Cooking School at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Balinese cooking is known for its unique and flavorful use of spices, and the cooking school at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is a tasty and educational way to experience the cuisine. The cooking demonstration is held under an open-air bamboo structure, with all the ingredients prepped ahead of time. The chef and sous chefs take great pride in explaining the ingredients and the cultural significance, as many dishes come from local family recipes that have been passed down through generations.

The menu itself is varied, with both vegetarian and traditional options—we made beef skewers with root spices, fish wrapped in banana leaves with lemon basil, tomato and spices, seared tuna with raw shallots, steamed long beans and a pandan crepe with coconut filling. (The chefs are mindful about inquiring about allergies.) There is also an option to accompany the chef to the local market in the morning to pick the ingredients for the day’s meal.

The meal is then served at a simple picnic table alongside the Agung River. Bear in mind that though the food is delicious, on a sunny day the dining experience can get quite hot.

For those who can’t get enough of the Balinese cuisine, head chef Wayan Sutariawn has published a cookbook, Cherished Recipes From My Childhood. This is a collection of delicious recipes and thoughtful stories of his childhood and the Balinese culture and traditions.

This is great experience for couples, families and groups alike—though the Four Seasons Kids Club does also offers cooking classes.