“Cooking has been my passion since high school. I was inspired to become a chef after I saw my uncle in his lovely chef’s uniform. It became apparent to me that a career as a chef not only promised financial stability but would also help me achieve my ambition. I take immense pleasure in cooking, particularly when it involves preparing dishes like succulent pork ribs, one of my favorite recipes. The compliments from satisfied guests truly warm my heart,” says the talented chef.

When he’s away from the challenging environment of the kitchen, Chef Wardana says his greatest joy is spending quality time with his family. While he does not have a specific hobby, he does engage in regular exercise and he can often be seen taking a refreshing jog on the weekends. His enthusiasm for constant culinary improvement also sees him using technology to keep abreast of gastronomic developments.

“I’m dedicated to continuously learning new trends. One way I do this is to explore social media to find what’s trending in terms of local cuisines. I also thoroughly enjoy experimenting with various flavors as I work to create the perfect balance between ingredients. I do this because our guests come from diverse culinary backgrounds and I believe that good food has the power to uplift one's mood. It is also about sharing a moment of joy through cuisine,” he adds.

Viewers of reality television shows such as MasterChef and Next Level Chef will know that one item all chefs have in their locker is a range of professional kitchen knives. So when we ask Chef Wardana what three items he cannot do without when he’s at work, he immediately says a sharp knife for precise cutting. And, keeping hygiene and cleanliness high on his list of priorities, he also says that a clean kitchen cloth and a pristine cutting board are also essential for hygienic food preparation.

“As a responsible chef, I always promote a harmonious working environment and ensure all the tasks I assign are well-managed by my staff. Trust is crucial in this demanding profession. As we work in a time-driven business, deadlines are very important so I need to put my utmost confidence in those around me as we do not want to forget anyone’s order.”

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adapted our menu to cater to guests embracing a healthier lifestyle. Our offerings now include a range of new menu items such as grilled vegetables with pumpkin puree, roti canai, chana masala and various other veggie-based pasta options that our guests crave. Keeping up-to-date with new styles of cooking is part and parcel of being a good chef; we can’t afford to rest on our laurels.

“One of my major inspirations is Chef Vincent Koch who skillfully elevates classic dishes with modern garnishes to create a unique and unforgettable dining experience. I try to replicate Chef Vincent’s philosophy in my signature dish Bebek Timbungan. This is a slow-cooked, whole duck marinated with the classic Indonesian spice paste bumbu wangen and stuffed with young bamboo, then grilled over a low flame. This dish not only represents a classic Balinese heritage recipe but it has also delighted the taste buds of countless customers,” adds Chef Wardana.

The epicurean offerings at Cross Bali Breakers Resort are nothing short of stellar. Embark on a culinary journey with an array of exquisite gastronomic delights, accompanied by libations that tantalize the palate.

Furthermore, the exceptional facilities at Cross Bali Breakers Resort open doors to boundless experiences on the enchanting tropical island that is Bali. Guests can plunge into any of the three inviting swimming pools or challenge themselves in the state-of-the-art CrossFit. Then again, you may want to surrender to a blissful treatment at the bespoke Alo'e Spa. The choice is yours and yours alone.

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