Explore Indonesia’s Unique Spices with Chef Raymond Siek

To say The Ritz-Carlton, BaliÂ’s Executive Chef Raymond Siek is passionate about food would be a serious understatement. From the quality and freshness of the ingredients to the elegant plating and service, Chef Raymond and his team ensure guests experience nothing but the best no matter when or where they dine in the resort.

To help ensure this outstanding freshness, Chef Raymond and his team have established a ChefÂ’s Garden in the resortÂ’s beautiful grounds specifically to grow Indonesian spices, herbs, vegetables and fruit, meaning his menus feature the freshest and seasonal local ingredients.

As General Manager Karim Tayach notes, "From the fragrant herbs to the myriad of spices used in traditional Indonesian cooking, the resortÂ’s team is working on growing them in our chefÂ’s garden. For the culinary team, this means super fresh ingredients. Meanwhile for our guests, it presents an engaging opportunity to explore Indonesian produce in our interactive Culinary Cave experience at Bejana."

Led by Chef Made the main part of the farm-to-table cooking class takes place at Culinary Cave at Bejana, the resortÂ’s signature Indonesian restaurant, an exciting gourmet learning center where guests can discover IndonesiaÂ’s rich culinary heritage and its treasure trove of herbs and spices in a fun and immersive hands-on experience.

 
The day starts with gathering ingredients, either with a guided visit to BaliÂ’s famed Kedongan fish market, where the chef will source the freshest produce while explaining the does and donÂ’ts of buying seafood along the way, or exploring the richness of Indonesian natural resources in the ChefÂ’s Garden.

Visits to the garden are always enjoyable and allow guests to see popular and unusual local produce, as well as absorb the multitude of enticing aromas, such as the zesty citrus tang of kaffir lime leaves that go perfectly with the red and birdÂ’s eye chilies, tomatoes and red shallots, all of which can be freshly picked to turn into a spicy Balinese sambal under the chefÂ’s guidance. As you explore, learn from your on-hand talented chef how the Indonesians use produce like the pungent lemon basil leaves and the myriad ways Indonesians use turmeric and other plants in its family. Children will also have the opportunity to visit the ChefÂ’s garden as part of Ritz Kids daily activities as scheduled and learn about the traditional herbs and spices.

After harvesting in the garden or returning from the market, itÂ’s back to the Culinary Cave with Chef Made to learn and create traditional Indonesian dishes, uncovering culinary secrets as you go. The experience culminates in a celebratory lunch where the group sits together to sample the dishes they have created.

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About The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.
Offering an elegant tropical ambience, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is a luxurious resort benefitting from a stunning clifftop and beachside setting. With tranquil views over the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and 313 spacious and sumptuously appointed suites and villas, resort guests can indulge in an idyllic romantic, family or business interlude. Along the foreshore are The Ritz-Carlton Club®, six stylish dining venues, an indulgent and exotic marine-inspired Spa, a glamorous beachfront chapel, fun and recreational activities at Ritz Kids and extensive meeting and celebratory event venues for a stay that makes memories that last a lifetime.