Discover the essence of Bali’s sustainable culinary delights at the BHA Sustainable Food Festival 2023, in partnership with BRCA. Celebrating local ingredients, cultural heritage, and waste reduction initiatives, this festival showcases the best of Bali’s gastronomy. Experience unforgettable dining experiences at 51 hotels and restaurants committed to preserving Bali’s natural beauty and supporting local communities.
In partnership with the Bali Restaurant and Café Association (BRCA), the third Bali Hotels Association (BHA) Sustainable Food Festival series was held from 30 June to 15 July 2023.
This year’s festival, themed “The Best of Bali,” showcased BHA and BRCA’s joint efforts in preserving Bali’s natural beauty, promoting cultural heritage, supporting local communities, and ensuring the region’s long-term economic viability.
Building upon the previous year’s success, the festival included members of BRCA, positively impacting the local community and economy with the participation of 51 hotels and restaurants.
As a popular tourist destination, Bali prioritises sustainability in addressing environmental and social challenges. Throughout the two-week event, the festival offered diverse experiences at various venues, truly representing the best of Bali.
Key highlights of the sustainability initiative included the use of 100% locally sourced ingredients, predominantly from Bali, and menus crafted from organically grown produce.
Another vital focus of the event is waste reduction, emphasising recycling programs and composting initiatives. Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), a global food rescue foundation and the festival partner, facilitated the donation of unserved food from participants to communities in need.
Additionally, BHA launched the Authentic Balinese Street Food Cooking Competition – celebrating Bali’s culinary heritage and showcasing the talent and creativity of member hotels and resorts.
The competition had non-managerial participants use Bali-sourced ingredients and showcase culinary artistry via video submissions. The final round featured a live cook-off with 10 chefs on June 28, 2023, at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa.
Fransiska Handoko, Chairwoman of BHA, expressed excitement about the festival, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the third year of the Sustainable Food Festival. Partnering with the BRCA allows us to again expand the event’s reach 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 running,” says Kevin Girard, Vice-Chair and Director of Sustainability of BHA. “Suppliers are taking their quality and sustainability promise to the next level, and our members confidently include these ingredients in our menus. As guests return in larger numbers to Bali, they are looking for true local tastes, knowing they are making a meaningful impact on the local economy.”
Dean Keddell, owner and operator of Ginger Moon Canteen and Jackson Lily’s and co-founder of the BRCA, adds, “We are delighted to partner with the BHA again for what is sure to be a tremendously inspiring and energizing festival. The BRCA has been focusing on sourcing and supporting local food and beverage producers, and we are excited to share our discoveries and Bali-centric culinary delights with our guests during this festival.”
To learn more about BHA Sustainable Food Festival 2023, visit their website.
Bali Hotels Association Sustainable Food Festival 2023
