Balis magic kitchen

Step into our Jamu Pavilion, where mystical potions are not brewed by wizards, but still today according to ancient recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation in Indonesia. And we´re delighted to show you that this thousand-year-old tradition still lives on in Bali today and is an essential part of everyday Balinese life.

Jamu – the traditional power drink of the Indonesians is full of energy. The colour and the taste of Jamu is very different, but always intense. Jamu´s have been known not only in Bali kitchen, it´s widespread throughout the Indonesian archipelago. This tradition has its origins in Java, where there are still small jamu stores today and women roam the streets as hawkers selling the healthy herbal drink.

Jamu´s are popular all over Indonesia and many Indonesians not only swear by the healing powers of Jamu’s, but also drink the small “shots” as a preventative measure.
Jamu is always based on spices, herbs and roots, which vary depending on the region in Indonesia. Galangal or ginger and turmeric are part of almost every jamu, the latter giving it its strong yellow colour. Depending on what the Jamu drink is supposed to do, pepper, tamarind, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and other spices are added. A purely natural medicine – or in modern language “superfood” that is unlikely to cure any diseases, but can support the healing process and have a preventative effect.
For the Jamu´s we prepare in our Balikaru Jamu Pavillon we take only fresh ingredients and most of these can be picked up from our own spice and herb garden.

The numerous vitamins, antioxidants and trace elements in the Jamu health drink have a detoxifying, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure-lowering or metabolism-boosting effect – perfect for soothing minor aches and pains or strengthening the immune system. So now you can imagine why this tradional drink is called superfood.
Jamu’s are known all over the world and are produced nowadays – even in Indonesia – on an industrial scale. However, we in Balikaru would like to introduce you to traditional production in our Jamu Pavilion. Often only a few ingredients are needed and individual recipes are usually passed down from generation to generation.

Let us surprise you: Jamu making is part of our Balikaru cookery course and under the supervision of our chef Adi, you will learn how to prepare your personal Jamu health drink. Many tips and interesting facts about the various medicinal herbs and plants are provided during the course in the Jamu Pavilion or later during a guided walk through our huge Balikaru garden.

Simply be fascinated by a healing tradition that has grown over centuries, which even today – despite conventional medicine – has a firm place in the everyday life of the Balinese and is now known far beyond the borders of Indonesia.