Afternoon Tea, Cooking Class, and Dining at Tanah Gajah Ubud

Tanah Gajah’s afternoon tea is as much about its setting as its food: you sit above Ubud’s rice paddies at The Tempayan Restaurant, in a resort known for Balinese architecture and Indonesian art. It is a quiet, polished place to pause, not a quick snack stop.

I like two things in particular: the menu mixes Balinese-spiced tuna satay and jackfruit fritters with familiar tea-room treats, and the rice-paddy view gives the meal a sense of place. The calm setting and art-filled interiors make this a good choice when you want a slower afternoon.

The trade-off is value. The three-tier set can feel small for its price, especially if you arrive hungry or expect a full meal. The resort is also away from central Ubud’s main streets, so allow for the trip there and back.

• A view-first afternoon: The rice paddies and resort grounds are a central part of the appeal.
• Local flavor on the tea stand: Look for Balinese-spiced tuna satay and jackfruit fritters among the savory and sweet items.
• Classic treats, too: Valrhona chocolate cake, fruit tarts, tiramisu, curry puffs, and finger sandwiches are listed.
• A refined setting: The Tempayan combines open-air dining with Balinese architecture and Indonesian art.
• Not a meal-sized spread: The set is best treated as a leisurely tea, not a substitute for lunch or dinner.
• Separate packages: Afternoon tea, the cooking class, and dinner options are distinct bookings.

The Tempayan setting is half the reason to go

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Tanah Gajah, formerly The Chedi Club Ubud, sits in the Ubud area at Jl. Goa Gajah, Tengkulak Kaja, Gianyar. The Tempayan Restaurant offers seats with views across rice paddies, a welcome change from traffic and shopfronts in the town center.

The mood here is restful and more formal than a neighborhood café. Balinese architectural details and Hendra Hadiprana’s Indonesian art collection give the room a distinct character, while the open-air setting keeps the surrounding greenery in view. It is the sort of place where the pace naturally slows.

I would plan this as a destination in its own right rather than a quick stop between nearby sights. The resort is not right on Ubud’s busiest streets, and getting there takes some planning. You can travel by car, taxi, or motorbike; transport is not included in the booking.

If the weather turns, the restaurant operates in all weather conditions. The view may be different on a rainy afternoon, though, and an outdoor setting is less useful for photographs when the sky closes in. Sunscreen is worth bringing for a bright day.

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What arrives on the three-tier stand

The afternoon tea includes a three-tier selection of savory and sweet items, plus a choice of premium tea or coffee. The savory side brings together East and West: Balinese-spiced tuna satay, chicken curry puffs, and finger sandwiches. That mix is more interesting than an all-sandwich tea, though the exact selection can vary.

For sweets, the listed choices include Valrhona chocolate cake, mixed fruit tarts, jackfruit fritters, and tiramisu. Jackfruit fritters offer a local note, while chocolate cake and tiramisu give the stand familiar comforts. The combination makes this a pleasant tasting spread, not a long parade of courses.

Keep expectations in proportion to the word afternoon tea. The set is commonly described as a small portion, and some people may finish it quickly. If you are hungry, eat beforehand or check directly with the restaurant about additional food and its current price. Extra dishes can add substantially to the bill.

Tea or coffee is part of the package, but do not assume every drink or refill policy is fixed. Some past visits included refills or additional servings, while others focused on the set as served. Confirm what is included when you reserve, especially if unlimited drinks matter to you.

What the meal is worth

The listed starting price is around US$23.95 for afternoon tea, while the experience’s summary price is also shown as US$26.35. Rates can vary by offer and booking, so check the final amount before paying. The same price applies to all ages, which is worth considering for a family booking.

At that price, you are paying for more than the food. The setting, access to a refined resort restaurant, the view, and the chance to linger are part of the value. If you are looking for a generous meal or a bargain snack, the cost may not feel justified. If a scenic, calm tea break is the point, the setting can make the spend feel more reasonable.

I would compare the price with what you hope to get from the afternoon. For a special occasion, a couple’s pause, or a break from sightseeing, the resort atmosphere may be worth paying for. For a group of five or anyone measuring value mainly by quantity, the three-tier set may seem scant. Ask about add-ons rather than assuming the included stand will fill everyone up.

The experience has drawn both strong praise for its setting and service and some disappointment about portion size and food value. That is a useful distinction: the place can be a success even if the menu is not the star. Go for the whole outing, not the expectation of an elaborate feast.

Keep the cooking class and dinners separate

Tanah Gajah offers other experiences, but they are not automatically part of afternoon tea. A cooking class with Chef Dean includes an organic garden tour. The class has been described as a hands-on afternoon with simple dishes and a friendly chef, and one family-friendly detail was help looking after a younger child while the adults took part. That is a separate package, not a feature of the tea booking.

Dinner is another option. The available packages include a romantic dinner and a Kecak dance with a Royal Balinese dinner. These are distinct choices with their own prices and inclusions. Do not book afternoon tea expecting a cooking lesson, garden tour, dance performance, or dinner to be bundled in.

This is a useful place to plan a longer occasion if you want more than tea, but check each package’s details before you commit. The afternoon tea alone is the simplest choice: arrive, settle into the restaurant, and take in the view with a drink and the tiered selection.

Making the trip work smoothly

Book a specific time and contact the branch using the reservation details provided with your voucher. If your preferred slot is full, the staff may offer another time. Arrive ten minutes early; late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

The voucher is valid only for the date and time specified, and you present it on your phone. Changes are generally allowed up to 24 hours before the activity, with restrictions for certain bookings, including some pass or promotional purchases. Cancellation at least 24 hours before the activity date qualifies for a full refund, based on local time.

Mention dietary needs when arranging your visit. The activity can accommodate allergies, vegetarian diets, and vegan diets, but it is sensible to confirm the details directly before you arrive. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so ask the restaurant about suitable alternatives if you have a specific need.

Casual clothing is suitable. Bring cash for personal expenses and sunscreen for a sunny visit. The activity is not wheelchair-accessible, an important point to check before booking if you need step-free access.

Who should book Tanah Gajah afternoon tea?

I would choose this for someone who values a peaceful setting, rice-paddy views, and a polished resort atmosphere more than a large meal. It works especially well as a planned afternoon break or a small celebration, when you can give the surroundings time to do their part.

It is less suited to anyone seeking a low-cost lunch, a large spread, or an easy stop in central Ubud. The journey and the modest amount of food matter when you weigh the price. If you are happy to pay for the setting and a measured tea service, it can be a memorable pause; if quantity is your main measure, look elsewhere or ask about ordering extra food first.

FAQ

Where is Tanah Gajah’s afternoon tea held?

It is held at The Tempayan Restaurant at Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, at Jl. Goa Gajah, Tengkulak Kaja, Gianyar, Ubud, Bali.

What is included in the afternoon tea?

The package includes a three-tier selection of sweet and savory items and a choice of premium tea or coffee. Listed foods include tuna satay, chicken curry puffs, finger sandwiches, chocolate cake, fruit tarts, jackfruit fritters, and tiramisu.

Is transport included?

No. Transport is not included. You can reach the resort by car, taxi, or motorbike.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan food?

The activity can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as allergies. Contact the restaurant through the reservation channels on your voucher to confirm your needs.

Is the restaurant open if it rains?

The restaurant operates in all weather conditions.

Is the venue wheelchair-accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not wheelchair-accessible.

Do I need to reserve a time?

Yes. Schedule and secure a timeslot by contacting the branch through the reservation channels provided on your voucher. If your preferred time is full, staff may suggest another slot.

What should I bring and wear?

Casual clothing is suitable. Bring sunscreen and cash for personal expenses.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using local time. Changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, though restrictions apply to some bookings.