FEATURES • DESTINATIONS
Savoring Wellness
& Serenity: The Bokashi
Bali Experience
January 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
In the sun-drenched setting of Bali, Bokashi Bali radiates as a force of health and responsible consumption. Having moved from New Zealand to Bali 11 years ago in search of eternal summer with her daughters, founder Jude Manu Vincent brought with her a background in hospitality, marketing, and business. The inception of Bokashi can be traced back to the pandemic’s impact.
The LYD Group–a hospitality business–originally planned to use its organic farm in Bedugul to supply local restaurants and businesses. But as COVID-19 disrupted those plans, the group redirected its brand, choosing to transform its surplus produce into an organic store instead of letting it go to waste. Named after the Japanese fermentation process used for composting on the group’s Bedugul farm, Bokashi reflects this method in its design, decor, and even the menu–creating a zen-like experience for its customers. First opened in Berawa, Canggu, Bokashi has recently expanded to a second location in Pererenan, continuing its mission to bring mindful living to Bali.
HARVESTING CHANGE
At the heart of Bokashi’s vision lies a sincere devotion to waste reduction across all operations. Their beautiful retail space features an impressive bulk shopping area, where customers use jars or canvas pouches designed for refilling, helping to cut down single-use plastics. This approach encourages shoppers to adopt better consumption habits and return their reusable bags to the store.
Organic waste is composted on-site, cultivating mineral-rich soil and supporting the café’s use of recycled materials. Their duty spreads across to partnering with eco-conscious suppliers, making sure a ripple effect of positive change takes place throughout Bali. By building a community centered on responsible consumption, Bokashi inspires individuals to embrace better choices, reduce waste, and participate in the broader movement toward a healthier future. Each small action contributes to a larger impact, allowing everyone to play a vital role in preserving the island’s spirit for future generations.
CREATIVE MENU & FLAVOR FUSION
Jude and Chef Jethro Vincent, united by their passion for Bali’s local bounty, designed a Japanese-inspired menu that puts a spotlight on the island’s unique offerings. Having lived in Bali for years, Jethro has made strong connections with local resources and neighboring businesses. This dedication to community and flavor fusion has been central to Bokashi, especially during challenging times.
From the start, the people behind Bokashi have focused on supporting Bali’s producers, embracing the island’s natural resources and craftsmanship. They source salt from local salt farmers, seafood from nearby fishermen, and honey from island farms, infusing their dishes with authentic Balinese flavors. By blending traditional Japanese techniques with local ingredients, they create a culinary experience that honors both cultures.
EMBRACING CALM IN BALI'S BUSTLING ATMOSPHERE
Bokashi shines as a sanctuary of wellness on the fabled island of Bali. Amid the vivid atmosphere of lively cocktails and bustling surroundings, Bokashi is a peaceful retreat, stimulating guests to embrace self-care while enjoying their experience.
From its forward-thinking and nourishing menu to the thoughtfully curated retail selection, everything at Bokashi is made to amplify well-being and elevate quality of life. The food nourishes the body, while the store’s offerings support holistic wellness. Once entering the café, visitors are shrouded in a setting of tranquility. Unlike the fast-paced energy of many Balinese cafés, Bokashi creates a calm atmosphere inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, where simplicity and calmness reign. Guests can sip a soothing tea and relish a moment of peace, finding refuge from the everyday rush. This intentional focus on tranquility is a defining feature of Bokashi, striking a deep chord with its patrons.
ELEVATING TALENT THROUGH STAFF EMPOWERMENT
Staff empowerment is at the core of Bokashi’s values and operations. Jude focuses on the importance of education, making sure the team understands the brand’s deep commitment to conscious practices. Each staff member is trained to interact with customers mindfully–whether it’s reducing packaging waste or explaining the store’s zero-plastic policy. This empowerment goes beyond the workplace, as employees carry these values into their own homes and communities, becoming advocates of sustainability. Bokashi teaches its team to be passionate leaders, inspiring change both within and beyond the store’s walls.
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Looking ahead, their expansion plans include the possibility of a wellness venture like Bokashi Spa. After a year of introducing new body care products–essential oils, soaps, shampoos, and balms–the idea of creating a dedicated space felt like a natural next step, one that would truly resonate with their community. At its core, Bokashi aims to inspire a deeper connection to the food we nourish ourselves with and the environment we hold dear, transforming each visit into a meaningful stride toward a more sustainable future.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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