The Art of Braai Meets Ubud

The Art of Braai Meets Ubud

Damian Pentelow

Padma Resort Ubud welcomes Damian Pentelow as its new executive chef.

Padma Resort Ubud proudly welcomes its new Executive Chef, Damian Pentelow, whose culinary expertise and unique vision are set to elevate the resort’s celebrated dining experience. Drawing from his South African roots, Chef Pentelow’s passion for cooking began with the comforting atmosphere of his grandmothers’ kitchens and the traditions of Braai, which is the art of grilling and smoking food over open flames. This early immersion in bold, fire-infused flavours became the foundation of his culinary philosophy, a style rooted in authenticity and simplicity.

Chef Pentelow’s career began in South Africa’s fine dining scene, where he honed his craft before embarking on a transformative journey aboard a luxury cruise liner. His passion and talent led him to a prominent role as head chef at a vibrant tapas bar in South Africa, which ultimately opened doors to an exciting eight-year tenure with Club Med across Southeast Asia. As evidence of his commitment and talent, he was recognised in 2018 as the youngest Executive Chef in Club Med’s APAC region.

At Padma Resort Ubud, Chef Pentelow aspires to create an elevated yet relaxed dining experience that reflects the harmony of Ubud’s lush landscapes. His globally inspired approach celebrates vibrant flavours while honouring the simplicity of high-quality ingredients. His belief in the importance of continuous learning is evident in his collaborative leadership style. “I gain insights from books and, importantly, from my team. The kitchen is a place of endless knowledge,” he shares.

Chef Pentelow’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for Padma Resort Ubud, as he looks forward to contributing to the resort’s legacy of exceptional dining while embracing Bali’s dynamic and evolving culinary scene. With a passion for innovation and authenticity, he envisions a bright future for fine dining on the island, where talented chefs and fresh ideas converge to create memorable gastronomic experiences.


Padma Resort Ubud

Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu, Payangan, Ubud

Bali 80572, Indonesia

T: (+62) 3613011111

E: dining.ubud@padmahotels.com

W: padmaresortubud.com

IG: @padmaubud