The True Taste of Bali Begins in Tabanan
If you want to taste Bali’s authentic countryside, there’s no better place than northern Tabanan.
This fertile region — home to Bedugul, Danau Beratan, Jatiluwih, and Pupuan — is where Bali’s farm-to-table culture thrives.
Here, farmers grow fresh produce on volcanic soil, chefs serve meals made from nearby farms, and communities embrace sustainability as a way of life. From organic farming tours to lake-view cafés serving garden-fresh meals, Tabanan offers a delicious glimpse of what it means to eat local, eat clean, and eat consciously.
Why North Tabanan Is Bali’s Sustainable Food Heart
Northern Tabanan’s highlands have a perfect climate for farming — cooler air, rich soil, and plenty of water.
The Baturiti District, where Bedugul and Danau Beratan sit, produces vegetables, fruits, and herbs that supply much of Bali’s restaurants.
The subak irrigation system, a UNESCO-recognized traditional water management method, still sustains terraced fields in Jatiluwih and Pupuan. This connection between people, land, and culture creates an ideal setting for Bali’s growing farm-to-table movement.
Explore Organic Farms You Can Visit
You don’t just eat fresh in Tabanan — you can see where it all begins.
Several organic farms welcome visitors with tours, cooking classes, and even stays on the property.
Kubu Terrace Jatiluwih – Organic Farm & Cooking Experience
- Location: Jatiluwih Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, Bali.
- Activities: Explore the UNESCO-recognized rice terraces, visit Kubu Terrace’s organic farm, harvest ingredients, and take part in their hands-on cooking class.
- Why visit: This elegant yet down-to-earth experience lets you cook traditional Balinese dishes with vegetables you’ve just picked. Surrounded by panoramic rice terraces, it’s an authentic “farm-to-table” experience in the truest sense.
- Best for: Culinary travelers, couples, and luxury eco-tourists seeking immersive sustainability experiences.
The Organic Farm & Café Bali
- Location: Jalan Munduk Lumbang Angseri, Senganan, Tabanan.
- Activities: Garden tours, organic farming workshops, and farm-fresh meals at their café.
- Why visit: Everything served here is grown onsite or sourced from nearby farmers.
Temuku Pupuan Organic Farm
- Location: Jl. Bangsing, Batungsel, Pupuan.
- Activities: Learn about sustainable agriculture, shop for fresh produce, or stay overnight in their farm lodges.
- Why visit: High in the mountains, it’s a true escape into nature and organic living.
Iconic Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences
After exploring farms, reward yourself with a meal where every ingredient tells a story.
Breeze Terrace — Handara Golf & Resort
- Location: Pancasari, Bedugul.
- Experience: Refined open-air terrace with sweeping highland views.
- Highlights: Indonesian & international plates built around Bedugul vegetables and cool-climate produce.
- Why visit: Polished service and a classy setting in the heart of Bali’s farm belt.
Strawberry Hill Hotel Restaurant
- Location: Jl. Raya Bedugul, near Lake Beratan.
- Experience: Eat fresh strawberries picked from their own gardens.
- Highlights: Homemade strawberry jam, pancakes, and herbal teas.
- Why visit: Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, nature-filled dining stop in Bali’s farm belt.
Nadi Farm Café
- Location: Jatiluwih, Baturiti District.
- Experience: A tranquil café surrounded by rice terraces and mountain views.
- Highlights: Fresh salads, smoothies, and traditional Balinese dishes made from local produce.
- Why visit: It’s the perfect example of dining at the source — literally next to the fields.
Local Produce Grown in North Tabanan
Tabanan’s farmers grow an impressive range of organic produce:
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Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale, and cabbage.
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Highland fruits — strawberries, citrus, and avocados.
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Spices and herbs — ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, and basil.
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Root vegetables — carrots, potatoes, and cassava.
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Coffee and cacao — in Pupuan’s upland regions.
These ingredients travel just a few kilometers from farm to kitchen, reducing food miles and preserving freshness.
Hands-On Activities for Visitors
Want to do more than eat? Here are real, hands-on experiences available in Tabanan’s north side:
| Activity |
Where to Do It |
Description |
| Farm Tour |
The Organic Farm Bali, Kadek Organic Farm |
Walk through organic fields, learn about planting cycles, and taste fresh veggies. |
| Cooking Class |
The Organic Farm Café, Nadi Farm Café |
Learn how to prepare Balinese dishes using farm ingredients. |
| Farm Stay |
Temuku Pupuan Organic Farm |
Spend a night surrounded by fields and try harvesting in the morning. |
| Strawberry Picking |
Bedugul Strawberry Hill |
Pick and taste fresh strawberries grown in the cool highlands. |
| Local Market Visit |
Candikuning Traditional Market |
Explore fresh produce, herbs, and local snacks grown around Danau Beratan. |
Conclusion
The farm-to-table culture in Tabanan isn’t just about food, it’s a movement that connects people, nature, and community.
From the cool lakes of Bedugul to the terraced fields of Jatiluwih, and the mountain farms of Pupuan, every meal tells a story of care and respect for the land.
So on your next trip to Bali, go beyond the beaches. Head north. Eat fresh. Support the farmers. And discover how sustainability truly tastes in the heart of Tabanan.
