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.

How Chefs are made

Achieving something great doesn’t have the same meaning without putting in the years of work to get there. It’s like taking a helicopter to a mountain top rather than spending the gruelling effort required to climb it. The beauty is the same and the location identical, but it’s the effort that’s missing, and that’s where the reward means the most. That’s what makes this story so special.

Cooks and Chefs today are created differently than those of years gone by. Cooking is a trade, and cooks are therefore considered tradesman/women same as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics… Trades are learned through years of practice and a formal apprenticeship, and if you can “take the heat” and master your craft after a few decades, you just may one day get the title of Chef. Today things are different, and Chefs, thanks to the spotlight they get from television and social media, are unfortunately considered rock stars, so the jump from a few years in culinary school to Chef is sadly now the norm. But not in this case…

These four Chefs that run Cuca took the long road, starting in our Stewarding department and climbing slowly over 11 years until they reached the top of the Culinary Mountain. No shortcuts, no easy days, no excuses. These guys, our 4 Chefs de Cuisine in Cuca, are the best of the best, and the foundation of skills and knowledge they have built is unshakable. We are extremely proud of what they have achieved and grateful for the long road they took to get there! We hope their dedication shines in every bite you have with us.