is approximately four hours, including travel, garden tour, cooking, and eating.

Are vegetarian options available? Yes, vegetarian meals can be provided if requested in advance.

What dishes will I learn to cook? You’ll learn to make dishes like pepes Ikan, bumbu kuning, and bregedel, using traditional methods and equipment.

Can I get the recipes to cook at home? Absolutely. You’ll receive a small notebook of recipes to recreate these dishes.

Is this experience suitable for families or children? The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but it’s a hands-on experience that might be best suited for older children or teenagers.

What should I wear or bring? Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the village and garden. The experience is held outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.