Bali is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its delicious food. When Nick and I decided to take a cooking class during our trip, we were happy to find Santai Warung Cooking Class, a family-run experience that not only promised authentic Balinese cuisine but also accommodated my partner, who uses a wheelchair. What followed was an unforgettable afternoon of cooking, learning, and inclusivity.

The Class Setup: Thoughtful and Accessible

The cooking class normally takes place in the corner of the restaurant on a raised platform (quite a steep step). However, when I mentioned that my partner uses a wheelchair, the cook offered to rearrange the setup. She moved the cooking station to a flat, accessible area without stairs, ensuring my partner could fully participate. This small but meaningful gesture made all the difference and set the tone for a welcoming and inclusive experience.

That said, it’s important to note that the path inside the restaurant is a mix of gravel, cobblestone and tiles, which can be uneven and slightly challenging for wheelchair users. Additionally, there is no accessible toilet on-site. If this is a concern for you, I recommend planning ahead to ensure comfort during the class.

The Dishes: A Flavorful Journey Through Balinese Cuisine

Over the course of about two hours, we prepared a mouthwatering spread of traditional Balinese dishes. The menu included:

1. Corn Fritters (Bergedel Jagung): Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor.
2. Steamed Fish (Pepes Ikan): Fresh fish steamed in banana leaves with a fragrant blend of spices.
3. Chicken Curry (Kare Ayam): A rich and creamy curry with tender chicken and aromatic spices.
4. Mixed Vegetable Salad with Coconut (Sayur Urab): A refreshing mix of vegetables tossed with grated coconut and zesty dressing.
5. Balinese Pancake (Dadar Gulung): A sweet, green-colored pancake filled with coconut and palm sugar.

What made the cooking process even more fascinating was that all the dishes shared the same base spicy sauce, a flavorful blend of fresh herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili. This not only tied the dishes together but also highlighted the versatility of Balinese cuisine.

Each dish was a celebration of Balinese flavors, and the cook guided us through every step with patience. She told us about the medicinal uses of the ingredients we were using, such as turmeric, which stops bleeding from small wounds and prevents infections.

The Experience: Fun, Educational, and Inclusive

The class was hands-on and interactive, allowing us to grind spices, chop vegetables, and assemble dishes from scratch. The process was enjoyable, even for beginners like Nick 😉 The best part? At the end of the class, we got to savor everything we had prepared, and it was absolutely delicious! We also received a beautifully designed booklet with all the recipes, so we could recreate the dishes at home. It was a lovely keepsake to remember the experience by.

Another thing that impressed me was the zero-waste approach of the class. For example, the shredded coconut we used for the pancakes was later used to make coconut milk for the chicken curry. After extracting the milk, the leftover coconut was added to the mixed vegetable salad, ensuring nothing went to waste. It was inspiring to see how resourceful and sustainable traditional Balinese cooking can be.

Practical Details

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Price: 300,000 IDR (about $15 USD)/per person (possibly cheaper for bigger groups)
• Accessibility: The class is not inherently wheelchair-accessible (the lack of an accessible toilet and challenging path is something to keep in mind), but the cook was more than willing to make adjustments to accommodate my partner. If you have specific accessibility needs, I recommend reaching out in advance to discuss arrangements.

---

Have you taken a cooking class in Bali or elsewhere? Share your experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our other post about Bali for more travel tips and inspiration.