Anantara Ubud Bali Resort Welcomes Chef Paul Palguna to Lead Amerta
Balinese chef brings nearly two decades of culinary experience to the resort’s signature wood-fire restaurant in Payangan, Bali
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort has appointed I Wayan Agus Palguna, known as Chef Paul, as Chef de Cuisine at Amerta. Working alongside Executive Chef Gianni Stargiotti, the Balinese chef will oversee the signature restaurant’s daily kitchen operations and contribute to its menu development, bringing experience gained in Bali and abroad to its Mediterranean-inspired wood-fire cuisine.
A graduate of Bali Hotel School, Chef Paul began his career in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades working in luxury hospitality kitchens. His return to Bali brings that experience into a setting where his understanding of local food culture can inform both his cooking and his leadership.
At Amerta, fire and seasonal ingredients guide the menu. Carefully sourced meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce form the foundation of dishes that emphasize the ingredients’ natural flavors. Set amid the rainforest landscape of Payangan, north of Ubud, the restaurant pairs this approach with a setting closely tied to its surroundings.
For Chef Paul, the appointment offers an opportunity to draw on the food traditions that shaped him while exploring new techniques. He sees Bali’s ingredients and the communal experience of sharing a meal as central to his understanding of food, with quality produce remaining the starting point for his cooking.
His collaboration with Chef Gianni will support the continued development of Amerta’s culinary direction. Chef Gianni highlighted Paul’s local knowledge, experience, and understanding of ingredients as qualities that align with the restaurant’s approach, while welcoming the individual character he will bring to the kitchen.
Outside work, Chef Paul enjoys exploring local cuisine, spending time with his family, and playing football. His connection to Bali remains a consistent influence on the way he cooks and works with his team.
The appointment strengthens Anantara Ubud Bali Resort’s culinary team as Amerta continues to develop its dining experience around wood-fire cooking, seasonal produce, and the landscape of Payangan.
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