All reviews
Review Author: Putri
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: I signed up for the non-vegan menu with absolutely zero cooking expertise. My usual specialty is eating the food, not making it. So I was genuinely shocked when, by the end of the class, I had successfully cooked five different dishes without setting anything on fire. 😆
Chef Michael and Flori make the whole experience very easy to follow, especially for a beginners like me. Every ingredient is prepared in advance, and they guide me through each step with clear instructions.
What made the experience even more meaningful was hearing the stories behind the food. They shared their passion for preserving traditional Manggarai cuisine and explained why it’s important to keep these recipes alive for future generations. They also talked about how they work closely with local communities and source ingredients locally whenever possible, supporting local livelihoods while reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from elsewhere. It was inspiring to see that this experience is about much more than cooking—it’s also about culture and community.
One of the most thoughtful touches was that they send me home with a grocery list and recipe guide, so I can actually recreate the dishes when I back home instead of leaving with just photos and good memories.
Very recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Izzaldin Soerono
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: During my 4th visit to Labuan Bajo, I was very pleased to finally find a restaurant that specialized in the local Manggarai cuisine. The place had a nice atmosphere - a semi-outdoor building amidst a garden which allowed the air to be cooled by the breeze. The service was attentive and warm; I felt welcomed at the restaurant. The food was delicious. Not only did the dish I ordered showcase local ingredients and cooking style, but the flavors of each element was tasty and worked well together too. I had a chat with the owner and was inspired by his mission to research the local cuisine and showcase them in a sustainable manner. Overall, I highly recommend this place!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Winna
Review Date: 25 jun 2026
Review Body: I had my first dinner in Labuan Bajo at The Kitchen Garden and everything about it was spectacular. The space is very beautiful, the variety of food was amazing and the taste was just delicious (the pumpkin dessert wrapped in banana leaf was my absolute favourite, I will return just to have a taste of that dessert again!) I learnt more about Manggarai cuisine from Chef Michael who is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about preserving the authenticity of the cuisine. Would highly recommend taking a class with him or just enjoying his food at the restaurant if you're in Labuan Bajo.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Haris Manggala
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: If you’re looking for tasty local dishes in Labuan Bajo, The Kitchen Garden is a great choice. The food is made from local ingredients and tastes really good. The portions are big, so you won’t leave hungry.
The restaurant has a beautiful semi-outdoor garden setting with soft lights and comfortable furniture. The background music is nice and relaxing. The staff are friendly and helpful.  
I highly recommend this place if you want to enjoy authentic local food in a peaceful and cozy environment.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Chiara F
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: Little paradise. The location is beautiful and so peaceful. They created a really amazing atmosphere. The food is absolutely incredible! We never eat so good in our life. All the ingredients are from their garden, local organic!
The portions are big and good value for the price you pay.
The menu is very creative and so different from other places.
The staff is super friendly.
We tried everything on the menu 🙂 and everything was delicious!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Loes from NL
Review Date: 25 jul 2026
Review Body: This was the first time we've booked an activity with Seek Sophie and that's how we found The kitchen garden Bajo. Michael is a great chef and knows a lot about the different types of food of a lot of areas! We've done the vegan course and it's great to learn how to use only plant based products. We would definitely recommend everyone doing this! (It you're experienced with cooking or not) Thanks Michael and the team!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Lance Li
Review Date: 05 jun 2026
Review Body: Food is very authentic and local. The owner is also very source conscious in terms of where he procures his meat. The restaurant grows its own vegetable and the owner is very knowledgeable about the cuisine history and different type of vegetable and plants grown around the area. He will also patiently explain the whole food process to guests who are interested in learning about Labuan Bajo’s cuisine and culture.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Vandana Pai
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: We had an amazing experience at The Kitchen Garden. All the ingredients are locally sourced and a lot of thought is given to every single element from health, environment and taste perspective. The food was delicious. We are vegans and loved every single dish prepared. Would highly recommend this place to any one who is keen to try local taste and a diverse bunch of ingredients.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: JT Klepp
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: If you want to experience local food prepared by a master chef, this is where you need to go. Chef Michael is simply awesome. The food is absolutely beautiful, with the presentation of a Michelin star restaurant. The tofu starter is insane! Tip: avoid the beef as the local cows are not all that great. Stick with chicken and veggies. This place is a must!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Ela Huda
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: The food was amazing! The plates are very well balanced and extremly clean cooked. We had the chance to meet the owner (who speaks perfect English) and he showed us where and how he cooks the food and the herbs/spices he is using (which are grown in his own garden). I highly recommend this place!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Dunger Susann
Review Date: 23 jun 2026
Review Body: I had dinner at this restaurant last night and it was outstanding! I am a vegetarian and they served one of the best vegetarian/vegan food I ever had. The food was delicious, perfectly spiced, and nicely served. The food came pretty quickly and the atmosphere was great. I’ll come back tonight!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Christoph Rodenstock
Review Date: 05 jun 2026
Review Body: Incredible delicious food. We had many different dishes. All were made fresh and tasty. Especially the Manuk Dojang, the Hang Kabo Quing, and the LODEH TAHU TEMPE LOMBOK i can highly recommend. But also all other dishes were awesome. We will certainly come back. Best food I had in Indonesia!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Charlotte Dijks
Review Date: 26 jul 2026
Review Body: The class was really fun and we learned a lot! The food is amazing, the chef will explain everything step by step. We made 5 different local dishes and learned more about the culture and products of the island. It was really interesting and now we get to make this amazing food at home!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Kerrie elliott
Review Date: 07 okt 2026
Review Body: I had a personal class and got to make a variety of delicious local dishes, while learning about Flores history. Passionate, funny interesting hosts that make the day super special. Michael, Linda and Ricco are fantastic. It is a unique experience i will treasure..not to be missed!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Niels & Anaïs
Review Date: 30 sep 2026
Review Body: Loved this class! The owners son and one of the cooks gave the class together for my wife and me. We made 3 dishes to have for lunch. And after lunch we made a snack and a desert. All were delicious and the instructions were clear. We had a very fun experience! Terima Kasih!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Mathilde
Review Date: 10 jul 2026
Review Body: It’s a lovely place, where we got to cook delicious food with our masterchef Michael. It was a fun day and we enjoyed it very much. Would 100% recommend.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Karen
Review Date: 30 aug 2026
Review Body: I had a fantastic cooking lesson at the Kitchen Garden Bajo. It was informative, fun and the food was fabulous. Highly recommended.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Noel
Review Date: 19 aug 2026
Review Body: Very informative and enjoyable cooking class!
Review rating: 5
Itinerary
Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Manggarai Vegan Cookery Class and Traditional Meal
Itinerary Description: 10:00 AM: Arrive at the meeting point and meet Chef Michael or Flori
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Spend the next 2 hours learning about Manggarai food culture, its simple ingredients, and the stories behind the dishes. Take part in a hands-on vegan cooking session and prepare 5 traditional dishes such as: Tempe Kering (Crispy Tempeh Chips), Tahu Balik Tomat (sautéed tofu with tomato), Lodeh Labu Jipang (Chayote in Coconut Milk Stew), Lomak (seasonal vegetables with sesame and coconut) and Dadar Gulung (Indonesian Coconut Pancake Rolls)
Cook using traditional Manggarai-style methods that focus on natural flavour with salt, garlic, shallots, and slow cooking.
12.00 PM - finish: Enjoy the meal you have made.
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Cook Yummy Manggarai Food with a Local Chef
Cook the yummy tribal foods of Flores + get an insight into indigenous cultures
5.0
|18 reviews
Groepsgrootte
Tot 8 gasten

DUUR
3 uur

Type boeking
Groepsreis

AFSPRAAKPUNT
Op locatie

Groepsgrootte
Tot 8 gasten
- Hoogtepunten van de belevenis
- Reisschema
- Inbegrepen
- Beschikbaarheid
- Meer info
- Host
- Reviews
Cook Flores’ delicious tribal food with chefs keeping it alive
Some of the best food we’ve had in Labuan Bajo isn't in the restaurants but it's the traditional food of the Manggarai people - super fresh, simple and yummy! In this 3-hour cooking class, you’ll learn to make it yourself, hear the stories behind a cuisine shaped by what grows and can be foraged here, and cook with chefs who are working to preserve Manggarai recipes. Manggarai cuisine is the traditional food of western Flores, where Labuan Bajo is located, and it’s surprisingly different from what you might think of as Indonesian food. What makes Manggarai food so interesting is how closely it reflects the land. Unlike much of Indonesian cuisine, it traditionally uses very few spices, simply because many spices didn’t grow locally. Instead, generations of Manggarai people cooked with what was around them - fresh vegetables, coconut, sesame and a few simple aromatics. The ingredients do the work, and the result is surprisingly yummy!And what makes this experience really special is the chef. Chef Michael and Flori have spent years learning from Manggarai communities and documenting traditional recipes that are slowly being forgotten. They also volunteer their time teaching younger generations about foraging, local ingredients and Manggarai food traditions, helping keep this knowledge alive.In this intimate 3-hour cooking experience, Chef Michael or Flori will introduce you to five traditional Manggarai dishes and the stories behind them. Along the way, you’ll learn why Manggarai food tastes the way it does, where its ingredients come from, and get to peer inside traditional indigenous wisdom through the lens of Manggarai food. Then sit down together to enjoy everything you’ve cooked.You’ll make five beginner-friendly vegan dishes (they're super fresh & yummy!):Tempe Chips — crispy tempeh chipsTahu Balik Tomat — sautéed tofu with tomatoLodeh Labu Jipang — chayote in coconut milkLomak — seasonal vegetables with sesame and coconutDadar Gulung — coconut pancake rollsWhat to Expect3-hour join-in cooking class in Labuan BajoHands-on, beginner-friendly guidance throughoutCook 5 traditional vegan Manggarai dishesVegan dishes may include seasonal vegetables with sesame and coconut, chayote in coconut milk stew, crispy tempeh chips, sautéed tofu with tomato, Indonesian coconut pancake rollsLearn how Manggarai food uses simple seasonings and slow cooking instead of complex spice pastesHear the stories and cultural context behind the dishesAll cooking ingredients includedEnjoy the meal you cooked at the endReceive a digital recipe book and grocery guide, so you can recreate the dishes at home!Good to KnowNo cooking experience is neededThe standard class is veganThis is a small-group, join-in experience with a maximum of 8 participants, allowing for a more personal and hands-on experience(Add-on) Switch to non-vegan menus are available at extra cost:Non-vegan menu:Ayam asap - smoked chickenTempe Chips → Crispy tempeh chipsTahu Balik Tomat → sautéed tofu with tomatoLomak → seasonal vegetables with sesame and coconutDadar Gulung → Indonesian coconut pancake rollsIf you wish to switch to a non-vegan menu, please add it as an add-on.
Hoogtepunten van de belevenis
Wat je gaat doen
Manggarai Vegan Cookery Class and Traditional Meal
Details tonen
Wat is inbegrepen
Hands-on cooking guidance
All cooking ingredients
Shared meal
Digital recipe book
Grocery guide
Mineral water
Niet inbegrepen
Non-vegan menu (add-on available)
Additional drink
Transport
Beschikbare extra's:
Non vegan food (Rp103.500)
Toon details
Wie je steunt

Kampioen van de gemeenschap

Klimaatheld
Details tonen
Eerstvolgende beschikbare data
Prijzen weergegeven in USD
Kies een tijd voor 20 okt 2026
Aanvullende informatie
Waar we afspreken
Startpunt
Afspreken bij The Kitchen Garden Bajo, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia(The Kitchen Garden Bajo, Jalan Raimundus Rambu, Indonesia)
- 10:00am
Eindpunt
- Eindigt bij startpunt(en)
Begin en einde
- Elke dinsdag10:00AM - 01:00PM
- Elke woensdag10:00AM - 01:00PM
- Elke donderdag10:00AM - 01:00PM
Meer bekijken
Geschiktheid / toegankelijkheid
- Vegetarian food available
- Halal food available
- Kindvriendelijk (geen minimumleeftijd)
Annulering en overig beleid
Annulering
Annuleer tot 3 dagen vóór de activiteit voor een volledige terugbetaling
Wat neem je mee
- A camera or phone — To capture delicious food you cook and memorable moments.
- A little space in your suitcase (or phone) — You'll leave with a digital recipe book and grocery guide to recreate the dishes back home.
- A love for good food and good stories — That's really all you need.
- A willingness to get hands-on — No experience needed, just be ready to chop, stir, taste, and have fun.
- An appetite — You'll get to enjoy everything you cook at the end!
- An openness to meet new friends — With a maximum of 6 guests, it's a great chance to connect with fellow travellers.
- Curiosity about local culture — You'll learn much more than just recipes.
Vanaf
Rp621.000
/persoon5.0(18)
Prijzen tonen
Maak kennis met je host
Chef Michael has been a chef for nearly 30 years and has called Labuan Bajo home since 2015. Passionate about preserving local culture through food, he has dedicated himself to learning and reviving traditional Manggarai cuisine, which he believes is slowly being forgotten. He hires all of his staff from Manggarai, works with local communities and NGOs to create sustainable livelihoods, and volunteers to teach foraging and local food knowledge to students. Committed to sustainability, he sources ingredients locally whenever possible and researches ways to grow food in Labuan Bajo's dry soil. For Chef Michael, preserving local food is just as important as protecting the region's natural heritage—it is a way to keep Manggarai culture, knowledge, and traditions alive for future generations.
Ervaring: 1 jaar
Spreekt: Fluent English
Acceptatiegraad: 100%

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