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Bali has transformed into a paradise for plant-based food lovers, offering an incredible array of vegan restaurants, cafes, and markets that celebrate both traditional Indonesian flavors and international cuisine. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply looking to explore healthier dining options, the Island of the Gods provides an abundance of choices that will tantalize your taste buds while nourishing your body and soul.
The vegan movement in Bali has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by a combination of health-conscious locals, environmentally aware expats, and tourists seeking sustainable dining options. This tropical paradise has embraced plant-based living not just as a dietary choice, but as a lifestyle that aligns with Balinese Hindu principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and harmony with nature.
The island’s fertile volcanic soil and tropical climate create perfect conditions for growing an incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs year-round. From dragon fruit and rambutan to organic kale and quinoa, Bali’s local markets overflow with fresh, vibrant produce that forms the foundation of its thriving vegan scene.
Located in the heart of Ubud’s wellness district, Alchemy stands as one of Bali’s pioneering raw food restaurants. This enchanting venue offers an extensive menu of cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, raw desserts, and gourmet salads. Their famous “Bliss Balls” and rainbow Buddha bowls have become Instagram sensations, but the real magic lies in their commitment to using only organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
Must-try dishes:
Moksa takes the farm-to-table concept to new heights with their on-site permaculture garden supplying fresh ingredients daily. This award-winning restaurant focuses on zero-waste dining and creates innovative dishes that showcase the natural flavors of Balinese produce. Their tasting menu changes seasonally, ensuring each visit offers a unique culinary adventure.
Signature experiences:
This trendy cafe perfectly captures Canggu’s laid-back surf culture while serving up seriously good vegan food. Peloton combines specialty coffee with creative plant-based dishes, making it a favorite among digital nomads and health-conscious travelers. Their all-day breakfast menu and fresh juices provide the perfect fuel for beach days and co-working sessions.
Popular choices:
Nestled in a serene garden setting, Sage offers a tranquil dining experience that perfectly embodies Ubud’s spiritual atmosphere. This restaurant specializes in Ayurvedic-inspired cuisine, creating dishes that balance the six tastes according to ancient wellness principles. Their menu features creative interpretations of international favorites using local ingredients.
Recommended dishes:
This beachside gem serves up colorful, Instagram-worthy dishes in a relaxed tropical setting. The Shady Shack has mastered the art of making healthy food look and taste incredible, with their smoothie bowls and fresh salads becoming must-have experiences for visitors to Canggu.
Instagram favorites:
Pasar Ubud (Ubud Traditional Market) 🏛️ The bustling Ubud Traditional Market comes alive in the early morning hours when local farmers bring their freshest produce. Here you’ll find an incredible variety of tropical fruits, organic vegetables, and traditional Indonesian ingredients. The market offers an authentic glimpse into local food culture and provides excellent opportunities to interact with friendly vendors who are happy to explain their products.
Shopping tips:
Pasar Badung, Denpasar 🏪 As Bali’s largest traditional market, Pasar Badung offers an overwhelming array of fresh produce, spices, and local specialties. While it can be crowded and intense, this market provides unbeatable prices and the most authentic local shopping experience. The spice section alone is worth the visit, with vendors selling everything from fresh turmeric to exotic herbs.
Bali Organic Market 🌿 This weekly market rotates between different locations (Ubud, Sanur, and Canggu) and focuses exclusively on organic, locally-grown produce. Founded by expatriate farmers and health enthusiasts, the market supports sustainable agriculture while providing consumers with pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.
Regular locations:
Bali Buddha 🧘♂️ With multiple locations across the island, Bali Buddha serves as a one-stop shop for vegan and organic products. Their stores stock everything from fresh produce and bulk grains to specialty items like nutritional yeast and plant-based proteins. They also carry a wide selection of natural beauty products and eco-friendly household items.
Gado-Gado 🥗 This beloved Indonesian salad combines blanched vegetables, boiled eggs (easily omitted), tofu, and tempeh with a rich peanut sauce. When ordered without the egg, gado-gado becomes a perfect vegan meal that showcases the harmony of flavors central to Indonesian cuisine.
Nasi Gudeg 🍚 Originating from Yogyakarta but widely available in Bali, this sweet and savory dish features young jackfruit curry served with rice. The traditional version includes chicken and egg, but many warungs now offer vegan versions using tempeh and tofu instead.
Tahu and Tempeh Dishes 🌱 These protein-rich soy products are staples of Indonesian cuisine and appear in countless preparations. From crispy tahu goreng (fried tofu) to grilled tempeh with sambal, these versatile ingredients provide satisfying alternatives to meat-based dishes.
Lawar Sayur 🥬 This traditional Balinese mixed vegetable salad typically includes green beans, jackfruit, coconut, and spices. While traditional lawar often contains blood and meat, vegetarian versions are increasingly common and equally delicious.
Rujak 🍊 Bali’s version of this fruit salad combines unripe mango, pineapple, cucumber, and other fruits with a spicy-sweet dressing made from palm sugar, chili, and tamarind. It’s naturally vegan and provides a refreshing snack perfect for hot tropical days.
This tiny family-run warung serves some of the best traditional Indonesian food in Ubud, with several vegan options available. The intimate setting and authentic flavors provide a glimpse into real Balinese home cooking. Their tempeh rendang and sayur urap (mixed vegetables with coconut) are particularly outstanding.
Tucked away on a quiet side street, this cozy cafe specializes in organic coffee and simple, wholesome meals. Their vegan breakfast options and fresh juices make it a perfect spot for a peaceful morning meal away from the tourist crowds.
This beachside warung offers spectacular sunset views along with excellent vegan-friendly Indonesian dishes. Their grilled vegetables and fresh fruit juices provide the perfect accompaniment to watching the sun disappear over the ocean.
With locations in Ubud and Canggu, Juice Ja has perfected the art of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Their creative combinations incorporate local fruits and superfoods, creating drinks that are both delicious and nutritionally dense.
Signature blends:
This Canggu favorite specializes in acai bowls and fresh smoothies, perfect for post-surf refueling. Their generous portions and creative toppings make each bowl a work of art that tastes as good as it looks.
Located in Ubud, this hands-on cooking class teaches traditional Balinese recipes with vegan modifications. Students start with a market tour to select ingredients before learning to prepare authentic dishes in a traditional kitchen setting.
One of Bali’s most established cooking schools, Casa Luna offers specialized vegan classes that focus on plant-based Indonesian cuisine. Their experienced instructors provide detailed explanations of ingredients and techniques while ensuring every dish is both authentic and delicious.
Down to Earth 🌍 This health food store chain offers an excellent selection of organic produce, bulk grains, nuts, and specialty vegan products. Their stores are well-organized and clearly labeled, making it easy to find everything needed for plant-based cooking.
Pepito Supermarket 🛒 While primarily a conventional supermarket, Pepito has expanded their organic and health food sections significantly. They stock many imported vegan products alongside local organic produce, making them a convenient one-stop shopping destination.
Many hotels and guesthouses in Bali now cater specifically to health-conscious travelers, offering vegan breakfast options and plant-based dining. Some notable mentions include eco-resorts in Ubud that grow their own organic produce and boutique hotels in Canggu that partner with local vegan restaurants.
Learning a few key Indonesian phrases can help ensure you get vegan meals:
Balinese cuisine traditionally includes many plant-based dishes due to Hindu dietary principles, making it relatively easy to find vegan options. However, some seemingly vegetarian dishes may contain shrimp paste (terasi) or fish sauce, so don’t hesitate to ask about ingredients.
Traditional markets are most active in the early morning (6-9 AM) when the selection is best and prices are most reasonable. Many vendors begin packing up by mid-morning, especially on hot days.
The vegan scene in Bali continues to evolve and expand, with new restaurants and cafes opening regularly. The island’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental protection aligns perfectly with plant-based dining, suggesting that this trend will only continue to grow.
Local farmers are increasingly adopting organic practices, while innovative chefs continue to create exciting fusion dishes that blend traditional Indonesian flavors with international vegan cuisine. This combination of cultural authenticity and modern innovation makes Bali a truly unique destination for plant-based food enthusiasts.
Bali’s vegan scene offers something for everyone, from traditional Indonesian dishes to innovative fusion cuisine, from bustling markets to serene garden restaurants. The island’s natural abundance, combined with a growing awareness of sustainable living, has created a food paradise that nourishes both body and soul.
Whether you’re exploring the spiritual center of Ubud, surfing the waves in Canggu, or relaxing on the beaches of Sanur, you’ll find incredible vegan options that showcase the best of Balinese hospitality and culinary creativity. The island’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients and sustainable practices ensures that every meal is not just delicious, but also environmentally responsible.
Plan your vegan adventure in Bali with confidence, knowing that this tropical paradise offers some of the world’s most exciting and diverse plant-based dining experiences. From sunrise market visits to sunset dinners overlooking rice terraces, every meal becomes an opportunity to connect with local culture while maintaining your commitment to compassionate, sustainable living.
Selamat makan! (Enjoy your meal!)
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