From Garden to Table: Our New Earth Cooking Philosophy
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Community · October 2024 · 5 min

From Garden to Table: Our New Earth Cooking Philosophy

Bumi Cinta's restaurant embraces a mindful approach to food production and preparation that is nurturing for both people and the planet. We follow the principles of New Earth Cooking, a transformative food philosophy developed by Simon Jongenotter during his five-year journey at a Silent Retreat centre in Bali.

What is New Earth Cooking (NEC)?

New Earth Cooking represents a transformative approach to how we think about, prepare, and source our food. Rather than presenting rigid rules or strict guidelines, NEC encourages us to ask critical questions about our choices and their impacts.

At its heart, New Earth Cooking is built upon five fundamental pillars known as the 5 P's, each serving as a lens through which we can examine and improve our cooking practices: Place — connects us to local ecosystems and seasonal rhythms. Product — guides us toward ingredients that truly nourish. Price — ensures fairness and accessibility. People — honors the community aspects of food production. Planet — reminds us of our role as stewards of Earth's resources.

This framework empowers us to make conscious choices that align with both traditional wisdom and modern understanding of regenerative practices.

Unlike conventional culinary approaches that often prioritize convenience or tradition for tradition's sake, New Earth Cooking advocates for a dynamic, adaptable way of working with food. It recognizes that as our planet undergoes significant changes, our cooking practices must evolve as well. This might mean rediscovering ancient techniques, embracing innovative methods, or creating entirely new approaches that better serve our current context.

New Earth Cooking at Bumi Cinta

At Bumi Cinta, we believe that truly nourishing food begins with a profound connection to the land that we have built our retreat on. Our menu evolves with the seasons, responding to what the land offers rather than imposing our demands upon it. This flexibility allows us to serve the freshest, most nutritious ingredients while also caring for the land.

As part of our commitment to this food philosophy, much of the food that we serve in our restaurant is grown in our own permaculture food garden and surrounding food forest. Our permaculture practices work in harmony with nature's rhythms, cultivating vibrant, nutrient-rich produce that travels just steps from garden to kitchen to table.

When you dine with us, you're not just enjoying a meal — you're experiencing the culmination of thoughtful cultivation, careful harvesting, and skillful preparation. Each dish tells a story of our land, our commitment to sustainability, and our vision for a healthier future.

Join us at Bumi Cinta's restaurant, where every meal is an expression of our commitment to nurturing both people and planet through the transformative power of mindful cooking and eating.