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Head Chef · Updated October 2026
Balinese Spice Paste Cooking Class — Learn Base Genep at Tumang Bali
Base Genep is the complete Balinese spice paste behind almost every village dish. At Tumang Bali near Ubud you grind it by hand on a cobek — then cook a full menu from that same paste.
By Chef Wayan · 2026-08-31
A Balinese spice paste cooking class at Tumang Bali teaches Base Genep — the heart of village cooking. You toast and grind spices by hand, then use that paste across sate, lawar, pepes, and curries in a single half-day near Ubud. Shared class from IDR 444,950.
What goes into Base Genep
- Turmeric, galangal, ginger, and lemongrass
- Shallot, garlic, and chili
- Candlenut, coriander, and pepper
- Shrimp paste for traditional versions (optional for vegetarian/vegan)
- Salt and oil to bind the paste
Why learn it in a class (not only from a blog)
Texture and aroma are hard to learn from photos alone. In class you smell when the paste is ready and taste how it changes each dish. Deepen at home with how to make Base Genep and how to make bumbu Bali.
From paste to full feast
Spice paste is step one. The Tumang menu continues with lemongrass sate lilit, sambal matah, and dessert. Overview: Tumang Bali cooking class experience.
Book your spice-paste class in Ubud
Book now · Online booking · Beginners welcome via cooking class for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
What is Base Genep?
Base Genep (also called bumbu Bali) is the complete Balinese spice paste — turmeric, galangal, ginger, lemongrass, chili, shallot, garlic, and more — ground together as the flavour base for many dishes.
Do you grind spice paste by hand in class?
Yes. Tumang Bali guests use a traditional stone mortar (cobek) and pestle. No food-processor shortcut — you feel the texture change as oils release.
Can beginners learn Balinese spice paste?
Absolutely. Chefs guide every step. Beginners and kids 8+ enjoy pounding spices — it is noisy, aromatic, and memorable. See our beginners landing page for more.
Book Tumang Bali cooking class — from IDR 444,950
Market tour · 10+ dishes · free Ubud hotel pickup · max 8 guests · TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2026
Book cooking class UbudPair your cooking class
More to do in Ubud
After (or before) Tumang Bali, add an outdoor program the same day — ATV, jungle swing, rice-field cycling, or Ayung rafting.
- Bali ATV AdventureATVJungle trails, villages, and waterfall stops on a guided quad bike.View program →
- Swing Heaven BaliSwingJungle swings with valley views — a classic half-day photo stop near Ubud.View program →
- Aloha Ubud SwingSwingAnother top-rated swing park for couples and families near central Ubud.View program →
- Ubud Rice Field CyclingCyclingGentle bike ride through paddies and villages — easy morning or afternoon.View program →
- Ubud Quad Bike SafariATVJungle and waterfall ATV safari with easy GetYourGuide checkout.View program →
- Ayung River RaftingRaftingWhite-water rafting on the Ayung — pair it with a cooking class the same day.View program →