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
It was a very fun and educational experience. You learn not only about cooking but also about the culture and life on a farm in Bali. The hostess did an excellent job. The welcome, guidance, and explanations were all top-notch. I would recommend it to everyone!
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tom
September 24, 2026
We had a great time learning from Putu! When we travel, we usually learn some local dishes to take the memories home with us. Putu welcomed us to her home in the quiet country side, she gave us a Balinese house tour which is very interesting to learn as well.
Her family also has some cute chickens running around, digging soil, and taking sand baths. They are super adorable.
During the lesson, she prepared everything and showed us the ingredients and walk us through the taste palette. Ingredients are not complicated at all. But the flavor layered on top of each other made the dishes easily the best we tried during our trip. We made some Nasi Sela, Tempe manis, Perkedel jagung, Satay Ayam and Urab together. We cannot forget how great the flavor bomb of the peanut sauce! it's amazing.
Highly recommend spending some time learning Balinese cuisine with Putu.
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dan
September 21, 2026
A super educational and fun lesson with Putu. We had a delicious meal afterwards. We will definitely try out the recipes at home later. Thank you Putu for the super fun and tasty experience!
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leonine
September 12, 2026
A perfect family atmosphere and a great place to experience local flavors. Thanks to the friendly Putu, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed incredibly delicious food. We definitely recommend it!
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bob
September 12, 2026
We had a wonderful experience learning traditional Balinese cooking at Putu’s house. Incredibly welcoming and organised hostess. Great lesson in traditional ingredients and cooking utensils. Thank you for having us in your house and teaching us such delicious recipes
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jerome
September 11, 2026
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