For many holidaygoers, visiting beachside destinations like Bali becomes an excuse to harrass locals, buy cheap souvenirs, and see the inside of a local hospital after an inebriated scooter ride. In recent years, TV shows like White Lotus have brought the dark side of tourists' superficial engagement with local culture into the maintstream.

But in my conversation with Tjok Maya Kerthyasa, author, illustrator, and stylist of Paon: Real Balinese Cooking, the local generously revealed to me the more intimate, real, and less often-accessed parts of Balinese culture.

We sat in her family home, and she shared traditional Balinese recipes, the local approach to zero-waste cooking (whose techniques will surprise you!), and what we both love about Bali.

It's a guide for your future visit, a relaxing meditation on food, and a chat that will spark ideas for an adventurous next meal, whether your dinner party is in Denpassar or Dallas.

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This episode was live-recorded in Bali, Indonesia. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by Zoltan Fecso and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva.