Chef Interviews

Chef Interviews

Bali is home to an incredible mix of culinary talent—from local chefs preserving traditional recipes to international chefs bringing global flavors to the island. In this Chef Interviews series, we sit down with the people behind the plates to hear their stories, inspirations, and passion for food.

Stories from the Kitchen

Each interview gives a closer look at:

  • A chef’s background and journey in Bali
  • Their cooking philosophy and signature dishes
  • How Bali’s culture and ingredients influence their menu

Celebrating Bali’s Food Scene

Bali’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and chefs play a huge role in shaping it. Through these interviews, we aim to highlight their creativity, hard work, and commitment to delivering unforgettable dining experiences.

Why Chef Interviews Matter

Food is more than just taste—it’s about stories, people, and culture. By sharing these conversations, we hope to connect food lovers, restaurant owners, and the wider Bali community in a more meaningful way. 


 

 

Meet the People Behind Bali’s Culinary Scene

Get to know the talented chefs shaping Bali’s dining culture — from their culinary journeys and inspirations to the dishes and ideas that define their kitchens.

Dean Keddell
Dean Keddell

The Person Behind Seminyakʼs Iconic Ginger Moon. “You don’t choose Bali; Bali chooses you.” It’s a saying often repeated on the island — that if your energy and life path align with Bali’s spiritual and cultural rhythm, the island welcomes you in and lets you stay Thats exactly what happened to Chef Dean Keddell, a […]

Aris Sanjaya
Aris Sanjaya

Elevating The Craft. Making history as the first Indonesian to secure 1st Runner Up at the Diageo World Class Global Finals, Aris Sanjaya is bringing Balinese heritage to the world stage. We speak with Aris about his journey, the Islander community he has built, and what keeps him going.   Q: “Can you tell us […]

Heru Dwi Soesilo
Heru Dwi Soesilo

Behind the Counter with the Man Building 2080 Burger. Everyone who opens a restaurant in Bali finds out fast that the real challenges aren’t on the menu. Supply chains have more friction than you’d think. Rent depends entirely on where you land. Good staff are hard to keep. And the low season doesn’t care how […]

Ramadani Yudha Prasetya
Ramadani Yudha Prasetya

The Mind Behind the Soil Supplying Baliʼs Best Kitchens. Bali’s dining scene gets a lot of love for its food and atmosphere, but the people growing what ends up on the plate rarely get the same spotlight. Rama is one of them. As the co-founder and COO of Island Organics Bali, growing organic vegetables and […]

Nyoman Suasa
Nyoman Suasa

From Bali to Beverly Hills. Today, we’re sharing the story of a chef who truly lives his craft. Nyoman Suasa, Executive Chef of The Edge Bali, has built his journey from Bali to international kitchens, including the renowned The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. His experience and dedication continue to inspire us all.   Q: “Why the […]

Louise Newsham
Louise Newsham

The Evolving Food & Beverage Landscape in Bali. Our mission is to highlight Bali as a world-class culinary destination. To dive into the island’s vibrant food scene, we asked Louise Newsham of Honeycombers to share her thoughts on the latest F&B trends and why Bali has everything it takes to shine as a global culinary […]

Heinz Von Holzen and Penelope Williams
Heinz Von Holzen and Penelope Williams

Professional Lens With Chef Heinz Von Holzen and Penelope Williams. What is it like to run an F&B business in Bali? We asked chef-owners to share their insights.   Q: “What has been the most challenging moment in your journey running or managing an F&B business in Bali?“ Heinz: Running an F&B business in Bali […]

More to Explore

Inside Bali’s Growing Fine Dining Scene
Inside Bali’s Growing Fine Dining Scene

Bali has long been known for its vibrant food culture, but in recent years the island’s fine dining scene has grown rapidly. From intimate chef-led restaurants to internationally recognized dining destinations, Bali is now firmly on the global culinary map. A New Standard of Dining Fine dining in Bali is no longer just about luxury—it’s […]

Top 10 New Restaurants in Bali 2025
Top 10 New Restaurants in Bali 2025

Bali’s dining scene continues to evolve in 2025, with exciting new restaurants opening across the island. From refined fine dining concepts to creative modern eateries, these new spots are shaping the future of Bali’s food culture. 1. A New Wave of Culinary Concepts Many new restaurants this year focus on curated menus, immersive dining experiences, […]