Casa Luna Cooking School

Casa Luna Cooking School describes itself as Ubud's original cooking school, and its slogan, cook where it all began, makes the same point. It was established in 1992 by Janet DeNeefe, the cookbook author who also founded the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival and the Ubud Food Festival, and it belongs to the same family of businesses as Casa Luna restaurant and Honeymoon Guesthouse. Classes take place in the gardens of Honeymoon Guesthouse on Jalan Bisma in central Ubud.

The school runs a weekly programme of themed classes, most of them in the morning and lasting about three and a half hours. Themes have included Indonesian classics, a beginner-friendly option, Balinese ceremonial dishes, fish cooked in banana leaves and a plant-based menu, and on some days a longer class of about four hours begins with a visit to the local market. There is also a late-afternoon class devoted to smoked duck. The exact timetable changes, so check the school's website for the current schedule.

Each class combines demonstration with hands-on practice, and the group cooks a full Balinese menu using fresh herbs and spices. At the end everyone sits down together at a long table to share the meal, served with homemade hibiscus tea, and participants take the recipes home. Private classes for individuals or small groups can be arranged through the school's WhatsApp.

Classes are booked online, with full payment at the time of booking. Cancellations made at least five days before the class receive a full refund, while later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded, and if the school has to cancel, guests can choose a refund or a new date. Closed-toe shoes are recommended, as classes take place in a working kitchen. Guests staying at Honeymoon Guesthouse receive a discount on classes, and cooking school participants are offered a discount on dinner at Indus restaurant in the week after their class.

Casa Luna suits keen cooks, couples, families and anyone who wants to understand the dishes they have been eating in Ubud. The central location on Jalan Bisma means no transfer is needed for most visitors, and the class fits easily into a morning before an afternoon of sightseeing.