Traditional Tempeh Making & Cooking Balinese Cuisine

If you’ve ever wanted to go beyond just eating in Bali and actually learn how local dishes are made, this Traditional Tempeh Making & Cooking Balinese Cuisine class is worth a look. Taught by passionate local hosts, Ayu and Ngurah, this three-hour session combines hands-on tempeh preparation with the chance to create a full Balinese meal from scratch — all in a cozy garden setting. It’s a small-group experience that prioritizes authenticity and personalized attention, earning a perfect 5.0-star rating from travelers.

What we really love about this class is how it illuminates an often-overlooked ingredient: tempeh. Not only do you get to understand its cultural importance and health benefits, but you also learn how to make it yourself, which is pretty rare for a cooking class in Bali. Plus, the focus on vegan-friendly recipes makes it accessible for everyone.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is quite immersive and hands-on, so it suits those who enjoy participating actively rather than just observing. If you’re a foodie looking for genuine local flavors, or a vegan wanting new ideas to take home, this class hits the mark. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, purely demonstration-style experience, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Authentic learning about the history, significance, and production of tempeh in Bali.
• Hands-on experience making tempeh from scratch, guided by knowledgeable hosts.
• Vegan-friendly recipes that showcase traditional Indonesian flavors without animal ingredients.
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Delicious Balinese lunch featuring dishes cooked during the class, enjoyed in a garden setting.
• Flexible options for private groups, perfect for special celebrations or more personalized experiences.

What to Expect from the Tempeh & Balinese Cuisine Class

This cooking class kicks off at 9:30 AM, starting from the meeting point at Canang Sari Homestay in Denpasar. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by hosts Ayu and Ngurah, who create a warm, inviting environment. Over three hours, you’ll explore Bali’s culinary secrets through the lens of one of its most iconic ingredients: tempeh.

The Tempeh Making Experience

The highlight for many is the tempeh preparation. As one reviewer, Janae, pointed out, Ayu is “very knowledgeable and passionate about cooking.” She walks you through each step, from selecting the soybeans to fermenting them into the familiar block. Guests appreciated how thorough the instruction was, with one even mentioning that they received a guide on how to make tempeh at home — a bonus for those eager to keep their new skills alive after Bali.

Why is this important? Because tempeh isn’t just a vegetarian protein; it’s a superfood packed with nutrients. Making it from scratch allows you to understand its significance in Indonesian cuisine and why it’s been a staple since the 1600s.

Indonesian Spices and Flavors

Next, your host takes you on a journey through the vibrant world of Indonesian spices. Expect to see and smell a colorful array of herbs and seasonings, such as turmeric, coriander, and galangal. The hosts are praised for their genuine hospitality and willingness to share culinary tips, which makes this part of the class both educational and fun.

Preparing a Full Balinese Lunch

Once your tempeh is ready, it’s time to cook. The open-air kitchen studio provides a picturesque backdrop as you prepare several dishes. You’ll learn to make Tempeh-based dishes, along with Sayur Urab — a lively vegetable salad with grilled coconut grated on top. If you’re a meat-eater, you can opt for adding chicken or tuna, but the class is especially loved by vegans for its plant-based options.

A reviewer, Ruth, highlighted that the class “was thorough in teaching us the steps” and even provided a guide for making tempeh at home, which suggests a high level of expertise from the hosts.

The meal culminates in a seven-dish feast enjoyed in the garden, where the relaxed, family-style setting makes it easy to savor not just the food but the company.

Food and Drink

During the class, you’ll have access to tea, coffee, water, and light snacks, keeping you energized. The focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes results in delicious, authentic flavors that are often praised in reviews. Guests often mention that the dishes they make are some of the best and most authentic they’ve tasted during their Bali trip.

Private & Group Options

While the standard experience is a shared group of up to 10 people, there’s an option to upgrade to a private class. This makes it ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a more personalized experience. Reviewers noted that the attention from guides like Ayu makes the experience feel special, even in larger groups.

Practical Aspects

The tour is priced at $39 per person, which we think offers great value considering the hands-on nature, the quality of instruction, and the delicious meal. Many guests booked their spots around 15 days in advance, indicating good availability but also suggesting it’s quite popular.

The class lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 9:30 AM, making it a perfect morning activity before exploring more of Bali. The meeting point at Canang Sari Homestay is convenient, and the activity concludes back at the same spot, making logistics simple.

Who Would This Tour Suit Best?

This experience is perfect for food lovers who want to get closer to authentic Balinese cuisine. It’s especially appealing to vegans and vegetarians because of its emphasis on plant-based dishes and tempeh. The small group atmosphere and the chance to learn from passionate, knowledgeable hosts make it ideal for travelers seeking a genuine, interactive experience.

If you’re interested in culinary skills and want to take home a tangible skill like making tempeh, this class offers much more than just a meal. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate cultural learning intertwined with cooking.

However, if you’re after a purely relaxed, demonstration-only class or have very specific dietary restrictions outside the options provided, you might want to clarify those beforehand.

Final Thoughts

This Tempeh Making & Balinese Cooking class offers a rare, authentic glimpse into Indonesian culinary traditions. For just $39, you get a comprehensive experience — from understanding the cultural importance of tempeh, participating in its creation, to cooking and enjoying a full Balinese meal. The hosts’ warmth and expertise shine through, making this a memorable highlight for foodies or anyone eager to learn new skills.

The focus on local ingredients, vegan options, and hands-on participation** makes it valuable for a broad range of travelers. Plus, the intimate setting and delicious, freshly prepared dishes elevate it beyond a typical cooking class experience.

If you’re visiting Bali and want to connect more deeply with its cuisine and culture, this class is a fantastic choice. Just remember to book in advance — it’s popular, and for good reason.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegans?
Yes, the class is vegan-friendly, and you can opt to skip chicken or tuna if you prefer. The focus on plant-based ingredients makes it perfect for vegans.

How long does the class last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, starting at 9:30 AM and finishing around 12:30 PM, including the lunch.

Can I upgrade to a private class?
Yes, private groups are available upon request, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Do I get to take home the skills?
Absolutely. You’ll receive a guide on how to make tempeh at home, plus recipes to recreate your dishes back home.

What is the price?
The tour costs $39 per person, offering great value considering the hands-on experience and full meal.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is Canang Sari Homestay in Denpasar, Bali.

Are the dishes vegetarian or vegan?
The dishes are vegan-friendly, with optional additions of chicken or tuna for meat-eaters.

Is the class suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the hands-on nature and relaxed environment could be enjoyable for older children; it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

In short, this Bali cooking class provides a genuine, delicious, and educational experience that’s well worth the price. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, vegan traveler, or someone curious about Indonesian culture, it’s a wonderful way to make meaningful memories — and new skills — during your Bali stay.