The extraordinary culinary diversity of the world’s largest archipelagic nation will be showcased in a brand new concept descending on Bali’s cultural capital: the much-anticipated Ubud Food Festival (UFF).
A sibling Festival of the world renowned Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), the UFF will kick off a three-day culinary adventure from 5-7 June, serving up a program rich in food mythology, authenticity and of course, taste.
Bringing together some of Indonesia’s culinary greats, international chefs bringing their unique style of food-fusion to the archipelago and industry heavyweights in Southeast Asia and beyond, the UFF is set to delight and inspire both participants and audiences alike.
The program will feature a range of ticketed and free events, spanning cooking demonstrations, workshops, food forums, markets, food tours, wine tastings, film screenings and much, much more.
Heading the line-up are the stars of Indonesian culinary landscape including global icon Sri Owen (supported by Garuda UK), TV personalities Bara Pattiradjawane and Bondan Winarno, cult hero Rahung Nasution, and culinary expert William Wongso.
From the bursting Bali food scene comes Room4Dessert’s Will Goldfarb, Mozaic’s Chris Salans and Locavore’s Eelke Plasmeijer, El Bulli-trained chef Kevin Cherkas of Cuca (supprted by ARMA), as well as some of island’s finest culinary establishments including Hujan Locale, Bridges and Fivelements.
The UFF will also bring together industry heavyweights working in Southeast Asia and the globe. With their restaurants recently named in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Australian BBQ fanatic Dave Pynt and former head-chef of Melbourne’s Vue de Monde Ryan Clift (supported by bridges) will be bringing their expertise to the table, along with one of the world’s most celebrated pastry chefs, Janice Wong (supported by Pipiltin Chocolate) and Malaysia’s acclaimed Chef Wan.
Founder and Director of the UFF, Janet DeNeefe, said she is delighted to finally be bringing the long-awaited Festival to Indonesia, which she hopes will shine a spotlight on the incredible diversity and richness of cuisine and culture the country has to offer.
“We’ve been wanting to launch a food festival for even longer than we’ve been running the UWRF, which celebrates its 12th birthday this year. I can’t wait to see the amazing talent of the culinary community come to life and take form”.
DeNeefe says it’s not just about tasting different cuisines, however, but understanding food in all its forms, and the journey from the supplier to the plate.
“As well as just showcasing great food, the UFF is about taking a journey, to understand its past, present and future. We also want to strengthen linkages within the local and international culinary community, cementing Indonesia as one of the best food destinations in the world”.
