The Ultimate Guide to Vegetarian Restaurants in Bali

Key Takeaways

• Bali is incredibly vegetarian-friendly, thanks to its Hindu roots and thriving wellness culture.

• Top veggie hubs: Ubud (zen cafés), Seminyak (trendy eats), and Canggu (surf + salads).

• Must-try dishes: jackfruit rendang, tempeh satay, gado-gado, and black rice pudding.

• Use HappyCow to find the best spots, and always double-check for hidden meat or fish sauce in local warungs.

• Many restaurants are eco-conscious, so eating green helps the planet, too.

Bali isn’t just about sandy beaches and Instagram-worthy sunsets. It’s also a foodie’s paradise, especially if you’re a vegetarian. Here’s a fun fact to chew on: over 12% of Indonesians identify as vegetarian, and that influence is beautifully woven into Bali’s vibrant food culture. Whether you’re after a tempeh-packed nasi campur or a smoothie bowl that looks like it belongs in the Louvre, Bali has it all.

But let’s be real: navigating a new place as a vegetarian can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. (Hint: not every warung understands “no chicken stock, please.”) That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve scoured the best sources, visited top-rated spots, and even peeked into HappyCow to help you uncover Bali’s most delicious vegetarian gems. Ready to dive fork-first into this plant-based paradise? Let’s go.

Why Bali is a Top Destination for Vegetarian Cuisine

Bali isn’t just a feast for the eyes. It’s a literal feast for your plate, especially if you’re a vegetarian. The island’s love for plant-based eating stems from both tradition and trend. Bali’s predominantly Hindu culture celebrates vegetarianism as a form of compassion toward all living things. Couple that with a booming wellness tourism scene, and you’ve got a recipe for veggie-packed paradise.

From jackfruit rendang that mimics the bold flavors of beef to smoothie bowls that look like rainbows thrown at a party, Bali’s culinary landscape is anything but boring. And the best part? It’s not just healthy food. This is seriously tasty stuff.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Bali (By Region)

Bali is bursting at the seams with incredible vegetarian options, and each region offers its own unique culinary twist. Whether you’re in wellness-focused Ubud, trendy Seminyak, surf-central Canggu, or exploring less-touristy areas, there’s a plate of plant-based goodness waiting for you. Here’s a deeper dive into the best spots to satisfy your vegetarian cravings.

Ubud: The Heart of Vegetarian Cuisine

Let’s start in Ubud, the spiritual (and culinary) core of Bali. If you’re into yoga and green juice, or even if you’re not, this is where your vegetarian journey should begin.

• Zest Ubud: This place is so zen it feels like your food meditated before arriving at the table. Try their jackfruit rendang; it’s smoky, tender, and mind-blowingly good.

• Alchemy: A raw food lover’s dream. Think raw lasagna and divine superfood bowls. Yes, they manage to make raw lasagna taste good. Miracles do happen in Bali.

• Sayuri Healing Food: Not just a meal, but a full-on wellness experience. Their turmeric lattes might just cure your jet lag, or at least make you forget about it.

Ubud is Bali’s spiritual and culinary epicenter for vegetarians. It’s where mindfulness meets mouthwatering meals.

• Sage: A cozy spot offering globally inspired vegetarian dishes with a Balinese twist. Their vegan tacos are a must-try, fresh, zesty, and so filling you won’t miss the meat.

• Folk Pool & Gardens: Come for the creative vegetarian options, stay for the chance to dine while lounging by the pool. Their eggplant parmigiana and plant-based burgers are crowd favorites.

• Taksu Garden Café: Nestled in lush greenery, this hidden gem is perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat. Their raw chocolate cake is nothing short of life-changing.

Seminyak: Trendy Spots for Plant-Based Eaters

Seminyak is where Bali’s trendsetters hang out. If your ideal meal comes with a side of neon signs and chill beats, this is your spot.

• Kynd Community: Known for its colorful smoothie bowls, complete with edible lettering. Pro tip: You have to Instagram it before eating. That’s the rule.

• Earth Café: A holistic hangout that offers everything from vegan desserts to vegetarian Indonesian classics. Their vegan mie goreng? Worth the trip alone.

• Divine Earth: They take “healthy indulgence” to the next level. Try their mushroom burger. It’s so hearty you’ll wonder if it’s actually meat (it’s not, don’t worry).

Seminyak is Bali’s chic dining hub, where vegetarian food is as fashionable as the people eating it.

• Mad Pops: Not exactly a restaurant, but their vegan ice cream deserves a shout-out. Flavors like salted caramel and chocolate are made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Plus, their neon “Ice Ice Baby” sign makes for a perfect photo op.

• Nalu Bowls: The OG smoothie bowl café in Bali. Their Uluwatu bowl, made with dragon fruit, mango, and coconut, is basically a tropical vacation in a bowl.

• Shelter Café: A rooftop hideaway offering hearty vegetarian options like falafel bowls and tempeh wraps. Pair your meal with one of their refreshing cold-pressed juices.

Canggu: Hip and Healthy Dining

Canggu, where the surf is epic, and the food is even better. This area is teeming with vegetarian options to fuel your wave-catching adventures, or lounging, no judgment.

• Shady Shack: Everything here is as vibrant as Canggu’s sunsets. Don’t skip their vegan nachos or any of their salads. They make greens exciting, which should be illegal.

• Samadi Bali: This spot doubles as a yoga retreat. Come for the yoga, stay for the vegan waffles. Yes, you heard that right, waffles.

• The Avocado Factory: Every millennial’s dream. Avocado toast, guacamole, avo smoothies, they’ve got it all.

Canggu is where surfers, digital nomads, and foodies converge, and it’s no surprise the vegetarian scene here is as vibrant as its sunsets.

• Peloton Supershop: A vegan café that doubles as a bike shop. Don’t let the quirky setup fool you. Their “Tricken Waffles” (vegan chicken and waffles) are serious business.

• Moana Fish Eatery (Veggie Menu Available): Known for their seafood, but their vegetarian menu is equally stellar. Try the vegan poke bowl for a refreshing, tropical twist.

• Café Vida: This spot offers organic, sustainably sourced vegetarian dishes with bold flavors. Their zucchini spaghetti with cashew cream sauce is a knockout.

• Crate Café: Popular with the early-morning crowd, Crate serves generous portions of vegetarian favorites like avo toast, smoothie bowls, and their famous “Brekkie Crate.”

Denpasar & Other Areas

While Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu tend to hog the spotlight, there are hidden gems in less touristy areas, too.

• Govinda’s Vegetarian: A cozy spot in Denpasar serving vegetarian Indian dishes that are flavorful and comforting. You’ll leave with a full belly and zero regrets.

• Warung Rama: This little warung is a budget traveler’s dream. Their tempeh curry is as rich as Elon Musk, but way more satisfying.

Denpasar and its neighboring areas might not be as flashy as Ubud or Canggu, but they’re home to some true culinary treasures.

• Warung Padmasari (Legian): A small, unassuming warung with authentic Indonesian vegetarian dishes. Try the tempeh curry, it’s rich, aromatic, and ridiculously affordable.

• Livingwell Bali (Sanur): A cozy café focused on health-conscious eating. Their vegan pancakes and superfood smoothies are worth the trip to Sanur.

• Warung Sopa: Scattered across Bali, these humble warungs offer vegetarian versions of local dishes. Their veggie-packed nasi goreng is a simple yet delicious classic.

14 Must-Try Vegetarian Dishes in Bali

If you think vegetarian food is all salads and sadness, Bali is here to prove you wrong.

Bali’s vegetarian dishes are more than just sustenance. They’re a celebration of flavor, culture, and creativity. The island’s chefs and street vendors alike have mastered the art of transforming humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Whether you’re dining in a five-star restaurant or a cozy warung, here’s what you absolutely must try:

1. Nasi Campur (Vegetarian)

Think of this as the Indonesian version of a sampler platter. Nasi campur is a bed of fluffy rice surrounded by an assortment of side dishes. For vegetarians, this might include tempeh or tofu satay, sambal goreng (spicy fried tempeh or tofu), stir-fried greens, and more. It’s like getting five meals in one, and every bite is a surprise.

2. Gado-Gado

This dish literally means “mix-mix,” which is exactly what it is, a mix of boiled vegetables, tofu, and tempeh, all drenched in a luscious peanut sauce. The sauce is the star here: creamy, slightly sweet, and with a hint of spice. Bonus points if you find a version topped with crispy emping (crackers made from melinjo nuts).

3. Tempeh & Tofu Satay

Forget about meat skewers. In Bali, tempeh and tofu take center stage when it comes to satay. The skewers are marinated in spices, grilled to perfection, and slathered with a rich peanut sauce. Pair them with a side of steamed rice, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

4. Sayur Lodeh

A comforting vegetable stew made with coconut milk, turmeric, and a mix of veggies like jackfruit, eggplant, and long beans. It’s creamy, mildly spiced, and perfect for a rainy afternoon in Ubud.

5. Lawar (Vegetarian Version)

Traditional lawar often contains minced meat, but vegetarian versions use chopped green beans, grated coconut, and an array of Balinese spices. It’s a texture-lover’s dream: crunchy, nutty, and packed with flavor.

6. Pepes Tahu or Pepes Tempeh

These little flavor bombs are tofu or tempeh wrapped in banana leaves, mixed with aromatic herbs, and steamed to perfection. The banana leaf imparts a smoky, earthy flavor that’s absolutely addictive.

7. Bubur Injin (Black Rice Pudding)

Who says vegetarians can’t indulge their sweet tooth? Bubur injin is a traditional Balinese dessert made from black sticky rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar. It’s sweet, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, like a tropical hug in a bowl.

8. Sambal Goreng Tempeh

This dish is simple but unforgettable. Tempeh cubes are fried until crispy, then tossed in a sticky, spicy sambal sauce. It’s sweet, salty, and spicy all at once, basically, a party for your taste buds.

9. Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana)

A street food classic! Bananas are battered, fried until golden, and often served with a drizzle of palm sugar syrup or a side of coconut ice cream. It’s a snack, a dessert, and an excuse to eat more bananas.

10. Jackfruit Rendang

Jackfruit is the chameleon of the vegetarian world, and Balinese chefs know how to work their magic with it. Jackfruit rendang mimics the rich, slow-cooked spices of the traditional beef dish, but with a texture that’s tender yet meaty.

11. Urab (Balinese Salad)

This isn’t your average salad. Urab combines steamed vegetables (like long beans, spinach, or bean sprouts) with shredded coconut, fried shallots, and a touch of sambal. It’s fresh, zesty, and unapologetically Balinese.

12. Balinese Corn Fritters

Locally known as perkedel jagung, these golden fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re seasoned with garlic, shallots, and a pinch of chili, perfect as a snack or side dish.

13. Tempeh Goreng

Sometimes, simple is best. Tempeh goreng is just tempeh, lightly seasoned and fried until golden brown. Pair it with a spicy sambal, and you’ll understand why tempeh is a Balinese staple.

14. Es Campur

Cool off with this colorful dessert. Es campur (literally “mixed ice”) is a medley of shaved ice, sweet syrup, fruits, grass jelly, and sometimes coconut or condensed milk. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and exactly what you need after a spicy meal.

Bali’s vegetarian food is as diverse as the island itself. Whether you’re savoring a hearty jackfruit rendang or cooling off with a bowl of es campur, every dish is an adventure in flavor. So, grab your fork (or your hands, nobody’s judging) and start exploring!

Tips for Vegetarian Travelers in Bali

Traveling vegetarian doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Here’s how to make your Bali experience even better:

• Learn Some Basics: “Saya vegetarian” (I’m vegetarian) will be your go-to phrase. Want to ensure no fish sauce sneaks in? Say, “Tanpa daging, ayam, atau ikan.” (No meat, chicken, or fish.)

• Use Apps: HappyCow is your best friend. It’s like Google Maps but for your stomach.

• Embrace the Warungs: Don’t let their humble appearance fool you. Many small warungs have incredible vegetarian options. Just double-check for sneaky shrimp paste.

Sustainable Dining in Bali

Bali takes eco-consciousness seriously, and many vegetarian spots are leading the charge. From banning plastic straws to sourcing locally grown ingredients, these restaurants are as kind to the planet as they are to your taste buds.

A few eco-friendly heroes to support:

• Zero Waste Bali: As the name suggests, they’re all about reducing waste. Their plant-based dishes are creative and guilt-free.

• The Seeds of Life (Ubud): Known for raw vegan eats and their focus on sustainable practices.

By choosing these restaurants, you’re not just having a great meal. You’re contributing to a greener Bali.

Conclusion

Bali has officially leveled up the vegetarian game. From Ubud’s holistic havens to Seminyak’s trendsetting spots, this island proves that plant-based eating doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or adventure. So why stick to bland veggie curries when you could savor a tempeh rendang that’s practically art on a plate?

Here’s your challenge: take this guide, explore those incredible restaurants, and let Bali surprise you. Post about your favorites, tag the chefs, and keep the vegetarian love alive! Food isn’t just a meal here, it’s a movement. Now go out there and eat your heart out (responsibly, of course). Oh, and don’t forget to pack stretchy pants. You’ll thank me later.

Craving more plant-based gems, cultural tips, and hidden foodie finds? Our Bali Travel Guide has everything you need to explore the island deliciously and mindfully.