Private Tribal Farm-to-Table Dinner by Firelight
Duration
3 hours
Energy
light
Group Size
6 people
Language
English, Indonesian
About this experience
As dusk settles over the Manggarai highlands above Labuan Bajo, Dapur Tara's bamboo kitchen glows with firelight. Here food is cooked the way it always has been — over wood, never gas, slowly: the signature manuk cuing is free-range chicken smoked for eight hours over a low fire. Welcomed with a herbal drink and a tasting of local herbal arak, you gather as seven or eight dishes are brought to the table at once — smoked chicken, bamboo and dry-land rices, fresh and smoked sambals, wild-leaf soup. Each dish is named for you before the table becomes yours, shared family-style under the stars. A real Flores food experience, and a perfect close to a day around Komodo Island and Pink Beach.
What to expect
Itinerary
As dusk settles over the Manggarai highlands above Labuan Bajo, Dapur Tara's bamboo kitchen glows with firelight. Here food is cooked the way it always has been — over wood, never gas, slowly: the signature manuk cuing is free-range chicken smoked for eight hours over a low fire. Welcomed with a herbal drink and a tasting of local herbal arak, you gather as seven or eight dishes are brought to the table at once — smoked chicken, bamboo and dry-land rices, fresh and smoked sambals, wild-leaf soup. Each dish is named for you before the table becomes yours, shared family-style under the stars. A real Flores food experience, and a perfect close to a day around Komodo Island and Pink Beach.
Welcome to Dapur Tara
Arrive at the bamboo kitchen in Melo Village and settle into the peaceful highland atmosphere.
Herbal Welcome Drink & Arak Tasting
Meet your hosts and enjoy a traditional herbal welcome drink alongside a tasting of locally crafted herbal arak.
Introduction to Manggarai Cuisine
Learn about the ingredients, cooking methods, and traditions behind Flores' distinctive culinary heritage.
Ceremonial Dish Presentation
Each dish is brought to the table and introduced individually, sharing its story, origin, and cultural significance.
Private Farm-to-Table Dinner by Firelight
Enjoy a family-style feast featuring Dapur Tara's signature 8-hour smoked chicken, bamboo rice, black dry-land rice, fresh and smoked sambals, wild-leaf soup, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian and fish menus are available upon request.
Highland Evening Gathering
Relax under the stars and savor the cool mountain air while sharing food and conversation.
End of Experience
Depart with a deeper appreciation of Flores’ culinary heritage and local traditions.
What's Included
Included
- Herbal welcome drink
- Herbal arak tasting
- A welcome ceremony where each dish is brought to the table and named for you — what it is, where it grows, why it's cooked this way
- Full Manggarai farm-to-table menu
- Private setting for your group only
Not Included
- Transport to and from the venue
- Extra alcoholic drinks beyond the arak tasting
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Practical Information
Schedule
Available on
Start times
Best time to visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Book ahead: This experience requires booking at least 2 days in advance.
Is This Right for You?
Great For
- Food lovers and culinary travelers
- Couples and private groups
- Families and multi-generational travelers
- Cultural explorers seeking authentic local experiences
- Visitors looking for a memorable evening after Komodo excursions
- Travelers interested in traditional cooking and indigenous food culture
Consider Alternatives If
- You are looking for a quick dinner experience
- You prefer modern or fine-dining restaurant settings
- You are uncomfortable with communal-style dining
- You have limited time in Labuan Bajo
- You are seeking nightlife or entertainment-focused activities
Cancellation Policy
Strict- 1
Full refund if cancelled ≥ 7 days before
- 2
50% refund 3–6 days before
- 3
The full amount of the experience will be charged if cancelled less than 3 days before
Interested in this experience?
Tell us about your travel plans and we'll help you create the perfect itinerary.