#CucaCares: Caring for Our Team

At Cuca, it has always been about people. From the very beginning, we knew that skills could be taught, but heart could not. So, we chose to build our team not by searching for the most polished resumes, but by believing in raw potential, in dreams waiting for a chance.

Since day 1 we opened our doors to young Indonesians, many of them without any experience but with an undeniable spark—the kind that just needed care to catch fire. Today, when we look around and see that all four of our Chefs de Cuisine started 11 years ago as stewarding staff, washing dishes and learning one small step at a time, our hearts swell with quiet pride as seeing them lead our kitchens and a team of more than 50 cooks with passion and pride. Their journeys are a daily reminder that when people are given a chance—and the right support—they can become extraordinary.

But for us, caring for our team has never been just about work. It’s about life. We come together every week for sessions that go far beyond the kitchen, sharing knowledge about nutrition, sustainability, financial planning, first aid, family health, and so much more. We believe that when our team grows stronger and wiser in their lives, they naturally shine brighter at Cuca too.

Through our internship program, we welcome young talents from across Indonesia’s many islands, hoping not just to teach them, but to learn from them—to share stories, traditions, laughter, and lessons that make us all better, together. Some stay and grow within Cuca; others take what they’ve learned into the world, creating ripples of kindness and excellence in places we may never see but always hope to touch.

Beyond our walls, we try to sow seeds of inspiration wherever we can—partnering with schools and universities, hosting field trips and workshops, and celebrating Bali’s rich heritage through activities that remind us all where we come from and why it matters.

At Cuca, we don’t just build careers, we build a family. A family stitched together by dreams, hard work, laughter, lessons, and an unshakable belief that caring makes all the difference.

Every smile you see here, every warm gesture, every dish lovingly prepared—it all comes from a place of gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. And when you sit at our table, you become part of that story too.

12 Years of Cuca

 

Twelve candles. Twelve trips around the sun. And twelve glorious years of serving up tapas that (let’s be honest) have probably made you lick your plate more than once.

When we flung open Cuca’s doors back in 2013, we had one big dream: to create a place that felt local in spirit, legendary in taste, and unforgettable in the memories it sparked. Fast forward to today, and that dream is alive, thriving, and garnished with a cheeky sprinkle of salt.

We’ve proudly stayed true to our roots—sourcing fresh, local ingredients from our Indonesian backyard, giving classic dishes a rebellious twist, and filling our Jimbaran hideaway with a warmth you can’t fake. (No mood lighting required.)

Of course, none of this would mean much without you. Yes, you. The curious foodies, the date-nighters, the birthday candle blowers, and the “just one more cocktail” crew. You’ve helped us grow from a bold little idea into a restaurant that’s become, dare we say, a little bit legendary.

So as we turn 12, we want to say thank you for making Cuca your delicious tradition, your special occasion go-to, your unforgettable escape. Here’s to the next dozen years of culinary mischief, shared plates, and moments that prove why Local, Legendary, Unforgettable isn’t just a tagline—it’s who we are.

Come hungry. Come curious. And come celebrate with us. After all, you’re part of this story too.

Cuca: a Restaurant that Cares

We believe that a restaurant should serve more than just delicious food—it should serve its people, its guests and its planet. That’s why we created back in 2020 (right when we felt the community needed our commitment the most) #CucaCares, a program that captures everything we stand for: sustainability, education, and heart.

Today, we are thrilled to share some exciting news: we are in the final steps of becoming Indonesia's first independent restaurant to achieve B Corporation certification! With a preliminary score of 83.9, this milestone highlights our promise to meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

We didn’t embark on this journey for the recognition. We did it because we believe that excellence in dining can, and should, go hand in hand with caring for the world around us. Every choice we make—from the farmers we work with to the way we empower our team—reflects a simple, powerful truth: we are here to do good.

Through #CucaCares, we aim to show that a better future isn't just possible—it’s already happening, one thoughtful decision at a time. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are making a difference.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this mission to care, nurture, and inspire.