Bali is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples and vibrant culture, but one of the most rewarding ways to experience the island is through its food. At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, just outside Ubud, the Sokasi Cooking School invites visitors to discover the ingredients, techniques and culinary traditions that have shaped Balinese cooking for generations.
Located along the banks of the Ayung River, Sokasi offers an intimate setting where guests can learn to prepare authentic Balinese dishes under the guidance of experienced local chefs. Combining traditional recipes, fresh regional ingredients and an extraordinary riverside location, the experience provides a deeper connection to the island’s culinary heritage.
Originally opened in 2018, Sokasi has become an established part of the resort’s cultural experiences, offering cooking classes, plant-based culinary workshops and exclusive Chef’s Table dinners.
A Bamboo Cooking School Surrounded by Nature
One of Sokasi’s most distinctive features is its architecture. Designed by Elora Hardy of IBUKU, the open-air cooking pavilion is constructed from bamboo and blends naturally into the surrounding tropical landscape.
The gracefully curved structure sits beside the Ayung River, surrounded by gardens, towering trees and the lush vegetation of the Sayan Valley.
The name Sokasi comes from a traditional Balinese woven bamboo container used to hold steamed rice, reflecting the school’s connection to local traditions and everyday life.
Rather than learning in a conventional indoor kitchen, participants prepare their dishes in an open-air environment where the sounds of flowing water and the surrounding rainforest become part of the experience.
The setting makes Sokasi particularly appealing to travelers looking for activities that go beyond Bali’s familiar sightseeing attractions.
Discovering Traditional Balinese Cooking
A typical Sokasi cooking experience begins with a guided visit to a local market, where participants explore the fresh produce, herbs, spices and other ingredients essential to Balinese cuisine.
Accompanied by a chef, guests learn how ingredients are selected and how they contribute to the island’s distinctive culinary traditions.
Back at the resort, the experience continues with an introduction to the herbs and vegetables grown in the property’s gardens.
Participants then join a hands-on cooking class focused on six traditional Balinese dishes, learning preparation methods and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Among the most important elements of Balinese cooking is base genep, a complex spice paste that forms the foundation of many local recipes. Made with a combination of aromatic ingredients, it gives traditional dishes their distinctive layers of flavor.
The cooking experience concludes with lunch, allowing participants to enjoy the dishes they have prepared in Sokasi’s beautiful riverside setting.
Learning from Chef Suta
An important part of Sokasi’s culinary identity is its connection to Head Chef Wayan Sutariawan, affectionately known as Chef Suta.
Born and raised in Bali’s Klungkung Regency, Chef Suta developed his passion for traditional cooking at a young age. His early responsibilities included grinding fresh spices and preparing the aromatic pastes used in family recipes.
Today, he draws on those childhood experiences and years of professional culinary training to introduce visitors to the traditions of Balinese cuisine.
His approach goes beyond preparing familiar Indonesian dishes. He is particularly interested in preserving recipes that are increasingly difficult to find outside local homes and ceremonial gatherings.
Through Sokasi’s culinary programs, guests gain insight into the significance of food in Balinese family life, religious ceremonies and cultural celebrations.
Plant-Based Cooking Inspired by Ubud
For travelers interested in wellness and plant-based cuisine, Sokasi also offers an alternative cooking experience called My Body is a Temple.
Developed in collaboration with the resort’s Sacred River Spa team, the program focuses on nutritious dishes inspired by Bali’s traditional ingredients and Ubud’s longstanding association with wellness.
Participants explore fresh produce from the resort’s gardens and learn about regional preparations such as jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink.
The experience provides an introduction to the relationship between food, natural ingredients and wellness practices in Balinese culture.
Vegetarian and vegan options are also available through the resort’s culinary programs, making Sokasi accessible to travelers with different dietary preferences.
An Intimate Balinese Chef’s Table Dinner
When evening arrives, Sokasi transforms from a cooking school into an intimate dining venue.
The exclusive Chef’s Table dinner features a seven-course menu inspired by traditional Balinese cuisine, including dishes associated with important family ceremonies and celebrations.
Among the specialties are babi guling, Bali’s famous spit-roasted suckling pig, and bebek betutu, a whole duck traditionally prepared with spices and slowly roasted.
The menu also highlights lesser-known regional recipes, introducing diners to cooking methods and ingredients that are an important part of Bali’s culinary heritage.
Guests sit close to the open kitchen, watching the chefs prepare each course while learning about the dishes and their cultural significance.
The Chef’s Table is offered by private reservation, typically on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, subject to availability.
For food enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to experience Balinese cooking in a more personal and immersive setting than a conventional restaurant.
More Culinary Experiences at Four Seasons Sayan
Beyond its traditional classes, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has expanded its culinary offerings with experiences that combine cooking, gardening and mixology.
The resort’s A Taste of Sayan: From Earth to Table experience brings together a hands-on Balinese cooking class and a mixology masterclass.
Following the cooking session and lunch, participants gather ingredients from the resort’s gardens and learn how local botanicals can be incorporated into creative cocktails.
The experience highlights the connection between Bali’s agricultural traditions and contemporary food and beverage culture.
Families traveling with younger children can also explore the resort’s Junior Chefs activities through the Pici Pici Kids’ Club, which introduces children to cooking through fun, age-appropriate recipes.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
For travelers planning a culinary getaway to Ubud, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan provides a luxurious base for exploring the region.
Set among rice terraces and tropical forest overlooking the Ayung River, the resort features spacious suites and private pool villas designed to complement the surrounding landscape.
Dining experiences extend beyond Sokasi to include Ayung Terrace, which showcases Indonesian cuisine, and Riverside, an open-air restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Guests can also explore the resort’s wellness programs, spa treatments, yoga experiences and cultural activities that introduce visitors to Balinese traditions.
Its location near Ubud provides access to the area’s temples, art galleries, traditional markets and surrounding countryside.
Explore accommodations: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan on Booking.com
Planning a Visit to Sokasi Cooking School
Sokasi Cooking School is located within Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan in Ubud, Indonesia.
The traditional Balinese cooking program includes a market visit, hands-on preparation of six dishes and a lunch featuring the completed recipes.
The resort recommends making reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Experiences may be unavailable during certain holidays or Hindu ceremonies, so it is advisable to confirm schedules when planning a visit.
Private culinary experiences and the Chef’s Table dinner require advance arrangements.
For travelers interested in discovering Bali through its food, Sokasi offers something particularly memorable: an opportunity to learn traditional techniques, understand the significance of local ingredients and enjoy the results in one of Ubud’s most beautiful natural settings.
For more information and reservations: Sokasi Cooking School at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Frequently Asked Questions About Sokasi Cooking School
Where is Sokasi Cooking School located?
Sokasi is located at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, near Ubud, Indonesia. The bamboo cooking pavilion sits beside the Ayung River within the resort’s tropical gardens.
What can you learn at Sokasi Cooking School?
Participants learn to prepare traditional Balinese dishes using local ingredients, herbs and spices. The experience introduces culinary techniques, traditional spice pastes and recipes connected to Bali’s cultural heritage.
Does Sokasi offer vegetarian or vegan cooking classes?
Yes. Sokasi offers plant-based culinary experiences, including its My Body is a Temple program, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
Can children participate in cooking activities?
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan offers Junior Chefs activities through its Pici Pici Kids’ Club. Families should confirm the current schedule and eligibility when booking.
Do you need to stay at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan to attend a cooking class?
Sokasi has historically welcomed outside visitors. Travelers not staying at the resort should contact the concierge to confirm current access, reservations and availability.
How far in advance should you book?
The resort recommends reserving the cooking school experience at least 24 hours in advance. Earlier booking is advisable for private experiences and Chef’s Table dinners.
