If you are going to Bali, Ubud is a must-visit destination!
That’s why I did when I planned my trip.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss its lush jungles, ancient temples, and artisan culture.
But there’s another reason why I went there – gourmet food.
Yes, Ubud isn’t just about nature and culture anymore; it’s becoming a hotspot for foodies like me.
Here, you will find everything, from traditional Balinese dishes to innovative fusion cuisine in Michelin Star Ubud restaurant.
If you’re curious about Ubud’s emerging gourmet food scene, keep reading.
A Little about Ubud
Ubud is a town in Bali, Indonesia. It is nestled among rice fields and steep hillsides in the central part of Gianyar Regency. This town is famous for its art and culture, attracting many tourists.
Each year, over three million foreign visitors come to Ubud. Since the 1920s, when German artist Walter Spies visited and loved it, Europeans have been coming here.
Did you know? The book “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert made Ubud even more famous. Now, it’s a popular place for digital nomads, expats, yogis, and people looking for spiritual experiences.
The town center is crowded with health food cafes, art galleries, yoga places, restaurants, spas, and shops. Despite the crowds, Ubud still keeps its artistic charm.
Gourmet Food Ubud – How It All Began?
Gourmet food is mostly popular in the Western and European countries. In Asia, you will find only a few places where this type of fine dining culture is popular.
And guess what? Ubud is one of these places.
So, how it all began?
Gourmet food in Ubud started becoming popular because of many reasons. First, Ubud has always been a place for art and culture, so people started experimenting with food too.
Then, famous books and movies talked about Ubud, making more people curious to visit. Also, there are many talented chefs in Ubud who mix local flavors with international cuisine.
Let’s take a look at the few reasons responsible for the rise of gourmet and fine dining Ubud.
- Books and movies, like “Eat Pray Love,” made Ubud more famous, attracting more people.
- More tourists from the West and Europe meant restaurants in Ubud offered fancier food.
- Western and European tastes influenced how people eat in Ubud, leading to fancier dining.
- Chefs in Ubud are good at mixing local and international flavors.
- Ubud’s environment provides lots of fresh ingredients, inspiring chefs to get creative.
Where Can You Enjoy Gourmet Food and Fine Dining Ubud?
Ubud has some really fancy restaurants. They offer both Balinese food and dishes from other countries. I’ve been to some great restaurants in Ubud, like,
1. Apéritif Restaurant
One of them is Apéritif Restaurant. It’s really fancy and has a mix of modern and Indonesian food. When I went there, I felt like I was in a special place. The restaurant has different parts where you can sit and eat. They even have special menus to try different foods. Sometimes, they work with famous chefs to make extra special meals. I also heard they care a lot about the environment and use veggies from their own garden.
2. Mozaic Restaurant
Mozaic Restaurant is another one I’ve been to. They mix Indonesian and international food. It’s one of the fanciest places in Ubud. When I walked in, I saw a beautiful lounge with hanging lanterns and plants all around. The chefs there use local ingredients and like to try new things. They also have lots of different wines you can try with your meal.
3. Sakti Dining Room at Five Elements Bali
Sakti Dining Room at Five Elements Bali is a fancy place for vegan food. It’s in a beautiful setting next to a river. When I went there, the food was really healthy but still tasted great. They use local ingredients and try to be eco-friendly. They have different menus from which you can choose.
4. Hujan Locale
I’ve also been to Hujan Locale. It’s a restaurant that focuses on Indonesian food. I liked the vintage style of the place. It felt really cozy. They make really good cocktails too. What’s cool is that it’s right in the middle of Ubud, so it’s easy to find. They have lots of different Asian-inspired dishes you can try.
5. CasCades
CasCades is another great spot. They mix Balinese and Western food. The view there is amazing, overlooking a lush valley. It’s a great place for big groups. I heard they have special plates you can try. They also have different menus for lunch and dinner.
6. Akar by K-Club
Lastly, there’s Akar by K-Club. This place is super cool because it’s surrounded by jungle. When I went there in the evening, they put on a light show. It was really magical. They cook lots of different foods on charcoal, and they use veggies from their garden and local farms.
Are There Any Michelin Star Ubud Restaurants?
So, what exactly is a Michelin-starred restaurant?
These are top-rated places known for their amazing food and service. Michelin stars are like awards given by the famous tire company Michelin, showing how great a restaurant is.
Are there any Michelin-star Ubud restaurants?
Unfortunately, Ubud doesn’t have any Michelin-star restaurants. But, some restaurants collaborate with Michelin-star chefs to offer similar experiences.
Apéritif, for instance, has raised the bar for fine dining in Ubud by partnering with renowned chefs like,
- Guillaume Galliot
- Arnaud Dunand
- Julien Royer
- Thijs Meliefste
- Benoit Dewitte
These partnerships make new and creative tasting menus, making Ubud’s food culture even better. Apéritif’s fancy colonial-style building and friendly Balinese service make dining there special.
Their menus mix different flavors, giving you a great experience in Ubud. And don’t get me started on their food presentation. It is so good that you can literally taste the food with your eyes.
So, folks, that’s all the emerging trend of gourmet food in Ubud, the heart of Bali!
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