HOSHINOYA Bali celebrates and preserves the traditional Balinese lifestyle and ancient culinary wisdom through its Bali Harmony 8-Course Set Menu Dinner. This innovative dining experience, launched in March 2024, is deeply influenced by the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasizes harmony among God, Nature, and People. Each dish thoughtfully interprets this philosophy, blending authentic flavors with the essence of local celebrations and Bali’s rich culinary heritage. The Bali Harmony Set Course Dinner is a tribute to preserving Balinese traditions and ancient wisdom, reflecting the resort’s dedication to maintaining the traditional Balinese way of life and offering guests an immersive experience in the ageless and beautiful culture and nature of Bali.
Bali Island, the home of HOSHINOYA Bali, is renowned for its bold ancient culture and traditions, preserved through the ancient wisdom of Tri Hita Karana, meaning “three causes of well-being.” The Balinese maintain a balance of nature appreciation, human connections, and gratitude to the divine with many rituals and traditions. Rooted in this local tradition, HOSHINOYA Bali takes guests on a cultural journey through its culinary offerings. The Bali Harmony Set Course Dinner not only showcases the resort’s culinary prowess but also deepens guests’ connections to Balinese culture. This carefully curated dining experience underscores the resort’s commitment to providing a uniquely personalized and culturally immersive experience that elevates every aspect of a guest’s stay.
Each of the eight courses in the Bali Harmony Set Course Dinner serves Balinese tradition on the plate, offering interpretations of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy. From the ‘Ceremony’ Amuse Bouche to the ‘Puja’ vegetable dish, the menu features authentic flavors inspired by Bali’s culinary heritage and Balinese tradition, incorporating heirloom ingredients and seasonal produce. This culinary journey allows guests to savor exquisite flavors while deepening their connection to Balinese culture, enhancing their stay at HOSHINOYA Bali with a bespoke touch.
Maintaining connections with the Divine and ancestors is paramount in Balinese life. Locals uphold a harmonious relationship with the spiritual realm through religious practices and rituals, contributing to Bali’s rich cultural beauty. The chef at HOSHINOYA Bali curates the menus to bring these prominent traditions to the plate, offering a dining experience that is both culturally enriching and deeply rooted in Balinese heritage.
The dining experience at HOSHINOYA Bali begins with the Amuse Bouche, symbolizing the significant ceremonies of Galungan and Kuningan. Celebrated twice a year, these ceremonies mark the victory over evil and welcome the gods and ancestors to the earth. The menu includes five small bites typically found during Balinese ceremonies: Lawar Tortellini, Skewered Lamb, Salmon Tartar, Betutu Cannelloni, and Crispy Lak-Lak.
Following this, guests are served the Soup, which represents the Melukat purification ritual. This ritual is intended to release bad spirits, allowing individuals to start anew. The soup, made of Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho with scallop confit and prawn, offers a refreshing taste akin to the fresh start experienced after the purification ritual.
Another course in the Bali Harmony Set Course Dinner is Gado-Gado, representing Canang Sari (flower offerings to the Divine). This beautifully presented dish, made from locally mixed vegetables, reflects the Balinese practice of making flower offerings three times a day to honor their connection with the divine.
Balinese Hindus also observe the monthly ritual of Tilem (New Moon), which involves various spiritual activities and purification rituals. In this set course, Tilem is symbolized in the dessert, featuring local Balinese Chocolate with diverse tastes, textures, and appearances to cleanse the palate.
The second principle of Balinese philosophy, Harmony with Nature, emphasizes living in harmony with the environment through sustainable practices and a deep respect for all living beings. This principle is visualized in two dishes within the Bali Harmony Set Course.
The first dish is Roasted Fish, featuring Seared Seabass, which represents Bali’s daily ocean catch, harvested in the morning against the backdrop of the island’s beautiful mountains. This dish reflects Bali’s fertile and green landscape, enriched by volcanic mountains, and the surrounding sea that sustains Balinese life.
The second dish, Beef Steak, symbolizes Mother Earth’s continuous provision for all creatures on the island. The meat, prepared using a traditional hearth-baked cooking technique and wrapped in banana leaf and coarse salt, is presented as Roasted Beef Andaliman with red onions, pumpkin, potato, and paprika, served with brown stock and green herbal sauce.
The third principle of Balinese philosophy, Harmony among People, emphasizes maintaining social cohesion, mutual respect, and collective well-being within family, community, and society. HOSHINOYA Bali embodies this philosophy through the practice of Subak, the ancient irrigation system that ensures fairness and cooperation among local farmers, maintaining harmony within the community.
The Risotto dish illustrates the traditional Balinese practice of integrating rice cultivation with duck farming. This technique involves allowing ducks to inhabit the rice fields after harvest, which helps fertilize the soil for the next planting season and eliminates pests. This iconic scene from Ubud is represented by Duck Risotto with black spice, grated coconut, and a trio of Red, Black, and White steamed rice.
The chef also captures the artistic spirit of the Balinese in the Avant Dessert Refreshment. This dessert symbolizes the artistic expressions that emerge after a day spent working in rice fields and oceans, reflecting traditional music, dance, paintings, and carvings prevalent in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart. The dessert combines local fruit sorbet with Loloh Cem Cem, a traditional herbal drink or Jamu, offering a refreshing recovery experience inspired by Bali’s arts.
Overview of HOSHINOYA Bali
- Address: Br. Pengembungan, Desa Pejeng Kangin, Kecamatan, Tampaksiring, Gianyar 80552 Bali, Indonesia
- Number of Villas: 30
- Check-in: 3:00 pm / Check-out: 12:00 pm
- Price: Rp 9,800,000 per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
- Directions: Approximately 90 minutes by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport