This vegan Bali guide was originally published as a guest article by Candy Tolentino in February 2018. It was extensively updated and revamped in April 2020 by Chloe Press.
Bali is well known for its gorgeous beaches, awesome shopping scene, wide variety of yoga retreats, buzzing nightlife, fascinating culture and stunning temples.
And of course, the most amazing food! In addition to all the luxury resorts in Bali, there is so much to be mystified by there, and the vegan food is certainly at the top of the list.
Bali is one of the top vegan travel destinations worldwide, and for good reason.
I absolutely love Bali. I’ve spent a total of two months there, and I’m sure I will be back in the future. Just thinking about the island evokes feelings of zen, tranquility and beauty. It truly is paradise, making it a perfect holiday location or traveling destination.
Bali has a lot to offer particularly when it comes to food. There is a big focus on health and wellness, and this is reflected in the food available, with most parts of Bali offering plenty of healthy eateries.
Although, if that’s not your thing there are plenty of not so healthy restaurants also. Whether the food is health focused or not, it is usually delicious, I rarely have a disappointing meal in Bali!
Throughout the island, there is a huge variety of food available, with lots of it being vegan friendly. It’s a must-visit place for any vegan foodies out there. You’ll struggle to find another place with such a large amount of amazing vegan food.
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Vegan Cooking Classes in Bali
Traditional Indonesian cuisine is already pretty vegan-friendly, with both tofu and tempeh featuring prominently in many local dishes. In fact, tempeh was invented in Indonesia! And just in case you didn't realize, yes, Bali is part of Indonesia.
Since local chefs are already used to cooking with these ingredients, you’ll have no trouble finding cooking classes in Bali that cater for vegan travelers.
Giridhari Vegetarian
An inexpensive, local eatery near the island’s southern tip that serves all vegetarian and mostly vegan dishes. They also offer cooking classes where you can learn how to make your own mock meat.
Pemulan Bali Farm Cooking School
Located in Ubud, this farm and cooking school is open every day and offers cooking classes with or without a trip to the local market beforehand. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you may be in a group with other students cooking omnivore meals.
Kin Vegan Cooking Class
Many people highly recommend this all-vegan cooking class located inside the Seminyak flea market. The menu includes tempeh curry, tofu fritters and mushrooms in banana leaves. Participants seem to love the chef, Tommy, and his sense of humor.
But if you’re not into learning to cook yourself, there are plenty of vegan, vegan-friendly and vegetarian restaurants that will prepare delicious vegan food for you!
Bali is more than beaches, palm trees and sunsets. The vegan Bali food scene is amazing too!
Vegan Bali: Kuta
I’ll start off in the super-touristic area of Kuta. I always begin my travels there, as it’s right next to the airport and makes a quick and easy stop after a long day of travel. I also happen to like the place, despite the fact that I don’t drink OR party late into the night.
Kuta is no Ubud, or even Canggu, where the word “vegan” practically lines the streets. Kuta is the hub of Australian tourism, with lots of hustle and bustle, but somehow still manages to exude a remote charm.
It’s very mainstream though, so imagine my surprise when, while walking along one of the busiest streets in the tourist area, I happened upon a sign that said “vegan and vegetarian specialties here”.
Il Tempio
Gourmet vegan dining at a mainstream tourist restaurant in Kuta.
Indonesian food — with its signature tempeh, rice, tofu, noodles, curries, and many vegetable dishes — never leaves you never short on vegan choices no matter where you go. But to see a sign pointing out vegan specialties in this part of the island makes me very excited.
What excited me even more was what was to come when I ordered. Who knew that in a very mainstream, touristy restaurant, I’d find such an artfully-prepared, imaginative, healthy, gourmet vegan dish?!
I truly loved the creative blending of the couscous with the perfectly-grilled vegetables and the delicately-spiced vegan pesto on the side.
The salad with the “beet caviar” (who in the freak has ever heard of beet caviar!?) proved to be the absolute perfect compliment. I was awe-struck. Pure culinary pleasure.
Bali's not the only place in this part of the world with great vegan food. Keep an eye out for these 10 vegan dishes not to miss in Southeast Asia.
Vegan Bali: Seminyak
Seminyak is just north of Kuta and is an increasingly popular part of Bali. It’s modern and stylish with a great atmosphere. This part of Bali is well known for its boutique shops, its great surfing and its gorgeous restaurants.
There’s tons of vegan food in Seminyak. With plenty of vegan restaurants and restaurants offering vegan options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are a couple of restaurants that I can recommend if you are in the Seminyak area.
Kynd Cafe
Kynd cafe is a completely plant-based restaurant, ice cream shop, and bar in Seminyak. The restaurant itself is fun and vibrant. It has a very modern and hip vibe and is perfect for those wanting to get some good shots for Instagram.
It’s not just about the decor though. The food available is just as pretty as the place itself. It looks good and tastes fresh and healthy.
They have a huge variety of options available here. Just a few of these include salads, burgers, nachos, gourmet toasts, cakes, waffles, freak shakes… sounds good right?
One of the most popular items on the menu is their smoothie bowls. They’re really cute and come topped with a word of your choice made from cut out pieces of mango. Great for shutterbugs!
I opted for a simple berries and cream smoothie… it did not disappoint!
Earth Cafe & Market
Another great spot in Seminyak is Earth Cafe. It’s a really cool vegan cafe that has a huge focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle and offers some really tasty food.
They also have a shop selling all kinds of amazing products that are environmentally friendly and sustainably produced. You’ll find a huge range of items in the shop, from cosmetics to clothing to food and loads more. It’s definitely worth checking out!
The food in the cafe is organic, nutritious and delicious… need I say more? They have a huge range of items to choose from on their menu, and they cater to a wide range of dietary requirements. With options that are wheat-free, nut-free, gluten-free and raw vegan, there is something for everybody here.
They also have another location in Ubud, which I have heard is really cool. It’s attached to the world’s first vegan organic cinema, which sounds amazing. I will definitely be visiting when I’m next in Ubud.
If you like Indonesia, you're sure to love Malaysia! Here's where to find the best vegan food in Georgetown, Penang.
Vegan Bali: Ubud
Ubud is a must-visit place if you are in Bali. It’s best known for its gorgeous rice fields, which are completely breathtaking. You can trek through them, soar above them on one of the many swings, or simply admire them from a cafe or infinity pool.
Ubud in particular is well known for its focus on wellbeing and health. You can find yoga pretty much anywhere in Bali, but Ubud really takes it to the next level. There are so many options to choose from, with a huge array of styles available, so there’s something to suit everyone.
The most popular place for yoga in Ubud is called The Yoga Barn. It's a large yoga resort that’s situated in the most beautiful, tranquil surroundings. They have a wide range of daily activities and also have a raw vegan and Ayurvedic cafe and juice bar. It's the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.
There is an endless amount of vegan food options in Ubud. It can be hard to know which to choose! Here are some that I visited during my time in town and loved.
Sawobali
I came across this place on my first night in Ubud, and it was such a great find! It's a completely vegan and gluten-free all you can eat buffet. The price is incredibly reasonable, and the variety of yummy food on offer is amazing.
This restaurant seems to be quite popular and always has customers piling their plates. I returned here four times while staying in Ubud, and each time there were loads of delicious dishes available.
They have soup, bread, salad, sauces, dressings, more than 10 different main dishes and desserts, all included in the buffet. Among the main dishes you’ll find tofu dishes, vegetable dishes, tempeh, curries, potato dishes, mock meats, etc.
Also, they are constantly replenishing items, so there’s no worry about things running out or the food not being fresh.
I just had to try everything that they had on offer, and it was all really tasty. My favorite items were the mashed potato, which was so creamy, and the yellow tofu vegetable curry. Amazing!
As well as having the awesome buffet, they do also have a regular menu you can order from and an impressive selection of scrumptious looking cakes. These aren’t all vegan, but a lot of them are. I tried the vegan chocolate mousse cake, which was rich and delicious.
There are so many options at Sawobali, and you can eat as much as you like!
Clear Cafe
Clear cafe is an ultra-stylish establishment in the heart of Ubud, although they do also have a branch in Canggu. The cafe itself has a very zen and calming feel to it and is a really stunning place to have a meal.
They are mainly a vegan/vegetarian restaurant, but they do also have some fish options on the menu. The real focus here is on serving up healthy food, and they pride themselves on using local produce.
Clear Cafe’s combination of modern and beautiful decor with delicious food makes it an absolute winner and a must-try!
On my visit, I was really feeling like something sweet, so I opted for the brownie à-la-mode, and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was rich and chocolatey with creamy coconut ice cream and fresh strawberries on top. Yum!
Chocolate brownie with strawberries and coconut ice cream… what a treat!
Alchemy
Alchemy is another raw-food hot spot in Ubud. It has great atmosphere, the best salad bar in the world (I know, I know, it’s a SALAD BAR, but it’s really good!) and genuinely well-flavored food that makes you forget you’re eating raw.
The raw Vietnamese spring rolls at Alchemy are perfect for a starter or snack.
The Seeds of Life
Another great place to get a raw food pizza is at The Seeds of Life raw vegan café in Ubud. I eat a lot of raw vegan in Bali, maybe because of the heat, but also because it’s so plentiful and just darn good!
The Seeds of Life have really mindful, innovative food, and I just LOVE their (bamboo?!) utensils!
Vegan Bali: Canggu
Canggu is on the south coast of Bali. It offers a great mix of chilled out vibes along with a good party scene. The beautiful beaches here make it popular among surfers, and the whole place has a very cool, laid-back surfer vibe. There’s also great yoga in Canggu and some gorgeous hipster shops.
I love Canggu for the beaches, the shops, the bars and the atmosphere, but most of all for the vegan food. It's a vegan heaven; these people know good food!
It’s so easy to find vegan food in Canggu. Just simply take a stroll down the main street, Pantai Berawa, and you’ll see so many restaurants that are either completely vegan or have a large amount of vegan options.
Two of the places I’m recommending here aren’t actually on Pantai Berawa but just off it on Jalan Tanah Barak. But these are just some of sooo many amazing restaurants in Canggu that you have to try.
The Shady Shack
The Shady Shack is a vegetarian restaurant with lots of awesome vegan options on the menu. This place epitomizes the laid back, slightly rustic vibe of Canggu. It has a very surfer feel to it and is the perfect place to grab that appetizing brunch.
The food they offer is full of vibrant colors, super healthy and seriously yummy. They have loads of options available. Far too many to list, in fact, but these include wraps, smoothie bowls, salads, burgers, and some yummy desserts. Try the sweet potato gnocchi with almond feta cheese!
I Am Vegan Babe
I Am Vegan Babe is a must-try place for any vegans who are in Canggu, and non-vegans will love it too! They have a huge menu that is packed with so many delicious options, it's hard to believe that it is all 100% vegan. The tough part is choosing what to have!
Whether you are fancying something fresh and light or something a bit more naughty, there is sure to be something for you on the menu at I Am Vegan Babe. They have burgers, nachos, desserts, smoothie bowls, salads and oh so much more.
I ordered a huge stack of fluffy, mouth-watering pancakes served with fresh fruit and ice cream. So good!
The most beautiful pancakes I’ve ever seen
The Green Guru
I can’t possibly talk about Canggu and not give a quick mention to The Green Guru. It’s a small smoothie bowl bar that serves the most amazing bowls.
Their smoothie bowls are the best I have ever eaten, and I have eaten quite a few smoothie bowls in my time.
Ever since my stay in Canggu, I’ve been constantly on the lookout for a smoothie bowl as good as the ones I had at the Green Guru. But alas, I have not found one yet.
There are loads of options to choose from, each with a different and delicious smoothie blend. They use homemade granola in all of their bowls, and each bowl comes with its own winning combination of toppings. These toppings include homemade peanut butter, coconut flakes, cocoa nibs, loads of fresh fruit, seeds and more!
The bowls are really filling, because the staff give you a good-sized portion and pack on such a wide variety of toppings. They are beautiful to look at and so, so tasty to eat! Definitely try one for yourself.
The most gorgeous smoothie bowls, they taste as good as they look
Want to see even more delicious vegan food in Canggu?
Check out my vegan guide to Canggu right here on The Nomadic Vegan!
Where to Stay in Bali
Komune Resort & Beach Club
Komune Resort and Beach Club
Vegan Food at Komune Resort and Beach Club
This eco-friendly resort is located on the lush East Coast of Bali. They make it easy to have a healthy holiday with a range of fitness & wellness, environmentally friendly initiatives like going single use plastic free, and plenty of plant-based menu options.
Komune offers three distinct menus, all of which include delicious vegan options. In particular, the Health Hub menu focuses on vegan and gluten-free meals made with fresh produce from their on-site garden and other local producers.
The pool at the Beach Club is available to children to use with adult supervision, while the outdoor pool with beach view at the Health Hub is strictly for adults only. Additional facilities include massage treatments and a spa.
Click here to see more photos and read reviews of Komune Resort and Beach Club.
more recommended hotels in Bali
Click here for recommended hotels and resorts in Seminyak.
Click here for recommended hotels and resorts in Ubud.
Click here for recommended hotels and resorts in Canggu.
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I hope you love the vegan Bali scene as much as I do! If your favorite restaurant in Bali isn't listed here, share it in the comments below!
About the Author
Chloe Press
Hi, I’m Chloe, I’m a freelance content writer currently backpacking in Asia. I am passionate about all things travel and vegan and I love to write. Please get in touch via chloepress@hotmail.co.uk or follow my travels on Instagram.
That’s a fantastic list of eateries and those pictures are so inviting…. !!
Thanks Valentina! I agree; I would love to go back to Bali and eat at all these places. I was there many years ago, back in 2004!
Wendy! You haven’t been since 2004??! I am SHOCKED! From what I hear, it’s a completely different place now! (I never went until 2015!) As you can see, a vegan mecca now, and with yoga places on every other block. I simply love it! You have to make your way back asap, seriously! :):)
Ha ha, yes I know! And I wasn’t vegan back then, so I wasn’t really looking especially for those types of places. I’d love to go back, it’s just that Southeast Asia is the one region of the world that I’ve already covered extremely thoroughly, and I tend to prefer exploring new places rather than revisiting ones I’ve already been to. But I’m sure Bali would be worth a visit just for the food alone!
SERIOUSLY would! (But then again, I’m a girl who will go to Athens just for the raw vegan ravioli). 🙂 Someday soon I’m sure you will find yourself back there…after you explore the 50 other countries perhaps you haven’t visited yet that are worth seeing! 😉
Loving your recipes , Awesome giveaway thanks for the opportunity to win this amazing prize…..
I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog, Loretta. Good luck in the giveaway!
Can you recommend any places to stay in Bali? I may be visiting for the weekend next month as I’m travelling to KL for work!
Hi Katie,
I’ll ask our guest blogger Candy if she can recommend any places to stay. Have a great time in Bali!
That’s very interesting and informative as well .Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
AWESOME!
THANK YOU SHARING
My pleasure, I’m glad you found it helpful. Enjoy your time in Bali!
A new place which I’ve become actually obsessed with is Pizza Cult in Ubud. Amazing food, great service, such a cute venue and really affordable. Also a great place to bring your laptop and work from!
Sounds great, thanks for the tip, Grace!