A unique culinary journey starting straight from the harvest!
If you’re visiting Bali, why not create a lasting memory by learning how to cook authentic Balinese cuisine?
Tucked away in the quiet hills of East Bali, in the village of Sidemen (often spelled Sidemen), you'll find "Green Kitchen"—a unique cooking class that begins with harvesting fresh ingredients directly from the farm.
Surrounded by lush rice paddies, cooking traditional dishes while soaking in the local way of life makes the flavors even more exceptional.
In this post, I'll introduce you to a profound Balinese experience that goes far beyond standard sightseeing.
This article is perfect for:
・Those seeking a truly memorable travel experience.
・Anyone wanting to master authentic Balinese cooking from scratch.
・Those who want to connect with local life and culture.
・Travelers looking to explore Bali’s hidden gems.
\ Staying in Sidemen? /
TOC
How to Get to Green Kitchen
Green Kitchen is located in Sidemen, East Bali.
It’s surrounded by peaceful rice paddies—offering a unique charm, distinct from Ubud.
They provide round-trip transport, so you don't need to worry about arranging a car.
Prices vary by pick-up area and include the cooking class fee.
Price (Class + Transport) Pickup Area (Round-trip) 500k IDR (~$33): Sidemen area 650k IDR (~$43): Ubud, Sanur, and Padang Bai 750k IDR (~$50): Kuta, Canggu, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua Note: Prices above are for the vegetarian course. Meat options cost extra. Reservation Minimum 2 people (Booking via Email or WhatsApp). Cancellation: A 50% fee applies for same-day cancellations.
From Farm to Table: The Workshop Experience
A Traditional Balinese Kitchen
They use a rare, traditional Balinese kitchen.
Instead of gas, they cook over firewood and dried coconut shells.
Coconut shells provide intense heat, which they say is the secret to perfectly grilled Sate and fish.
Feels Just Like Home!
The class is held at the cozy Green Kitchen cafe.
Nestled in the middle of lush rice fields, it feels like visiting a local family's home.
In the garden, you can even experience making fresh coconut milk from scratch.
Right in front is their organic farm. Strolling through the fields to harvest your own ingredients is a highlight unique to this class!
This isn't just about cooking; it’s a deep dive into the local way of life.
The Charm of Traditional Balinese Cooking
Here are the highlights that made this experience so special!
A Local Market Tour Before You Cook
Klungkung Market: The 2nd Largest in Bali While Badung Market in Denpasar is the biggest, Pasar Klungkung is the second largest and is located right near the studio.
The experience starts here, with a guided tour of the essential ingredients used in Balinese cuisine.
What’s the language of instruction?
The class is held in English, but the instructions are slow and clear, making them easy to follow even for non-native speakers.
For extra comfort or to explore nearby sights, I recommend booking a private car charter. Since the class includes transport, you can opt for the "tuition only" price if you bring your own driver!
The Joy of Making Everything from Scratch
Balinese cooking is an art of blending fresh herbs like turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass.
Seeing and handling each ingredient helps you truly understand the layers of flavor.
Base Gede: The Essential Balinese Spice Paste Beyond just Sambal, you’ll learn to craft "Base Gede"—the soul of almost every Balinese dish.
Together, we chop the fresh spices and herbs to build these traditional pastes from the ground up.
Unique Traditional Techniques
You’ll use a massive stone mortar to grind the spices and prep the meat for Sate.
While small mortars are common in classes, using this giant, traditional one is a rare and exciting experience!
Chicken Sate Grilling over coconut shells is the real deal! The heat is intense, so you have to keep a close eye on your Sate to prevent it from burning.
Tasting Time: Savoring Your Own Creations
Buffet-Style Feast
The dishes are served buffet-style, so you can enjoy as much as you like.
To be honest, I was already quite full before the meal—sampling the food while cooking was just too delicious to resist! (lol)
Here is the final spread! Serving everything on banana leaves adds that perfect Balinese touch.
Dessert: Bubur Injin (Black Rice Pudding) This black rice pudding with coconut milk was incredible. The natural sweetness and unique texture are the perfect match.
What do you think? Bali offers so many ways to dive into its rich food culture. Once you try a workshop, you'll be hooked!
I highly recommend giving it a go on your next trip.
\ Maximize your Sidemen trip with a private car charter! /
Sidemen is home to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls. Booking a private car allows you to customize your day and see it all at your own pace.
Information
Area Sidemen Name Green Kitchen Cooking Class Map Google Map Price From 500k IDR (~$33 USD) Duration Approx. 8–9 hours Booking Book via Website or WhatsApp (+62 821 4606 0236)
\ Staying in Sidemen? /
Check out more authentic Balinese experiences:
・Ubud's Popular Jamu Class: Experience Balinese Herbal Therapy
・Sanur: Learn to make Super-Herb Snacks (English/Japanese support available)
・Recharge at Sudamala Temple: A Traditional Balinese Melukat (Purification) Ceremony
See you in the next post!
YUKI
