Over everything else, eating took precedence.

Above the thought-provoking talks, more than the celebrity chefs and on top of the numerous workshops and events – it was the on-site food that held all in thrall.

Despite the unrelenting heat, Ubud’s stand-still traffic and milling crowds, this art of appreciating food made the Ubud Food Festival 2016 one you want to return to.

Locals patiently stood in line at the popular Kedai Mie Cici noodle stall for their little paper boxes of stringy noodles soaked in a tempting broth, topped with chicken, mushrooms and vegetables. Curious tourists were spoilt for choice, purchasing more than they could eat from an array of grilled seafood, Alchemy’s raw salads and Waroeng Maranggi’s smoky satays that sold out too soon.

Add to that tantalising melange some healthy, fermented Happy Kombucha drinks, Warung Schnitzel’s gluten-free cakes, brownies and bread, Gelato Secret’s jamu sorbets and Locavore’s fabulous food truck. And the ubiquitous Bali Coffee and Bintang beer did not lie unforgotten, either.

At the 3-day festival, food sustainability, local produce and healthy eating topped the agenda to match the theme of this year’s festival – going local.

Look out for the feature story in Sunday Star 2, The Star, Malaysia. (to be updated once published).

(Updated)

It was more than just a celebration of food. The Ubud Food Festival 2016 was about tradition, heritage and sustainable practices. It was about the people, their stories and the communities they live in. So can’t wait to go back – such a fantastic, fun eat fest. The third edition of the festival will be held from 12-14 May, 2017.

Published: Sunday Star 2, 7 August 2016.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/asean&beyon/Food-glorious-food-at-Ubud-Food-Festival-30292504.html