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Are you looking for an immersive cultural experience in Lombok? Are you in love with Indonesian food (and keen to cook it at home)? Anggrek Putih Cooking Class and Garden Tour might just be the right place for you. Set in lush tropical gardens and offering hands-on classes suitable for any level, the experience is as visually beautiful as it is delicious. In our in-depth review, we share our experience so you know what to expect and whether it’s right for you.
In case you're wondering: We paid for this experience ourselves, and we did not disclose (until much later) that we might be writing about it. So you can be sure that the experience we had is what anyone else is likely to experience too.
Who provides the cooking class, and where does it take place?
The Anggrek Putih cooking class is one of the experiences provided by the team of Authentic Lombok Tours.
The cooking classes are held at Pondok Anggrek Putih [Google Maps location] (meaning White Orchid Cottage), their beautiful property in Meninting, located between Mataram (the largest city on the island of Lombok and the capital of West Nusa Tenggara) and the Senggigi resort area on the Western coast.
Cooking classes at Anggrek Putih include a tour of its lush organic fruit and veggie garden
When are the cooking classes being held?
Cooking classes take place daily from 1300h to 1700h. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation between 1230h and 1245h.
While the class is scheduled to take four hours, it may take longer. Ours finished well after 1700h (we were back at our accommodation at 1830h). So, don’t book anything else afterwards. Part of the enjoyment is to just relax after the meal, and chat with your hosts and fellow travellers.
Participants gather around the big dining table to enjoy the dishes prepared by everyone
Is the Anggrek Putih cooking class good value for money?
We believe the cooking class offers excellent value for money. Not only does the price include pick-up from and drop-off to your (Mataram or Senggigi) accommodation (in an air-conditioned vehicle). It also encompasses a range of other features such as
- a welcome drink and traditional Indonesian snack,
- a garden tour (you can borrow a bamboo hat for sun protection),
- the class (including a rental apron, all cooking utensils and instructions),
- all meals prepared during the class (plus a dessert),
- water/coffee/tea, and
- recipes/photos afterwards.
Among many other features, the cost of the cooking class includes the transport from/to your (Mataram or Senggigi) accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle
How big is the cooking class, and can I bring my children along?
Group sizes range from 4 to 10 people. Ours had 10 participants (us included) from the Netherlands, Philippines, France and England – the perfect size. If your children are aged 9 and older, they can attend the cooking class as well.
With 4-10 participants, the cooking classes at Anggrek Putih ensure a personal and hands-on experience
How was our experience at Anggrek Putih?
[wp-review id=”267436″]
Paul's dish was Fried Eggplant (Terung Goreng)...
... while I made Corn Fritters (Perkedel Jagung)
How to book the cooking class
We booked our experience the day before. Given our group was full, we recommend booking a few days in advance (especially in high season) to ensure you’re not missing out.
You can book the class via Viator or WhatsApp. Upon booking, you will receive a sample menu and are asked to advise of any dietary requirements.
This is a sample of 9 of the 10 dishes our group prepared (the chicken soup/soto ayam was served in a bowl)
What else to know?
The team behind the cooking class doesn’t offer just an awesome culinary experience. They also conduct several tours around the island, including to Sendang Gile [Google Maps location] and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls [Google Maps location] on the slopes of Mt Rinjani, to villages showcasing traditions and crafts of the Sasak people and a snorkelling tour to the (Secret) Gilis. For more information, head to the Authentic Lombok website.
The team behind the cooking classes also provides tours around Lombok (including a snorkel trip to the Secret Gilis)
Where to stay in Mataram
For accommodation, it pays to shop around and compare like with like. When we book, we check several platforms to find the option that offers the best overall value, and we also look closely at what is and isn't included. Tourist taxes, cleaning fees, breakfast, cancellation terms, and payment timing can vary, so always read the fine print before you book.
If you want to see which booking platforms we use and why, visit our Accommodation Travel Resources. Below are our recommended places to stay, well-located for public transport and the main points of interest.
| Name | Property Features | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| Dewi Sri Guesthouse | Outdoor swimming pool Walking distance from Immigration Office and Lombok's largest mosque Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Book Now |
| Ibludan Hotel | Beautiful tropical gardens Outdoor swimming pool Walking distance to Tanjung Bias Beach Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Book Now |
| Pondok Anggrek Putih | Beautiful tropical gardens Outdoor swimming pool Offers private tours and cooking classes Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Book Now |
Staying at a guesthouse with pool, such as Dewi Sri Guesthouse, is highly recommended when visiting sweltering Mataram
Still on the fence about joining the cooking class?
What other questions do you have that I didn’t answer in my review? Let me know, and I’ll try my best to help.
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