PUBLISHED March 28th, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED July 28th, 2024 01:38 am
Sambal, rendang, and kecap manis – these are just some iconic Indonesian dishes and condiments that have helped place the Southeast Asian nation on the culinary world’s radar. And when it comes to celebrating Indonesian cuisine, we reckon no one does it better than the Ubud Food Festival, which returns for its third year from 12 to 14 May with the theme Every Flavour is a Story.
Here’s what you can expect as the archipelago’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, producers, and food enthusiasts descend upon beautiful Bali, Indonesia’s most popular holiday spot.
Masterclasses and Food Tours
As it turns out, Ubud – with all its rice paddies, jungles, and valleys – is one of Indonesia’s foodie capitals, so what better place to go for a culinary jalan jalan (walk)? A series of food tours will take you from supplier to plate – traverse the famous Gianyar Night Market for the tastiest local specialities, visit the home of Ubud’s famed suckling pig Ibu Oka’s.
Similarly, try your hand at cooking in a traditional Balinese compound as you prepare your own three-course lunch. Participate in intimate masterclasses by the industry’s best, from blind chocolate tastings and food styling to capturing the perfect foodstagram.
Celebrated International and Indonesian Chefs
A whole host of celebrated chefs and culinary superstars from both Indonesia and abroad have already confirmed their attendance this year. In fact, many of them took out top spots at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, including Songvisava and Dylan Jones of Bangkok’s Bo.lan, and the much-lauded Locavore (Indonesia’s only entrant at 22nd place).
Dessert queen Karen Carlotta and culinary trendsetter Andhika Maxi will be appearing alongside the world’s foremost tempeh expert Pak Bondan Winarno and the likes of ‘jungle chef’ Charles Toto, who uses ingredients from his fertile homelands to put a Papuan twist on Western classics. Meanwhile, Gallery VASK’s Chele Gonzalez flies the flag for the Philippines, and The Song of India’s Manjunath Mural does the same for Singapore.
From down under comes the beloved Indonesian-born ‘spice sisters’: Tasia and Gracia Seger, who not too long ago shot to fame after winning one of Australia’s fiercest TV culinary competitions, My Kitchen Rules – talk about an explosive homecoming present!
Think, Talk, Taste Forum Series
It’s more than just three days of non-stop eating; how about taking a bread and attending a free forum where producers and consumers alike come together to share stories and swap ideas about the sustainability and vibrancy of the culinary industry? The series will canvas topics such as Indonesia’s superfoods, the current coconut craze, the secret to Asia’s street food, sustainable seafood, and battling Bali’s waste – shared by farmers and other industry veterans.
The New Kitchen Stage
A new addition to festival programming this year is the Kitchen Stage, and it’s your chance to get up close and personal with your greatest culinary heroes, be it Bikini’s Jethro Vincent, Kelana Rasa’s Arie Parikesit, renowned Indian chef Manjunath Mural, or self-taught supercook Bara Pattiradjwane.
Each day will see a series of fiery cook-offs, comedic culinary collaborations, and a behind-the-scenes look into several of the world’s best restaurants. What we’re most excited for: a Balinese cooking showdown between the ‘Four Mades’: Made Lugra (The Ayung Resort), Made Runatha (Moksa), Made Janur (Moksa), and Made Surjaya (The Standing Stones).
An Assortment of Fringe Events
Expanding into tasty new terrain, look forward to a feast of fringe events that brings the best flavours of Asia into some of Seminyak and Sanur’s most enticing dining destinations, from alchohol pairings to exlusive degustation dinners. Two venues that will play host include the newly-unveiled Mejekawi – a tasting laboratory and kitchen developed by the culinary team behind KU DE TA, and Bikini, the latest venture in the Sisterfields group fusing the urban flair of New York with the pulse of Miami.
Other participating restaurants include OPIA, LuMi, and Mandapa.
Ubud Food Festival 2017 is happening from 12 to 14 May 2017 at various locations around Bali, Indonesia. Tickets can be purchased here. Click here for more information on programming and location.
City Nomads readers can receive 20% off the 1, 2 and 3-Day FoodLover Pass by entering the code ‘MPCN’ at the checkout. Offer expires 8 May 2017.