Ubud Food Festival marks a delicious decade as it returns for its 10th year in 2025. Set to unfold for three days from 30 May to 1 June 2025, the annual culinary adventure holds tradition closer to its heart with ‘Heritage’ as the theme, exploring how tradition will always be relevant in Indonesia’s culinary scene growth.
“In our 10th year, we honour Indonesia’s rich culinary traditions, celebrating the flavours, techniques, and stories passed down through generations,” Ubud Food Festival’s founder and director, Janet DeNeefe, reveals. “Over three days, foodies can discover lesser-known regional specialities and enjoy recipes that have shaped our diverse food culture.”
Adding a touch of cultural symbolism, Balinese illustrator Gusde Sidhi has designed the official artwork for Ubud Food Festival 2025 with elements that signify Indonesia’s gastronomy and the significant role of women in preserving culinary traditions.
“At its centre stands a strong female figure, embodying the vital role of women in preserving and passing down culinary traditions, surrounded by iconic Indonesian dishes that celebrate generations of cherished flavours,” DeNeefee explains. “This connection between food and heritage is at the heart of our 2025 Festival, and we can’t wait to welcome you to embark on a journey with us to explore the rich history behind every bite.”
Special events to note at Ubud Food Festival 2025
Drawing over 15,000 food lovers from across the archipelago last year, the Ubud Food Festival is back with its much-anticipated culinary playground: the bustling food market, serving up a cornucopia of Indonesian street fare from dozens of local artisans.
Special dining experiences are also on the menu, featuring collaborations with world-class restaurants and chefs, including Mauro Santarelli of Chupacabras, Nic Vanderbeeken of Apéritif, Uma Cucina x Amici Bali, and more, offering one-off experiences exclusive to the festival.
For the curious and creative, masterclasses and Teater Kuliner’s live demos offer hands-on sessions in everything from tempe-making to food-storytelling and jamu crafting. While Food for Thought stage provides a space for consumers and producers to share and collaborate.
However, among this year’s tastiest highlights, these special events and masterclasses at Ubud Food Festival 2025 are ones you’ll want to circle on your calendar.
Italian Soul, Ubud Spirit: Uma Cucina X Amici Bali
Uma Cucina at COMO Uma Ubud welcomes chef Alessandro D’Amico of Amici Bali for a one-night-only four-course dinner (Rp700,000 per person) on 30 May 2025 at 6pm. With only 60 seats available, the evening promises a thoughtful showcase of chef D’Amico’s Sicilian roots with a modern twist.
Expect Italian flair with a Balinese touch, starting with Uovo 62° e Tartufo: slow-cooked egg with Pecorino cream, spinach, and Italian black truffle. Ravioli alla Vaccinara follows, filled with Wagyu Tokusen oxtail ragù and Taleggio cream. For mains, Filetto di Barramundi is served with Pecorino Romano DOP cream. Dessert rounds off with Spuma al Cioccolato, salted caramel gelato and Callebaut dark chocolate foam.
À la carte offerings, including Vitello Tonnato, Tagliatelle Cozze e Vongole, Wagyu Tokusen Ribeye, and Torta Tenerina, will also be available. Wine pairings enhance the menu for an elevated dining experience.
Embers & Umami: A Fire-Kissed Feast at Chupacabras
Chupacabras, known for its fire-kissed fare, presents Embers & Umami—a bold interplay of South American and Japanese flavours. On 30 May, from 12pm to 4pm, executive chef Mauro Santarelli teams up with guest chef Hadits Fahlevi of Junsei Jakarta to serve a lunch experience laced with smoky finesse. Embers & Umami (Rp850,000/person) promises succulent meats and inventive twists on regional ingredients, brought to life through the chefs’ cross-cultural craftsmanship.
Kung Pao & Cocktails: Susan Jung’s Ultimate Party
Bringing extra crunch to Ubud Food Festival 2025, three fried chicken maestros unite at the invitation of Hong Kong food critic and Kung Pao & Fried Chicken author, Susan Jung. On 31 May from 6pm to 9.30pm, Indus restaurant hosts a one-of-a-kind dinner party, where Jung is joined by chef Wan and Cheong Liew for a flavour-packed gathering. Expect crispy creations from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, and Indonesia, paired with complimentary fizzy cocktails, free-flow beer, shared plates, and dessert at this indulgent fried chicken feast (Rp590,000/person).
Kindled: A Night with Syrco Bakker & Vallian Gunawan
On 1 June, a legendary culinary affair unfolds from 6.30pm to 10pm as Vallian Gunawan of Jakarta’s Kindling restaurant joins Michelin-starred chef Syrco Bakker at his Ubud-based Syrco BASÉ for a 12-course dinner with modern flair (Rp1,875,000 per person). Though rooted in French culinary finesse, both chefs pay deep homage to Indonesian heritage, celebrating local ingredients in every course. Each dish is prepared live and personally presented by the chefs in an intimate, single-counter setting, limited to just 12 adult guests.
Through the Lens: A Food Photography Masterclass with Ade Ardhana
Join visual storyteller Ade Ardhana as he delves into the art of food photography in this insightful masterclass (Rp385,000/person) on 1 June, from 2pm to 5pm. Held at Lokal Kafe, the session explores how to shape narratives, build mood, and bring concepts to life through the lens. Ardhana will share his creative process and behind-the-scenes techniques, offering participants a deeper understanding of visual storytelling. The session also includes a coffee break and light bites from Lokal Kafe.
Sustainable Sips: Cocktail Masterclass with Bili Wirawan
Sustainability meets world-class mixology in this eco-conscious cocktail masterclass with Bili Wirawan (Rp300,000/person), the first Indonesian to be named Best Restaurant Mixologist of the Year by Les Grandes Tables du Monde in 2022. Held at Spice by Blake on 1 June from 2pm to 4pm, this demo-only session invites guests to explore inventive, planet-friendly cocktails crafted with purpose. With sustainability at its core, the class offers a rare chance to learn from a leading figure in the field while discovering how creativity and conscious practices can stir up something truly extraordinary.
Find out more about Ubud Food Festival 2024 at ubudfoodfestival.com
*The prices listed are starting rates and are subject to tax and service charges.