Questions to Ask Before Booking a Cooking Class in Bali 2024

Booking a cooking class in Bali is more than just a lesson in food – it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s culture. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Here’s everything you need to ask before you book.

What Will I Learn in a Balinese Cooking Class?

Every cooking class offers something unique, and it’s worth knowing what you’ll take away from the experience. Will it be a class that focuses on specific Balinese dishes or one that teaches the broader fundamentals of Balinese cuisine? Understanding the course content can help you pick a class that matches your culinary curiosity.

A quality Balinese cooking class will introduce you to essential skills, such as mastering the “bumbu,” a spice paste that’s the foundation of many local dishes. Learning to make bumbu from scratch is often the highlight for many participants.

It involves using traditional tools and blending spices like turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass to create the vibrant flavors that define Balinese cuisine. Some classes may even offer a market tour, where you can explore local ingredients and learn about their significance in Balinese cooking.

Which Dishes Will We Make?

Before booking, it’s helpful to ask about the dishes you’ll be making. While some classes focus on a few signature recipes, others offer a more comprehensive menu with multiple courses. Common dishes you might encounter include Sate Lilit (minced meat satay wrapped around lemongrass sticks), Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice), and Lawar (a traditional salad of vegetables and grated coconut).

Some classes may also introduce you to lesser-known Balinese dishes, adding an extra layer of excitement to your learning. If there’s a specific dish you’re eager to try, don’t hesitate to ask if it’s part of the class – or if it can be included as a special request. Exploring these diverse flavors not only gives you new recipes but also lets you appreciate the role of each dish in Balinese culture.

Will I Be Using Traditional Balinese Cooking Tools?

One of the joys of a Balinese cooking class is the opportunity to use traditional cooking tools that locals have used for centuries. The ulek, or Balinese mortar and pestle, is a perfect example.

This stone tool is used to grind spices and herbs for bumbu and gives dishes a more textured, authentic taste than modern blenders. Ask if the class incorporates tools like the ulek or bamboo steamers, as using them enhances the hands-on experience and connects you more deeply to Balinese culinary practices.

Using these tools isn’t just about tradition – it’s a way to understand the rhythm and process of Balinese cooking. The textures, aromas, and flavors that come from using these tools are unique, and many travelers find it to be one of the most memorable parts of the experience.

Will I Learn How to Make Authentic Balinese Sauces?

Sauces are at the heart of Balinese cuisine, bringing together spices, herbs, and ingredients in ways that elevate every dish. Balinese sauces, such as sambal matah (a raw, spicy shallot and chili mixture) and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), are essential elements that give local dishes their characteristic flavors. Ask if the class will cover sauce-making techniques, as these skills can easily be transferred to your cooking back home.

Learning how to balance spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in these sauces provides insight into Balinese culinary philosophy. Many classes emphasize the importance of tasting and adjusting the flavors, which is a key skill in Balinese cooking. Once you’ve mastered a few basic sauces, you’ll be able to recreate a taste of Bali wherever you are.

Can I Cook Balinese Dishes Anywhere in the World?

One of the best parts about joining a cooking class in Bali is that the skills you gain can travel home with you. However, it’s helpful to ask whether the dishes and ingredients you’ll learn to use are adaptable to other parts of the world.

In a well-structured class, instructors will often explain how to substitute local ingredients for hard-to-find items, so you can recreate Balinese flavors in your own kitchen.

For example, if you can’t find certain spices or fresh herbs back home, many classes will suggest alternatives that provide a similar taste. Knowing how to make these substitutions can ensure you enjoy Balinese flavors long after you leave the island, allowing you to share your culinary adventures with friends and family.

Are There Any Dietary Options Available?

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have other dietary needs, it’s important to ask if the cooking class can accommodate you. Bali’s food scene is quite flexible, and many cooking schools are used to catering to different dietary requirements, particularly because of the diverse backgrounds of visiting tourists.

A good cooking class will either adapt recipes for you or offer alternative dishes that align with local flavors. For instance, instead of using meat in sate lilit, some classes might teach you how to prepare a delicious, plant-based version of the dish.

If dietary restrictions are a concern for you, clarify with the school before booking, as some classes may be more adaptable than others.

How Big Is the Group?

Class size can significantly impact your experience. Smaller classes typically provide a more personalized experience, allowing instructors to give individual attention and let you fully engage in hands-on cooking. Larger classes can be fun, too, but it may mean less interaction with the instructor and less time to practice each step.

Ask about the group size beforehand to find out if it aligns with your learning preferences. If you enjoy a more social experience, a larger group might be enjoyable. But if you prefer a quiet, in-depth session, look for smaller, more intimate classes, which are often available for private bookings. Remember, quality over quantity can make a huge difference when it comes to mastering cooking skills in a new cuisine.

How Hands-On Is the Class?

Some cooking classes are more demonstration-based, where the instructor shows how to prepare each dish, while others are fully hands-on, allowing you to follow each step yourself.

If your goal is to dive deep into Balinese cooking techniques, look for a hands-on class where you’ll be doing most of the prep and cooking under the instructor’s guidance.

A hands-on experience is ideal for those who want to learn through practice. You’ll have the chance to grind spices using traditional tools, mix the bumbu yourself, and adjust flavors to taste.

This interactive approach helps you understand the nuances of Balinese cooking, making it easier to replicate the dishes later. Don’t be afraid to ask for a breakdown of how much of the class will be hands-on versus demonstration-based.

What’s Included in the Experience?

Different cooking classes offer different experiences, so it’s worth asking what’s included. Some cooking classes in Bali begin with a market tour, where you can explore local ingredients and learn how to select the freshest produce.

A market tour can add another layer of cultural insight to your cooking experience, as you’ll discover exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices that define Balinese cuisine.

Additionally, some classes may include a recipe booklet, so you can recreate the dishes at home. Others might provide a certificate of participation or photos from the session. Make sure to clarify what’s included in the package – the more comprehensive the experience, the more you’ll gain from the class. If your goal is a memorable, all-encompassing experience, consider booking a class that offers these extra touches.

Can I Take a Recipe Book or Notes Home?

Taking a piece of Bali home with you can be as simple as having a recipe book or set of notes from the class. Many cooking schools provide recipe booklets so you can recreate the dishes at home, which can be a valuable tool for keeping the experience alive long after your trip.

If you’re the kind who likes to jot down notes, check with the class organizer to see if note-taking is encouraged and if they provide materials.

Having access to a recipe book also helps when adapting the dishes to local ingredients back home. Plus, it’s a lovely keepsake to look back on, allowing you to relive the culinary adventure whenever you want to bring Balinese flavors to your kitchen.

If you’re looking for an authentic and memorable cooking class experience in Ubud, consider joining a class with Taman Dukuh. Our classes offer market tours, personalized sessions, and hands-on guidance in traditional Balinese cooking techniques, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn and enjoy Balinese cuisine at its finest.

Conclusion – Questions to Ask Before Booking a Cooking Class

Booking a cooking class in Bali is a wonderful way to connect with the island’s culture and flavors. By asking these essential questions, you can ensure you’re choosing a class that meets your needs and leaves you with a taste of Bali that you’ll cherish for years.

Whether it’s learning the secrets behind bumbu or using a traditional mortar and pestle, the right class will give you skills, stories, and flavors to carry home.

Take the leap, savor every step, and enjoy the journey into Balinese cooking – it’s an experience you’ll never forget!