Founder of Bumbu Bali Restaurant and Art Café Bumbu Bali, Chef Heinz von Holzen reveals his latest book. “MEGIBUNG: A Culinary Journey Through Balinese Families & Ceremonies” invites readers to explore the food traditions and cultural recipes of the island of the gods.
Originally from Switzerland, Heinz first moved to Bali in 1990 as the Executive Chef of Grand Hyatt Bali. Everything changed upon meeting his wife, Puji, where he was invited into a new gastronomic world of Balinese flavours and traditions.
In 1997, they founded Bumbu Bali Restaurant, a restaurant with the aim of serving authentic Balinese food in a safe and comfortable environment. To this day, they only serve Balinese dishes. Bumbu Bali’s cooking classes and market tours became iconic experiences, inviting visitors to witness real food culture up close.
This is by no means Chef Heinz’s first book. An avid photographer, Chef Heinz’s interest in Bali has been as visual as it has been culinary. Camera in hand, armed with the curiosity of a chef in a new environment, and the access to Balinese traditions through his wife’s family, Chef Heinz has documented his journey of culinary discoveries for three decades now. His new book, MEGIBUNG, is the culmination of those many years of exploring, learning and cooking.
“The Balinese word describes far more than the act of sharing a meal. It is a cherished tradition of eating together from a single communal platter, where family members, friends, neighbours, and guests sit in a circle and enjoy food as equals. In Balinese culture, Megibung symbolises unity, harmony, respect, and togetherness. It reminds us that food is not only nourishment for the body, but also a way of strengthening relationships and building community,” he writes.
He continues: “Today, Megibung remains deeply connected to Balinese ceremonies and celebrations. It is commonly practised during temple festivals, weddings, family gatherings, cremation ceremonies, and other important religious occasions. The meal becomes an expression of gratitude, respect, and community.”
This philosophy lies at the very heart of this book. Megibung is not simply a collection of recipes; it is a celebration of the people, traditions, ceremonies, and culinary heritage that have shaped Bali for centuries. Every recipe carries a story, every dish has its place within Balinese culture, and every shared meal helps preserve a tradition that deserves to be passed on to future generations.
Created over three decades of living and learning on the island, this beautifully crafted volume features 110 authentic Balinese recipes, more than 250 stunning photographs, and countless stories that reveal the soul of Balinese food culture.
Available in good Indonesian bookstores, online (hvhphotography.com) and directly at the Bumbu Bali Restaurants
Art Cafe Bumbu Bali
Jl. Siligita No.101, Nusa Dua
@artcafebumbubali
artcafebumbubali.com
