Winner of Exquisite Awards 2024 – Best Fine Dining:
Kubu at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
At Kubu, sustainability isn’t an afterthought; it’s woven into every aspect of the dining experience. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around a commitment to zero-waste practices and community sourcing, with ingredients harvested from within a 100-kilometre radius. The result? A menu that pays homage to Bali’s untamed landscapes and diverse ecosystems, where every element is used to its fullest potential, from root to leaf.
Leading the culinary charge is Executive Sous Chef Eka Sunarya, whose innovative approach is grounded in the traditions of his childhood in Buahan, a village nestled in the heart of Bali. Chef Eka’s respect for nature and the wisdom of Balinese cooking traditions guide his creative process, allowing him to craft dishes that are as surprising as they are rooted in the local environment. His approach isn’t about following rigid recipes; instead, he lets the ingredients dictate the direction, resulting in a menu that is both fluid and deeply connected to the land.
Kubu’s menu is a vibrant celebration of Bali’s biodiversity. Foraging expeditions frequently yield an array of wild herbs, exotic fruits and unique vegetables – ingredients often overlooked but brought to life in unexpected ways. Each dish tells a story, not just of the ingredient itself but of the broader ecosystem from which it comes, inviting diners on a journey through Bali’s culinary landscape.
But Kubu’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the plate. The restaurant’s zero-waste ethos means that every part of each ingredient is utilised with ingenuity. Leftover vegetable scraps become the base for rich broths, fruit peels transform into elegant garnishes and seafood shells are repurposed as unique serving vessels. Any organic material that isn’t used in the kitchen is composted on-site, returning to the earth as nourishment for Kubu’s thriving herb garden.
The beverage programme at Kubu is just as thoughtfully curated as the food. The selection includes wines, craft cocktails made with local spirits and foraged botanicals, and non-alcoholic options that spotlight Bali’s tropical fruits and herbs. Many of the beverages feature house-made ferments and infusions, adding another layer of sustainability to the dining experience.
Exquisite Taste Volume 45
Kubu
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Jalan Kedewatan, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia
T: (+62) 3614792777
E: reservations.mandapa@ritzcarlton.com
W: mandapareserve.com
IG: @kubuatmandapa
