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Clothes make the man, but they also make the plate, or so they say in Bali where a new culinary experience is sharpening up at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana.
Launching this month, ‘Balinese Kitchen Culture’ is a foodie workshop that dives deep into the rituals and beliefs present in a Balinese kitchen, as interpreted by Tanah Gajah’s Balinese chefs who have been honing their skills at the resort for a decade.
While guests will have the chance to learn to prepare dishes like Balinese Sate Lilit (fish satay), the spicy condiment Sambal Matah, and a local dessert Dadar Gulung (coconut pancakes), ‘Balinese Kitchen Culture’ is about more than just making food. Participants will learn about purification rituals, including a blessing with holy water to wash away negative energy; proper clothing and proper plating.
Making a specific type of canang saiban, an offering that is prepared after cooking a meal, is also part of the two-hour workshop. Through conversation and hands-on experience guests will learn the importance of these gifts that are bestowed upon the gods and how this practice nurtures a sense of gratitude and devotion within daily life.
“We as a community are spiritual people, as anyone who has visited Bali can attest,” explained Deasy Swandarini, general manager of Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, who is from Bali. “That reverence of something greater is deeply intertwined in all that we do, including when we prepare a meal. We always strive to give our visitors insight into our culture and heritage. Learning through preparing and sharing good food is one way of doing that, which all people can enjoy.”
The experience is offered daily and is available in two time slots: 10am – 12pm or 1pm – 3pm. Prices start at IDR 485,000 ++ per person, with a minimum of 2 people required. Families and children aged 8+ are welcome to join https://tanahgajahubud.com/en/