A month ago, my fellow blogger friend from Beauty Guide Bali and I had the pleasure of being kindly invited to a vegan cooking class in Ubud. I’m excited to share my experience and give you an idea of what to expect.
Bali Farm Cooking School – Taman Dukuh
North of Ubud, surrounded by lush greenery and the vibrant culture of Taro village, lies a vegan haven for culinary enthusiasts. If you are looking for a unique vegan experience in Ubud, look no further – Taman Dukuh’s Vegan Cooking Class is one of the activities you will truly enjoy.
This culinary adventure promises to be more than just a vegan cooking lesson; You will explore Balinese cooking tradition, vegan dishes and the whole experience from the market to the plate.
Let’s dive into the various stages of this wholesome vegan cooking journey and discover what you can expect.
Vegan Cooking Class in Ubud- Time options
There are three time options available for this vegan cooking class: morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Each option varies in both price and duration
Price
Morning vegan cooking class (07.30 – 14.00): 480k IDR (£25 // €28 // US$30.50)
Afternoon vegan cooking class (12.30 – 18.00): 450k IDR ( £23 // €27 // US$29)
Evening vegan cooking class (16.00 – 21.00): 750k IDR ( £38 // €44 // US$48)
What to Expect
The Vegan Cooking Class begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the day ahead. The class is 6 hours long and it is divided into different parts:
- Pick up / Meet up
- Visit to the local market
- Introduction to the class and the cooking space
- Visit to the garden
- Cooking
- Tasting
- Feedback
This vegan cooking class in Ubud caters to all levels of expertise, you do not have to be a certain level to participate in the class. Expect a hands-on experience, guided by expert chefs who are passionate about promoting sustainable and healthy living through plant-based cooking.
7.30 am: Pick up
Taman Dukah offers a pickup and drop off if you are based in Ubud, which is included in the cost. You can either be picked up by their private car or you can arrive at the meet-up point between 7.45 am and 8 am.
The day starts at 8 am near the local market which is a walking distance from the market you will visit.
8 am – 8.45 am: Visit to the Market
The adventure kicks off with a visit to a local market in Taro village. We were guided through the market’s fruits and vegetables, discovering and tasting beautiful locally sourced fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. You will have the option to try local delicacies such as Laklak, Sumpin, and Bantal. Trust me, I also never heard of any of these but all of them tasted absolutely divine.
You are greeted by the kindest locals with smiles on their faces, welcoming you to each stall and proudly presenting their food.
This varies but you will have a chance to try fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen, snake fruit (salak) dragon fruit and so much more. You will engage with local vendors, and learn about the significance of organic and seasonal produce. This market tour sets the stage for a culinary journey that values not only the end result but also the origins of each ingredient.
9.15am – 10am: Taman Dukuh’s Farm tour
What sets Taman Dukuh’s Vegan Cooking Class apart is its commitment to sustainability. After the market tour, we got back into the car and headed towards Taro Village – Taman Dukuh’s Farm and a cooking place.
We were led to the culinary haven’s garden, where all the magic happens.
Here, the connection between farm and table becomes evident as you pick herbs, vegetables, and spices straight from the soil. Even though you haven’t grown them yourself, there is something so rewarding and pure in picking up the vegetables from the soil with your own hands and transferring them into beautifully tasting dishes.
You will also have an opportunity to taste cocoa beans straight from the tree, which is quite interesting.
The chefs at Taman Dukuh believe in the importance of knowing exactly where your food comes from, and this unique garden-to-table experience exemplifies their dedication to freshness and quality.
You will be guided through each ingredient, in terms of its name, quantity and additional tips and tricks.
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10.15 am – 1 pm: Cooking class
With an abundance of freshly harvested ingredients, the class moves into the heart of the culinary process – food preparation. And let me tell you, it felt like stepping into an episode of Masterchef – from the charming aprons to the beautifully arranged setup.
Under the expert guidance of Taman Dukuh’s chefs, you will learn essential cooking techniques and the art of combining flavours.
The focus is not just on creating delicious vegan dishes but also on understanding Indonesian tradition. From chopping to smashing and tasting, every step is a hands-on lesson in the artistry of vegan cooking.
Once the ingredients are prepped, the cooking begins.
Taman Dukuh’s state-of-the-art kitchen is the canvas where participants transform raw ingredients into vegan masterpieces. The class covers a diverse range of traditional Indonesian recipes.
You will prepare 8 vegan dishes:
- Bumbu Bali – Balinese Spice Paste
- Gado-Gado – Blanched Veggies with Peanut Sauce
- Tempeh Asam Manis – Tempeh with Lime juice and Palm Sugar
- Perkedel Jagung – Balinese Corn Fritters
- Bali Sate Lilit – Balinese kebab
- Opor Tempeh and Tahu – Tempeh and Tofu in coconut milk
- Pisang Goreng – Balinese fried banana
- Bubur Injin – Balinese black rice pudding
You are encouraged to experiment with flavours and techniques, fostering creativity and a deeper appreciation for vegan culinary arts.
The interactive cooking session is not just about following recipes; it’s about embracing the joy of creating nourishing meals that are both kind to the body and the planet.
Tasting the Food:
The grand finale of Taman Dukuh’s Vegan Cooking Class is undoubtedly the tasting session. It’s a space to meet new friends, to socialise, proudly taste the dishes you created and enjoy and savour every moment.
You will gather around a beautifully set table to enjoy the fruits of their labour – a feast of vegan delights crafted with your own hands. This communal dining experience fosters a sense of community and shared achievement.
The tasting session is not merely a culinary delight but an opportunity to savour the flavours of mindfulness and sustainability, catching the essence of Taman Dukuh’s commitment to a healthier, more conscious way of living.
Summary
Taman Dukuh’s Vegan Cooking Class in Ubud offers more than just a lesson in vegan cooking; it’s a holistic journey that begins with a visit to the market, progresses through ingredient picking in their garden, involves hands-on food preparation and cooking, and concludes with a delightful tasting session.
I cannot recommend this class enough. It suits solo travellers, couples, friends and even team-building events for companies and businesses.
The hosts were absolutely incredible, with a sense of humour to keep you engaged enough but also educated and well-alert.
This vegan cooking experience is designed for individuals looking not only for culinary skills but also for a deeper understanding of the connection between food, sustainability, and well-being.
Taman Dukuh also offers private classes and other dietary options.
Book Your Vegan Cooking Class here
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