

Cooking Class
The Art of Blending Spices
MEGIBUNG - The Art of Blending Spices
An Immersive Journey into Balinese Food Culture
Since 2 December 1997, we have welcomed guests into the world of Balinese cuisine through our cooking classes. What began as a way of sharing the extraordinary flavours of Bali has grown into a culinary tradition of its own. Today, after more than 2,760 cooking classes, we are delighted to introduce our new class Megibung, CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH BALINESE FAMILIES & CEREMONIES - a name that reflects the spirit of sharing, togetherness and community at the very heart of Balinese food culture.
Our cooking class is much more than a lesson in recipes. It is an invitation to discover how Balinese food fits into the wider culture of the island — its people, traditions, ceremonies, agriculture and everyday life. The class begins at 8:00 am with breakfast and an introduction to Balinese cuisine, setting the scene for the culinary journey ahead. We then move into the class room, where participants prepare a selection of traditional Balinese dishes, with at least 12 recipes taken directly from our new book, MEGIBUNG. The book, more than 350 pages in length, is the result of decades of documenting and exploring Bali's extraordinary food culture.
Throughout the morning, we share colourful stories and insights that explain not only how a dish is prepared, but also where it belongs within Balinese life. We explore the many spices, and ingredients that give Balinese cuisine its distinctive character, while also looking at their origins, uses and importance in traditional cooking.
Cooking techniques form an equally important part of the experience. Many of the techniques used in Balinese kitchens — grinding, pounding, slicing, frying, steaming, grilling and balancing flavours — are fundamental to cooking in all cuisines around the world. Understanding these techniques allows participants to take what they learn in Bali and apply it in their own kitchens at home. We also discuss practical kitchen and food-safety principles along the way.
We deliberately keep our classes limited to a maximum of eight participants. This small group allows everyone the opportunity to work hands-on and actively participate in the preparation of most of the dishes.
Varied Recipes and Dishes Prepared:
Experience a diverse range of recipes, from the renowned Sates and Pork dishes to flavourful sambals, refreshing salads, and intricate desserts.
1. Spice Paste for Seafood - Base be Pasih
2. Chicken, Pork, and Soy Bean Cake Satay - Sate Ayam, Babi, Tempe
3. Minced Seafood Sate - Sate Lilit
4. Minced Seafood Grilled in Banana Leaf - Pesan be Pasiha
5. Minced Duck in Banana Leaf - Tum Bebek
6. Pork in Sweet Soy Sauce - Be Celeng Base Manis
7. Chicken in Spiced Coconut Turmeric Sauce - Siap Kalas
8. Chicken in Shallot Lemongrass Dressing - Ayam Sembel Matah
9. Shallot Lemongrass Dressing - Sambel Matah
10. Peanut Sauce - Sauce Kacang
11. Vegetable Salad in Peanut Dressing - Pecelan
12. Steamed Black Rice with Coconut and Palm Sugar - Jajan Ijen
13. Steamed Pumpkin Cake – Sumping Waluh
14 Fried Rice / Noodles - Nasi goreng
Communal Dining:
Conclude the class by enjoying the fruits of your labour in a communal dining setting, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for Balinese food culture. Shared meals are a common practice, fostering a sense of community. Balinese food culture is a celebration of both daily life and the island's spiritual essence.
At approximately 1:30 pm, the cooking comes together around a delicious Balinese Nasi Campur. This communal meal is the perfect conclusion to the morning, as we sit together and enjoy the many dishes we have prepared ourselves — sharing food in the true spirit of Megibung.
And the experience does not end when you leave our kitchen. After the class, each participant receives an extensive digital appendix containing all the recipes prepared during the class, together with additional information, explanations, facts and stories relating to the subjects discussed during the day.
MEGIBUNG is therefore not simply a cooking class. It is an introduction to Bali through its food — a morning of cooking, learning, sharing and discovering the stories behind one of the world's most fascinating culinary cultures.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, Bumbu Bali's Cooking classes provide an enriching experience that goes beyond just learning recipes, offering a deeper understanding of Balinese culinary traditions.
Time table:
07.30 - 08.00 Pick up from various locations in Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa
08.00 - 08.45 Breakfast and introduction to Bali’s cuisine
08.45 - 12.30 Cooking
12.30 - 14.00 Nasi Campur Lunch
14.00 Newly certified and qualified Balinese Master Chef’s celebrate
Days conducted:
Every Tuesday
Price:
US$85.00 ++ without market visit
Price is subject to 10% service charge and 11% government tax
Space is limited to 8 participants. We highly recommend to book your participation as early as possible
Taylor made classes:
Special classes for groups are available on request, please check on availability by emailing info@artcafebumbubali.com or calling us through (62) 361 771256 (62) 361 774502
You will be guided through the preparation of 12 mysterious recipes from our expert chefs, each bursting with the exotic flavors of Bali. From fragrant spices to fresh ingredients, you'll discover the essence of Balinese cuisine and learn the techniques that make it so unique.
Join us at Bumbu Bali for a cooking class that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also deepen your understanding of Balinese culture and culinary traditions.









