Angelina Agata
Sep 02, 2025
Over the past four days, 15 of Asia’s leading chefs gathered in Ubud for Into the Wild, Locavore NXT’s creative basecamp that celebrates collaboration and Balinese ingredients. Now in its third edition — following earlier gatherings in 2019 and 2024 — Into the Wild returned bigger than ever, bringing together a stellar lineup of chefs: Ivan Brehm (Nouri, Singapore), Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam (Baan Tepa, Bangkok), Santiago Fernandez (Maz, Tokyo), Will Goldfarb (Room4Dessert, Ubud), Jihye Kim (Fiotto, Busan), Sun Kim (Meta, Singapore), Jordy Navarra (Toyo Eatery, Manila), Martin Öfner (Zen, Singapore), Hussain Shahzad (Papa’s, Mumbai), Kim Hock Su (Restaurant Au Jardin, Penang), Weerawat “Num” Triyasenawat (Samuay and Sons, Udon Thani), and Jimmy Lim Tyan Yaw (JL Studio, Taichung). Joining them were Ray Adriansyah and Eelke Plasmeijer (Locavore NXT) and Alfonso Portillo (LabX).
The program kicked off with two days of cultural exploration around Ubud — from visiting a traditional fish market and salt farm to foraging in the jungle, where chefs discovered Bali’s unique flora and fauna before cooking a communal lunch with nothing but local ingredients. The main event unfolded at Locavore NXT, where chefs worked in teams of three and were challenged with a black box of surprise ingredients. Each box included a protein, vegetables, roots, and aromatics. From there, the chefs created a 14-course tasting menu on the spot in an impressive showcase of creativity, skill and collaboration.
What sets Into the Wild apart is its philosophy: chefs don’t bring signature dishes from their restaurants. Instead, they arrive with open minds and cook entirely from scratch, guided only by what’s provided.Ray Adriansyah, co-owner and co-chef of Locavore NXT, explains:
“We organise Into the Wild to connect with fellow chefs in a creative and informal way. It’s something we look forward to all year — sharing the possibilities of Balinese ingredients and connect with talented chefs from around the region.”
Eelke Plasmeijer, co-owner and co-chef of Locavore NXT, adds:
“We want our peers to step out of their comfort zone and just enjoy a few days here in Bali — exploring, relaxing, and having fun.”
Into the Wild comes to life with the generous support of Komaneka Resorts, a family-founded collection of resorts and art galleries across Bali. Established by Ubud locals Koman Wahyu Suteja and Mansri Trisniswati, Komaneka is known for its deep roots in culture, community, and hospitality. For this edition, Komaneka welcomed the chefs to Komaneka Rasa Sayang — a boutique gem set right in the heart of Ubud’s cafés and boutiques. Here, modern design blends effortlessly with natural warmth, where clean architecture is softened by the textures of wood and recycled timber.
Locavore NXT
Jl. A.A. Gede Rai Gang Pura Panti Bija, Lodtunduh, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Phone : +62 821 4495 6226
