Ubud Food Festival 2026 Highlights Role of Farmers and Fishermen in Culinary Sustainability

The Ubud Food Festival is set to return to the Ubud Culinary Park, Gianyar, Bali, from 28–31 May 2026. As one of Southeast Asia’s most influential culinary festivals, it serves as a platform for discussions on flavour, sustainability, and cultural identity.

Founder and Director of the Ubud Food Festival, Janet DeNeefe, revealed that the 2026 edition will carry the theme ‘Farmers: Guardians of Land and Sea’. This theme highlights the vital role of farmers, fishermen, and food producers in ensuring the sustainability of Indonesian cuisine.

“Through this year’s theme, we are placing farmers at the centre of the narrative,” said Janet DeNeress in a written statement. “They are not merely suppliers. They are the guardians of biodiversity, the bearers of knowledge, and the caretakers of culture. Every dish begins with their labour and their care for the land and sea.”

Visitors to the Ubud Food Festival 2026 can enjoy cooking demonstrations, dozens of selected vendors in a free Food Market, and dining experiences across various scenic locations in Ubud. The festival programme also includes culinary discussions, interactive masterclasses, and culinary tours featuring a variety of Indonesian and international dishes.

This year’s event will feature a lineup of culinary talents from both domestic and international backgrounds. Among the international chefs participating is Chef Prin Polsuk from Thailand, known for his research into traditional Thai recipes and his award-winning restaurant, Samrub Samrub Thai.

Also attending are Chef Ben Devlin from Australia, the Executive Chef and owner of Pipit, known for his approach to coastal seafood and wood-fire cooking techniques; Kate Reid, the founder of Melbourne’s Lune Croissanterie, renowned for her world-class pastry innovations; and Chef Frank Camorra from Spain, owner of the iconic MoVida restaurant in Melbourne, who will bring the influence of modern Spanish tapas.

Adding to the international mix is Australian mixologist Darren Leane from Caretaker’s Cottage. Representing Indonesia is Chef Jovan Koraag of Jakarta’s Mata Karanjang restaurant, who will present the spice-rich and spicy flavours of Manado cuisine. The festival will also feature Balinese cacao farmer Agung Widyastuti, who will highlight the importance of food security, sustainability, and intergenerational knowledge through her dedication to Balinese cacao.

“We are bringing together chefs, farmers, producers, and thinkers to create more than just a festival. This is a celebration of the entire food ecosystem,” said Janet DeNeefe. “With the theme ‘Farmers: Guardians of the Land and Sea’, we also remember our shared responsibility to protect our food ingredients, traditions, and the future of culinary arts, both in Indonesia and globally.”