Experiencing the Ubud Morning Market with My Belgian Client

Exploring the vibrant Ubud Morning Market on Suweta Road with my Belgian client was a real treat. The market, alive between five and ten in the morning, is a sensory delight. At 10, this market become a car parking, so the sellers have to pack up their merchandises.

Vendors display their merchandise directly on the market floor, including vegetables,spices, clothes, and cakes. Amidst the lively chatter and colorful displays, we explored sections featuring aromatic turmeric and galangal, fresh beans, shallots, onions, and chili peppers.

Next, we moved to the flower section, where the blooms used for Balinese Hindu offerings are sold. I explained how these flowers are essential for daily offerings and how much a typical Balinese person might spend. Talking to a nearby seller, we learned that a packet of offerings costs about one US dollar.

On a normal day, a family might spend around thirty dollars a month, but during auspicious days, the cost increases as more offerings are needed.

Later, my client met with a lady tour guide who specializes in introducing the spices used in Balinese cooking. This was my cue to step back and relax, allowing the expert to provide a more detailed introduction to the ingredients. Although I won’t be doing the cooking myself, I'll be joining the cooking lessons.