WHY BALI IS A PLANT-BASED PARADISE

Few places in the world are as welcoming to vegan and vegetarian travellers as Bali. From traditional plant-based dishes served in humble warungs to stylish cafés with colourful smoothie bowls and raw desserts, the island offers an abundance of choice.

Part of this is due to Bali’s natural bounty – tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, coconuts, and spices are available year-round. But it is also cultural: many Balinese dishes are naturally meat-free, drawing on centuries-old traditions that blend rice, vegetables, legumes, and fragrant spice pastes. Whether you are staying in Ubud, surfing in Canggu, relaxing in Sanur, or exploring Sidemen’s rice terraces, you will find plant-based meals that are both authentic and exciting.

TRADITIONAL BALINESE DISHES THAT ARE NATURALLY VEGAN OR VEGETARIAN

Before we dive into modern cafés, it is worth celebrating the dishes that have been vegan long before it became a trend. Many Balinese staples are built around rice and vegetables, making them easy to enjoy without animal products.

Urap Sayur

A mix of steamed vegetables – long beans, bean sprouts, spinach – tossed with grated coconut, shallots, garlic, and lime leaves. Light yet satisfying, often served as a side dish in nasi campur.

Lawar Sayur

A variation of the traditional lawar made without meat, featuring shredded vegetables, coconut, and spices. Ask specifically for lawar sayur to avoid meat-based versions.

Tipat Cantok

Rice cakes (tipat) served with blanched vegetables and peanut sauce. Similar to gado-gado but with a Balinese twist.

Tempeh and Tofu Dishes

Tempeh and tofu are staples in Bali, served fried, grilled, or simmered in coconut milk-based curries. Tempeh manis (sweet soy-glazed tempeh) is a popular side dish.

Pisang Goreng

Banana fritters coated in batter and deep-fried. Often vegan if fried in vegetable oil – check for no butter in the batter.

BEST AREAS FOR PLANT-BASED TRAVELLERS

Ubud – The Wellness Capital

Ubud is arguably the vegan heart of Bali. Its yoga retreats, wellness resorts, and health-conscious community have inspired dozens of plant-based restaurants. Here, menus often combine Balinese recipes with raw vegan creations, smoothie bowls, and international dishes. Notable Spots:

·       Sage – Creative vegan comfort food with a healthy twist.

·       Zest Ubud – Stylish space with an extensive vegan menu and great views.

·       Moksa – Organic, plant-based fine dining with a permaculture garden.

Canggu – Surf Meets Superfoods

Canggu’s café culture blends expat energy with Bali’s produce. Vegan cafés here are abundant, often serving cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and plant-based versions of classic comfort foods. Notable Spots:

·       Peloton Supershop – Vegan café and bicycle shop, famous for burgers and smoothie bowls.

·       The Shady Shack – Relaxed garden setting with colourful salads and hearty vegan mains.

·       Give Café – 100% vegan and donates profits to charity.

Seminyak – Chic and Creative

Seminyak’s upscale dining scene includes elegant vegan-friendly restaurants alongside casual beachside spots. Notable Spots:

·       Earth Café – Vegan health café with an attached organic store.

·       Kynd Community – Instagram-famous for its pink décor and photogenic plant-based dishes.

Sanur – Laid-Back and Accessible

Sanur has a slower pace than the west coast, but it still offers excellent vegan and vegetarian dining. Expect a mix of Balinese warungs and modern cafés. Notable Spots:

·       Soul on the Beach – Beachfront spot with plenty of vegan options.

·       The Porch Café – Western-style breakfasts with plant-based swaps.

Sidemen and Rural Areas – Authentic and Simple

In rural areas like Sidemen, plant-based options are often simple but delicious. Traditional dishes like urap sayur, tempeh, and vegetable curries are easy to find. Learning a few key phrases to request vegan food will help.

TOP VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN BALI

A selection across the island that stands out for creativity, flavour, and atmosphere:

·       Alchemy (Ubud): Bali’s first raw vegan café, with a salad bar and raw desserts.

·       Clear Café (Ubud and Canggu): Healthy menu with many plant-based options.

·       Shady Shack (Canggu): Inventive vegan comfort food.

·       Moksa (Ubud): Fine dining meets farm-to-table.

·       Kynd Community (Seminyak): Trendy plant-based dining with strong sustainability focus.

VEGAN STREET FOOD SNACKS IN BALI

Not all vegan food in Bali is served on a trendy plate. Street food can be a treasure trove for plant-based travellers if you know what to look for:

·       Tempeh satay: Grilled skewers of tempeh with peanut sauce.

·       Pisang goreng: Fried bananas, often dusted with sugar or coconut.

·       Martabak manis (without butter): Sweet pancake filled with chocolate, peanuts, or banana.

·       Klepon: Sticky rice balls filled with palm sugar and rolled in coconut.

ORDERING VEGAN AT TRADITIONAL WARUNGS

While many warungs are happy to adapt dishes, meat, fish sauce, and shrimp paste are common in Balinese cooking. To order vegan, it helps to know a few key phrases:

·       Saya vegan / vegetarian: I am vegan / vegetarian.

·       Tanpa daging: Without meat.

·       Tanpa ikan: Without fish.

·       Tanpa telur: Without egg.

·       Tanpa susu: Without milk.

·       Tanpa terasi: Without shrimp paste.

It is also worth showing a written translation in Bahasa Indonesia to avoid misunderstandings.

PLANT-BASED RETREATS AND COOKING CLASSES

For a deeper experience, Bali offers vegan and vegetarian retreats that combine food with yoga, wellness, and cultural activities. Cooking classes are also popular, teaching you how to make plant-based versions of Balinese dishes using fresh market ingredients. Notable Experiences:

·       Casa Luna Cooking School (Ubud) – Vegetarian-friendly Balinese recipes.

·       Bali Vegan Cooking Class (various locations) – 100% plant-based menu.

·       Desa Seni (Canggu) – Yoga resort with an organic plant-based restaurant.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL EATING IN BALI

Many vegan and vegetarian cafés in Bali focus on sustainability by sourcing locally, using organic produce, and minimising plastic. Supporting these places helps reduce environmental impact and supports local farmers. Look for venues that:

·       Use seasonal, locally grown produce.

·       Offer fair trade coffee and chocolate.

·       Avoid single-use plastics (many use coconut bowls or reusable cups).

·       Compost food waste or donate leftovers.

SUGGESTED VEGAN TRAVELLER’S ITINERARY IN BALI

Day 1 – Ubud

·       Breakfast: Raw smoothie bowl at Alchemy.

·       Lunch: Lawar sayur and urap sayur at a local warung.

·       Afternoon: Coffee at Seniman Coffee Studio.

·       Dinner: Plant-based fine dining at Moksa.

Day 2 – Canggu

·       Breakfast: Vegan pancakes at Kynd Community.

·       Lunch: Tempeh satay at Shady Shack.

·       Dinner: Burgers and vegan fries at Peloton Supershop.

Day 3 – Sidemen

·       Breakfast: Fresh fruit and coconut water at your homestay.

·       Lunch: Tipat cantok and urap sayur in a local warung.

·       Dinner: Vegetable curry and fried tempeh.

Bali’s vegan and vegetarian scene is more than a trend – it is a reflection of the island’s abundant produce, creative spirit, and hospitality. From traditional market snacks to innovative plant-based cuisine, there is something here for every taste. Whether you are visiting for a week or settling in for months, eating plant-based in Bali is not just easy – it is a pleasure. Wander Beyond Ordinary!