Ubud Food Festival 2025 - A Food Lover's Delight

The Ubud Food Festival (UFF) is one of Southeast Asia’s premier culinary events, held annually in the cultural hub of Ubud, Bali. Combining world-class gastronomy, cultural heritage, and sustainability, the festival showcases Indonesia's rich culinary traditions while creating a platform for global culinary exchange.

In 2025, the Ubud Food Festival will take place from May 30 to June 1, bringing together chefs, food enthusiasts, farmers, and industry professionals for three days of indulgence, learning, and inspiration. Set amidst Ubud’s lush landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for food lovers and travelers alike.

Dates and Venue for Ubud Food Festival 2025

Dates: Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1, 2025
Location: Multiple venues across Ubud, Bali, including the scenic Taman Kuliner, on Raya Sanggingan Road. and other cultural landmarks in the area.

What are the opening times?

• Friday, 30 June: 9:00 – 23:00
• Saturday, 1 June: 9:00 – 23:00
• Sunday, 2 June: 9:00 – 23:00

Ubud, often referred to as Bali’s cultural capital, provides the perfect setting for this culinary celebration. Its lush greenery, artistic heritage, and laid-back atmosphere enhance the festival’s appeal.

What is the Ubud Food Festival?

Founded in 2015, the Ubud Food Festival is a celebration of Indonesia’s culinary heritage and its growing influence on the global stage. The festival goes beyond being a food fair by featuring:

• Cooking Demonstrations
• Workshops and Masterclasses
• Food Tours
• Panel Discussions
• Film Screenings
• Live Music Performances

The festival’s tagline, “Spice Up the World,” reflects its mission to highlight Indonesia’s diverse flavors while fostering dialogue on food sustainability, innovation, and culture.

Ticket Price & Details 

You’ll have to purchase the Food Lover's Pass to gain access to the cooking demos and culinary competitions. There are 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes available. Apart from this pass, additional tickets are available for special events, masterclasses, and the Kitchen Stage. They can be purchased separately. The ticket prices vary depending on the event.

The pass for the special opening night party is priced at IDR 500,000. The passes for the various other events and workshops start at IDR 250,000.

Apart from ticketed events, there are many free events, such as live music and night markets.

The events of the Ubud Food Festival start at around 9:30 AM and go on till 9 at night. Live music and night markets can stretch on for several hours afterward.

What to Expect at the Ubud Food Festival

Ubud Food Festival 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and innovation, bringing together chefs, farmers, food writers, and entrepreneurs from Indonesia and beyond. From interactive cooking sessions to culinary competitions and exclusive dining experiences, the festival offers something for every food enthusiast.

1. Engaging Culinary Events

• Cooking Demonstrations – Watch renowned chefs live in action at the Kitchen Stage, where they share their expertise and secret recipes.
• Masterclasses – Designed for aspiring professionals, these sessions offer hands-on training from industry experts.
• Food Tours – Explore Ubud’s rich culinary landscape with guided tours showcasing local flavors and artisanal produce.

2. Thrilling Culinary Competitions

A major highlight of the festival is its exciting food challenges, featuring:

• Sambal Smackdown – A fiery showdown celebrating Indonesia’s beloved chili-based condiment.
• Battle of the Babi – A competition centered around Bali’s signature pork dishes.
• Salted Egg Showdown – A creative contest where chefs innovate with the versatile salted egg.

3. World-Class Dining Experiences

For those who love fine dining, the festival offers:

• Exclusive Chef Collaborations – Experience multi-course meals curated by top chefs.
• Themed Dinners & Wine Pairing – Indulge in menus designed around seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.

4. A Deep Dive into Indonesian Food Heritage

Explore Indonesia’s rich culinary traditions, featuring classic dishes like nasi goreng, rendang, and sambal. The festival showcases regional specialties and the stories behind them, offering an authentic taste of the country’s food heritage.

5. Spotlight on Innovative Food Trends

Stay ahead of the curve with sessions focused on:

• Plant-Based Dining – Discover the rise of sustainable and vegan-friendly cuisine.
• Fermentation Techniques – Learn the art of preserving flavors through age-old fermentation methods.
• Zero-Waste Cooking – Get insights into sustainable cooking practices that minimize food waste.

6. Family-Friendly Activities & Side Events

The festival caters to all age groups with:

• Kids' Workshops & Family Zones – Engaging activities designed for young food lovers.
• Organic Markets – Featuring the island’s best local producers and fresh organic products.
• Film Screenings, Yoga & Food Photography Workshops – Exciting side events that complement the food-centric festivities.

Highlights of Ubud Food Festival 2025

Opening Night Party - The Highlight of the Festival 

The special opening night party is another highlight of the Ubud Food Festival. The event includes whole live entertainment, food and cocktails. There are samples from the finest eateries in the city. It is also the perfect chance to meet the participating chefs and restaurateurs in person before the three-day festival kicks off.

Cooking Demonstrations by Renowned Chefs

The festival will host live cooking demonstrations by some of Indonesia’s finest chefs alongside international culinary icons. These sessions showcase innovative techniques, traditional recipes, and modern twists on Indonesian classics.

Masterclasses and Workshops

Interactive workshops allow attendees to delve deeper into the culinary arts. Learn to create Balinese delicacies like babi guling (suckling pig), or explore international techniques, from pastry-making to sustainable food practices.

Food Tours and Tastings

Embark on curated food tours across Ubud, exploring local markets, organic farms, and hidden culinary gems. Visitors can also indulge in food tastings featuring everything from street food to gourmet dishes.

Panel Discussions and Talks

Experts from across the food industry discuss topics such as:

• The future of food sustainability
• The role of women in gastronomy
• Preserving Indonesia’s culinary heritage in a globalized world

These thought-provoking sessions offer unique insights into the global and local food ecosystems.

Film Screenings and Cultural Performances

Enjoy film screenings that explore food-related themes, followed by cultural performances that celebrate Bali’s artistic traditions. The festival’s vibrant cultural activities ensure a holistic experience.

Food Markets and Pop-Ups

Browse through bustling food markets featuring local vendors, artisanal products, and pop-up restaurants. This is a great opportunity to try everything from Balinese snacks to contemporary fusion dishes.

Live Music and Entertainment

Evenings at the festival come alive with live music performances from local and international artists, creating a perfect ambiance to unwind after a day of culinary exploration.

History of the Ubud Food Festival

Bali’s foremost food festival was founded in 2015 by the not-for-profit organisation, Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati. Their aim was to promote the Indonesian culture while creating new pathways to support creative talent. The interesting culinary festival usually has an underlying theme that inspires all of its events. The theme of the 2019 edition of the Ubud Food Festival was ‘Spice Up the World’. The 2018 Edition successfully pulled off the theme: Generasi Inovasi - Celebrating the New Generation.

Sustainability at Ubud Food Festival

The UFF is committed to promoting sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact. Key initiatives include:

• Reducing single-use plastics.
• Encouraging the use of local, organic produce.
• Highlighting eco-conscious brands and practices.

Accommodation Options in Ubud

• Luxury Resorts: Stay at iconic resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Bali or COMO Uma Ubud for a luxurious experience.
• Boutique Hotels: Explore boutique accommodations like Bisma Eight or The Purist Villas for a blend of comfort and authenticity.
• Budget Stays: Budget travelers can opt for homestays and guesthouses such as Tegal Sari Accommodations, which offer affordable yet comfortable options.

By attending the festival, visitors actively support these sustainable efforts, contributing to a greener future.

You can expect to find a wide range of activities to participate in. The Ubud Food Festival is the perfect opportunity to truly discover the wealth and diversity of Indonesian cuisine. This culinary event is sure to make you add a bunch of Indonesian dishes to your list of favourites. It is a must-visit for food lovers all over the world. Apart from all the interesting culinary events, you can expect to find organic markets, film screening, yoga sessions, live music and much more.