BALINEWS.ID – The beating heart of Syrco BASÈ, one of Ubud’s most celebrated culinary hubs, has been unveiled with a new identity. Formerly known simply as KU, the reimagined KU Culinary Atelier now stands as an independent fine dining restaurant led by two-Michelin-starred Chef Syrco Bakker. Beyond a mere name change, the atelier represents a deeper expression of intuitive cooking, conscious dining, and soulful storytelling through food.
Derived from the French word atelier meaning “workshop”, KU Culinary Atelier is envisioned as a space of creativity and refinement, where culinary craftsmanship meets emotion. Here, every dish becomes a narrative shaped by the land, people, and traditions of Indonesia.
“KU Culinary Atelier is our creative core,” said Chef Syrco.
“It’s where we slow down, pay attention, and explore what food can truly become when treated with respect and intention,” he added.
With only 12 seats and an 11-serving menu featuring multiple preparations per course, KU Culinary Atelier offers one of the most intimate dining experiences in Bali. Each dish is crafted and plated just steps away from the guest, dissolving barriers between the kitchen and the table. This transparent format not only highlights refined technique but also creates a deeper connection to the ingredients, the stories behind them, and the artisans, farmers, and fishers who make them possible.
Rejecting the idea that luxury means excess, KU Culinary Atelier embraces a grounded, thoughtful approach. Rooted in Bali’s biodiversity and heritage, the restaurant celebrates farm-to-table excellence with volcanic soil-grown vegetables, heritage ceremonial ingredients, and seasonal produce. The result is an experience that feels personal, emotional, and connected, luxury redefined through authenticity.
Recognition and Collaborations
The unveiling of KU Culinary Atelier follows growing acclaim for Syrco BASÈ, which was recently named among Indonesia’s 30 Best Restaurants at the Prestige Gourmet Awards 2025. Earlier this year, the atelier also took the spotlight during the Ubud Food Festival, hosting two highly anticipated Four Hands Dinners.
The first paired Chef Syrco with Michelin-starred Chef Kevin Wong of Singapore’s Seroja, blending Indonesian and Malay traditions. The second saw a bold collaboration with Vallian Gunawan of Jakarta’s Kindling, presenting a live 12-course journey rooted in memory and Indonesian landscapes.
The Flagship of Syrco BASÈ
While Syrco BASÈ comprises multiple concepts, including its restaurant, bar, and shop, KU Culinary Atelier serves as the flagship and creative soul of the hub. It is the space where experimentation, heritage, and innovation converge, and where food is not just served, but deeply experienced.
“Everything we do at KU Culinary Atelier is about connection: to the seasons, the land, our culture, and to one another,” Chef Syrco reflected.
“It’s a living expression of who we are and what we believe food can be.”
About Syrco BASÈ
Launched in January 2024, Syrco BASÈ was founded by Chef Syrco Bakker—Indonesia’s first two-Michelin-starred chef to open a restaurant in the archipelago. Built on the principles of Traceability, Nature, and Transparency, the hub brings together culinary professionals, mixologists, architects, and artists in a multidisciplinary creative space.
In just six months, it earned recognition as one of Bali’s 20 Best Restaurants (Traveller, Australia) and among Indonesia’s Best Restaurants 2024 (Travel + Leisure Tastemakers), solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in modern gastronomy.
About KU Culinary Atelier
Nestled within the lush grounds of Syrco BASÈ, KU Culinary Atelier is a fine dining restaurant dedicated to intimate, soulful dining. With only 12 seats and a menu built around storytelling and respect for origin, it embodies Chef Syrco’s vision for food as a medium of connection.
Recognized as one of Indonesia’s most innovative culinary destinations, KU continues to push the boundaries of what fine dining can be, rooted in purpose, presence, and soul. (*)
