Ubud Food Festival Pays Homage to Indonesia’s Gastronomic Culture and Heritage
Bali’s most-anticipated food festival is back – and it’s serving more than just unforgettable flavors. From May 30 to June 1, the Ubud Food Festival returns for its landmark 10th edition, inviting food lovers to immerse themselves in three jam-packed days celebrating Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage. With this year’s theme, Heritage, the festival looks beyond the plate to explore the roots, rituals, and stories that define the nation’s diverse food culture. From time-honored recipes passed down through generations to bold reinterpretations by the next wave of chefs, the 2025 festival is both a tribute to tradition and a showcase of how Indonesian cuisine continues to evolve and inspire.
Founded by Janet DeNeefe, the Ubud Food Festival has become a vibrant hub for food lovers, chefs, and producers to come together in celebration of Indonesia’s gastronomic culture. “In our 10th year, we honor Indonesia’s rich culinary traditions, celebrating the flavors, techniques, and stories passed down through generations,” said the Founder and Director. “Over three-days, foodies can discover lesser known regional specialties and enjoy recipes that have shaped our diverse food culture.”
Introducing Ubud Food Festival
The Ubud Food Festival is the region’s premier culinary event, celebrating the rich diversity and bold flavors of Indonesia’s food scene. Indonesia is known for their richness in spices – versatile for any kind of dish from various regions across the country. In 2024, the Festival broke attendance records, drawing over 15,000 food lovers and welcoming around 150 industry leaders from across Indonesia and the region. With a vibrant and packed program, it was the most successful edition yet.
The Festival featured a wide range of special events, including live cooking demonstrations, food tours, expert talks, hands-on workshops, cultural performances, film screenings, and more. One of the highlights was the free open-air market, showcasing over 70 food artisans serving up thousands of delicious Indonesian street food dishes.
Celebrating Indonesia’s Gastronomic Landscape
The 2025 festival promises an immersive experience, featuring a dynamic mix of free and ticketed events. At the heart of it all is the beloved Food Market, where visitors can sample a dazzling array of dishes from across the archipelago and beyond, ranging from plant-based snacks to caffeine kicks — many of which are rarely seen outside their local regions.
Festival-goers can also expect a curated lineup of special events, intimate masterclasses led by top chefs, and live demos at the bustling Teater Kuliner stage. For those curious about the stories behind the food, the Food for Thought forum offers a space for critical conversations around sustainability, innovation, and the future of Indonesian cuisine.
The festival’s commitment to community and culture will be on full display as local changemakers, farmers, and environmental advocates come together to spotlight important issues shaping the food world today.
Paying Homage To The Culinary Heritage Through Art
Adding to the UFF’s cultural celebration, this year’s festival is collaborating with Balinese illustrator Gusde Sidhi to pay homage to Indonesia’s culinary legacy. Rich in symbolic detail, the illustration features a central female figure surrounded by iconic dishes, emphasizing the essential role of women in preserving culinary traditions.
“Much like a vintage poster, it tells a story — one of flavors and the enduring legacy of food as a cultural identity,” remarked Janet DeNeefe. “At its center 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 flavors. 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.”
“Food is something we enjoy every day — to bring joy, to ease our stress. For my work at Ubud Food Festival, food is not just presented as a dish, but framed within a theme and visually explored,” said Gusde Sidhi, illustrator of Ubud Food Festival 2025. “A Balinese woman figure emerges, alongside spices portrayed as male — a visualization that reflects how women’s roles are often overlooked. Yet the essence of our culinary heritage lies not only in the dish, but in the spices. The real legacy lives in these spices — knowledge passed down through generations, especially through the hands of mothers. It is through them that the richness of taste and tradition continues to thrive.”
A Decade of Flavorful Celebration
As the Ubud Food Festival celebrates its 10th edition, it remains a must-attend event for anyone passionate about food, culture, and community. With a focus on honoring the past while looking toward the future, this year’s festival is set to be a feast for the senses — and a heartfelt tribute to Indonesia’s culinary heritage.
Tune in to Ubud Food Festival’s Instagram and Website for further inquiries. See you there!
Curious of how art works can incorporate the relationship between a city’s history and the sea? Check out EnVi’s piece on Kei Imazu’s “The Sea is Barely Wrinkled” exhibition here!
