Anantara Ubud Bali Resort Welcomes Balinese Chef Paul Palguna to Amerta
Bali’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, with local talent bringing fresh perspectives to contemporary dining. At Anantara Ubud Bali Resort, that evolution takes shape at Amerta, where Balinese chef I Wayan Agus Palguna, known as Chef Paul, has been appointed Chef de Cuisine, bringing nearly two decades of culinary experience to the resort’s signature wood-fire restaurant.
Located in Payangan, north of Ubud, Amerta draws inspiration from the elements of fire, seasonality and quality ingredients. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu showcases carefully sourced meats, fresh seafood and seasonal produce, with open-fire cooking allowing the natural flavours of each ingredient to take centre stage.
A graduate of Bali Hotel School, Chef Paul began his culinary career in 2007, developing his craft across luxury hospitality kitchens in Bali and beyond. His experience has shaped an approach to contemporary cuisine that balances technical exploration with a respect for ingredients and their origins. At Amerta, he brings a distinctly Balinese perspective to the restaurant’s evolving culinary direction.
“Bali has always shaped the way I understand food, from the ingredients around us to the way we gather around the table,” says Chef Paul. “At Amerta, I want to bring that connection into the kitchen while continuing to explore new techniques and ideas. For me, good cooking starts with quality ingredients and allowing each one to speak for itself.”
Working alongside Executive Chef Gianni Stargiotti, Chef Paul will oversee the restaurant’s daily kitchen operations and contribute to menu development. His appointment introduces a stronger local perspective to Amerta’s culinary identity, complementing its Mediterranean-inspired cooking and rainforest setting.
According to Chef Gianni, Chef Paul’s local knowledge and instinctive understanding of ingredients make him a natural fit for the restaurant. Together, they will continue to shape Amerta’s dining experience, bringing their respective expertise to a kitchen guided by craftsmanship and a thoughtful approach to produce.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Paul enjoys exploring local cuisine, spending time with his family and playing football. His connection to Bali and its food culture remains central to his approach to cooking, offering a personal dimension to his new role.
With Chef Paul at the helm alongside Chef Gianni, Amerta enters a new chapter that celebrates the meeting of local culinary knowledge and contemporary technique. Set against the lush rainforest landscape of Payangan, the restaurant invites diners to discover a dining experience rooted in its surroundings, where the warmth of open-fire cooking meets a considered appreciation for the ingredients on the plate.