In partnership with the Bali Restaurant and Cafe Association (BRCA), the third series of Bali Hotel Association (BHA) Sustainable Food Festivals took place from June 30 to July 15, 2023.

This year’s festival, themed “Best of Bali”, showcased the joint efforts of the BHA and BRCA to preserve Bali’s natural beauty, promote cultural heritage, support local communities and ensure the region’s long-term economic viability.

Building on the success of the previous year, the festival included BRCA members, positively impacting the local community and economy with 51 hotels and restaurants participating.

As a popular tourist destination, Bali prioritizes sustainability when addressing environmental and social challenges. Throughout the two-week event, the festival offered diverse experiences at various venues, truly representing the best of Bali.

Highlights of the sustainability initiative included the use of 100% locally sourced ingredients, predominantly from Bali, and menus made with organically grown produce.

Another vital focus of the event is waste reduction, emphasizing recycling programs and composting initiatives. Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), a global food rescue foundation and festival partner, facilitated the donation of unserved food from participants to communities in need.

In addition, BHA launched the Authentic Balinese Street Food Cooking Contest, which celebrates Bali’s culinary heritage and showcases the talent and creativity of member hotels and resorts.

The competition had non-management entrants use Bali ingredients and showcase the culinary artistry through video presentations. The final round featured a live cooking competition with 10 chefs on June 28, 2023 at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa.

Fransiska Handoko, President of BHA, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival, saying: “We are delighted to announce the third year of the Sustainable Food Festival. Partnering with BRCA allows us to once again expand the scope of the event and involve notable Bali restaurants and hotels committed to showcasing their efforts in working with local producers and waste management solutions. The festival offers an authentic taste of Bali and provides guests with an unforgettable dining experience.”

“We are proud to see strong participation from our members for the third year in a row,” says Kevin Girard, BHA vice president and chief sustainability officer. “Suppliers are taking their promise of quality and sustainability to the next level, and our members confidently include these ingredients on our menus. As guests return to Bali in greater numbers, they seek out true local tastes, knowing that they are having a significant impact on the local economy.”

Dean Keddell, owner and operator of Ginger Moon Canteen and Jackson Lily’s and co-founder of BRCA, adds: “We are delighted to partner again with BHA for what is sure to be a tremendously inspiring and energizing festival. BRCA has been focused on sourcing and supporting local food and beverage producers, and we are excited to share our Bali-focused culinary discoveries and delights with our guests during this festival.”

For more information on the BHA Sustainable Food Festival 2023, visit their website.

Bali Hotel Association Sustainable Food Festival 2023