Meet
Putu
Putu, a warm and talented home chef, offers travelers an authentic, immersive Balinese cooking experience in Ubud, in her traditional family compound. Growing up alongside her grandparents, who are rice farmers, Putu learned the art of cooking from an early age, helping her grandmother prepare daily meals. Over the years, her passion for cooking has blossomed into both a career and a personal passion. Putu specializes in fresh, creative Balinese dishes presented with artistry, often garnished with delicately carved fruit and vegetables. At home, she takes on the sacred responsibility of preparing temple offerings, from small gifts to grand fruit towers, which she carries during temple ceremonies. She also makes homemade jamu, a traditional health tonic made from turmeric.
Putu’s family compound is a lively place where visitors will meet her grandparents, her husband Pasta, and their three children. The compound includes an orchard with jackfruit, cacao, durian, coffee, and bananas, as well as a variety of animals, including pigs, ducks, chickens, and a cow. During visits, Putu and her family offer a guided tour of the compound, sharing insights into their daily life and the significance of their family temple. Guests will also enjoy delicious meals made with rice grown by her grandparents, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Cooking experience:
(2-30 guests)
Join Putu in her home kitchen in Ubud for a private, hands-on Balinese cooking class where you’ll prepare five authentic dishes together. As you chop, grind, and grill, Putu will share stories behind her family recipes, the vibrant spices she uses, and the healing properties of traditional Balinese ingredients, most of which come straight from her own farm. Her kitchen may be simple, with just a two-burner cooktop, but you’ll be amazed by the ease and grace with which she brings complex flavors to life.
Beyond cooking, Putu offers warm insights into Balinese Hinduism and everyday local life, all with a great sense of humor that makes the experience both meaningful and fun. This intimate cooking class lasts about 1.5 hours and ends with a shared meal of everything you’ve prepared. When in season, you’ll also savor organic fruits picked straight from the family’s trees - fresh, flavorful, and truly farm-to-table. It’s perfect for food lovers and curious travelers looking for a deeper, hands-on connection to Balinese culture and cuisine.
Market visit:
(1-30 guests)
After your 7am pickup from your Ubud hotel, head to the bustling Pejeng market to experience local life in full swing. Join Putu as she guides you through the vibrant stalls, pointing out seasonal fruits, vegetables, and spices while gathering a few fresh ingredients for your cooking class. You’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the market, soaking in the sights, scents, and sounds - it's a fantastic opportunity for photos, so be sure to bring your camera. From there, you'll continue on to Putu’s home to begin your hands-on Balinese cooking experience.
Notes:
1. Prices include round-trip transport from Ubud only. Please be sure to include your hotel name on the reservation form so your host can arrange for your pick-up.
2. If you are staying outside of Ubud there will be an additional charge for transportation. Please contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com for details. Putu can accommodate a vegetarian diet in her cooking class if informed in advance.
Languages spoken:
English
Sample menu
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
Putu's home is in a lovely, quiet setting. When I arrived the table was set, the food prepped for cooking, and the children greeted me with shy looks and an occasional smile. Putu she explained the what, how, why of the cooking process. It amazed me that she could prepare 6 dishes on two burners with great fluidity to her work. Each dish turned out perfectly and looks beautiful - not to mention, everything was delicious!
Wendy, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Traveler reviews
Had a wonderful time at Putu’s home. The food was delicious and we learned so much about Balinese cooking. We are grateful for the time we shared!
-
jane
August 01, 2026
It was a fantastic experience. Putu welcomed us into her wonderful home and we cooked five different dishes. We had a lot of fun and the food was delicious.
-
nicole
July 29, 2026
Absolutely fantastic experience!! Putu is amazing. She explained much about Balinese culture, welcomed us warmly to her amazing home. The cooking lesson was spectacular! Food all ready to prep, each step explained and made easy. And of course, a huge delicious meal to follow. Definitely highlight of Bali visit, could not recommend more enthusiastically!
-
michael
July 28, 2026
Putu gave us a fantastic cooking class; we hadn't expected it to be so well-guided. She gave a great explanation, and we cooked everything ourselves from start to finish. The ingredients are pure and organic. We were amazed that you can get so much flavor with so few ingredients. The icing on the cake was really eating everything ourselves. Huge respect for this woman and her family!
-
nadia
July 27, 2026
Real authentic cooking experience in Putu’s open air kitchen. Very well explained and excellent food. Great experience.
Family Van Delm
-
van delm
July 27, 2026
Read More
