Balinese food lends itself very well to vegetarian and vegan dishes, and because Bali is so multicultural, it also has some great vegetarian restaurants to choose from.
Our guide will introduce you to the best vegetarian food in Bali and to the best vegetarian restaurants in Bali, too! Then you can eat your meals with confidence, knowing that they’re mainly plant-based and entirely healthy!
The 7 Best Vegetarian Dishes In Bali
Before we get cracking with the best vegetarian restaurants and vegan restaurants in Bali, we’ll get your taste buds tantalised by looking at some of the best local vegetarian meal options.
That way, you’ll know what to order when you get there.
Gado Gado
Vegetarian restaurants in Bali almost all serve Gado Gado if they serve local ingredients and dishes. That’s because it’s a massive raw salad and contains a ton of veggies.
The best vegan restaurants in Bali will make this dish, too, but they will leave out the hard-boiled eggs that are commonly placed on top of the dish and swap them for tofu or tempeh.
The peanut sauce or peanut dressing can be used for dipping, but we prefer to pour it over the salad before we begin eating.
Healthy salads don’t get much better than Gado Gado.
Dadar Gulung
If you want a sweet treat, then head to any of the vegan restaurants in Bali and ask for some Dadur Gulung.
These lovely traditional pancakes are made with no eggs in the batter, and it’s then infused with a pandan extract.
Once the pancakes are crisp, they fill them with sweet, shredded coconut and sprinkle local palm sugar on top. It really doesn’t get much more decadent than this.
We recommend slicing a banana and adding that to the mix if you want to create a breakfast that stands out among the endless line of smoothie bowls.
Nasi Goreng
The most popular version of nasi goreng has meat in it, but almost every warung (local restaurant) serves a vegetarian or even vegan version of nasi goreng.
It’s Indonesia’s answer to fried rice, and it’s rice cooked with veggies, a spice mixture that gives it its incredible flavour and soy sauce.
If the place you visit uses a fish sauce or shrimp paste in their nasi goreng, make sure to ask them to leave it out if you want a truly vegetarian experience.
Mie Goreng
This noodle dish usually has chicken or shrimp as the base, but most warungs will happily use tempeh or tofu, if you ask them nicely, instead.
This dish won’t be found in any vegan restaurants in Bali, however, as the noodles that it uses are an egg-based concoction (though you can substitute ramen noodles that don’t have egg in some warungs).
Mie goreng is a very inexpensive dish and is a staple favourite of many backpackers. We strongly recommend eating this in a warung where it’s a day-to-day standard rather than shelling out a lot of money for it in an expensive vegetarian or vegan restaurant.
Jus Alpukat
This wonderfully weird vegan drink is made with fresh ingredients and is so tasty that you may always want to stay in the place that made it for you.
It’s basically an avocado and coffee milkshake. They make it with milk so that you won’t find it in vegan restaurants in Bali, as well as avocado and coffee powder.
It is very filling, and it’s not too heavy on the coffee, either, so don’t expect to be racing around after you’ve had one.
Lapis
If you prefer your desserts less sweet, then you should get yourself some Lapis, which is a steamed pudding made from coconut ice cream and chocolate.
It can be hard to track down as it’s not available in all vegan restaurants in Bali, or vegetarian restaurants for that matter.
But it’s worth finding as it’s one of those desserts that you can enjoy all day long.
Pisang Goreng
Forget the banana pancakes. Pisang Goreng is the best use of bananas in Indonesia.
These are super sweet banana fritters, and they’re made with a batter that contains no eggs, just flour, vanilla powder, rum, sugar and butter. (So, it’s a vegan-friendly dish if you add a vegan twist and use a vegetable-based butter substitute).
Add a scoop or two of vegan ice cream, and you may never stop eating this wonderfully sugary dish.
The 20 Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Bali
Friends Bar
Plant-based menus don’t get as enticing as they are at Friends Bar in Canggu. One of our meat-eating friends remarked, “This is the kind of great food that could turn a carnivore vegan!”
While this is no longer an entirely vegan restaurant, it still has plenty of plant-based goodness on the menu. It’s light and airy, and the beers keep coming, and their cocktail happy hour is fantastic.
Do you want a healthy lifestyle mixed with a touch of modern hip vibes and a delicious menu that really delivers for all of your party? Friends Bar is the best you can do. It’s plant-based awesomeness and there’s even food for your more carnivorous mates.
Where Is It?Jl. Subak Sari, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Friends Bar
Kynd Community
Kynd is a vegetarian place, but you can certainly ask them to adapt their tasty dishes to the needs of vegans.
Their plant-based ramen is one of our favourite vegan bowls on the island, and Kynd Community has a really extensive menu that makes it easy to experiment with your eating, too.
Many of their delicious dishes use traditional spices, and you can find a vegan rendang, for example, that vegan foodies will rave about for months after visiting this place.
They say that their mission is simple: they want to spread kindness around the world, and we can see Kynd Community succeeding with that ambition, too.
Where Is It? Jalan Petitenget No.12 Kerobokan Kelod, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Kynd Community
I Am Vegan Babe
I Am Vegan Babe is one of the longest-established and best vegan restaurants in Bali. They’re ideal for both vegetarians and vegans to try fresh organic ingredients combined with authentic Asian flavours and International concepts.
They’ll be happy to ensure that your meal is gluten-free at this all-vegan restaurant, too.
This place is also popular with digital nomads, as they are okay with you working on your laptop while you dine and drink. Just be warned, the music can get a little loud at times.
Try the mushroom burger or vegan cheeseburger, as they are quite sensational, and then have a side of sweet potato chips. Yum.
Where Is It? Jl. Tanah Barak No.49, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: Facebook
Moksa
Mokas is Ubud’s best-known plant-based restaurant, and they use fresh local ingredients to great effect.
The Chef’s bowl is based on sustainable living principles, and it’s super tasty as part of a healthy meal at this vegan restaurant.
They also offer cooking classes and lessons on how to gather your food in their permaculture garden.
If you like raw living foods, then this is one of the places with a great selection for you to choose from.
Where Is It? Ubud II Kutuh, Jl. Puskesmas, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Mokas Ubud
Mad Pops
This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Bali for ice cream. The folks at Mad Pops discovered that coconut milk could be as versatile in creating sweet, creamy treats as cow’s milk.
The texture isn’t identical to ordinary dairy ice cream, but it’s very close, and these ice creams will withstand the heat of the Bali day better than dairy options.
Everything here is gluten-free and lactose-free, and there’s no doubt in our minds that if you want an ice cream or a milkshake and you want it plant-based, you can’t find anywhere that’s in the same league as Mad Pops.
Just don’t expect vegan pizzas or a gluten-free lasagne because this is an ice cream parlour only.
Where Is It? Jl. Kayu Aya No.48, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Mad Pops Bali
Alchemy
This restaurant in Bali is also a raw vegan culinary academy, and you can get lessons before or after you enjoy food in one of the best vegan restaurants in Bali.
Their smoothie bowls are very good, and their vegan sushi rolls are simply the best we’ve ever tasted. No, they don’t serve fish – it’s all plant-based cuisine.
We love the excellent food here and would also happily come back for their creative range of drinks, which all depend on plant-based ingredients.
The spinach omelette may be the best no-egg omelette that we’ve ever eaten anywhere in the world.
Where Is It? Jl. Penestanan Kelod No.75, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Alchemy
Clear Cafe
Clear Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant that also serves pescatarian food. If you’re a vegan, you will need to explain that while ordering, and they will happily adapt most dishes for you.
The Jamur Fettucine Alfredo was a real hit with our usually carnivorous companion. Still, for us, the winner of the day was the banana cheesecake (which is vegetarian but not vegan). It was so fresh and moist.
This is quite a traditional location, and you will be expected to remove your shoes before you enter the dining area.
The service is also very relaxed, and it’s different from the kind of place that you want to visit when you’re in a hurry.
Where Is It? Jl. Hanoman No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Clear Cafe
Akasha
Akasha bills itself as a “health food” restaurant, and it has both vegan and vegetarian menu options.
It’s very beautiful inside, and Instagram snappers are going to love spending time in Akasha.
There’s also a nice outdoor terrace where you can sit and get some sumptuous views of the rice terraces.
Akasha also puts heavy emphasis on environmental friendliness, and the menu is designed to use as many local farmers’ products as possible.
Feel free to discuss any dietary restrictions you have with the staff. They will be happy to accommodate you.
Where Is It? Jl. Sinta, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Online: Facebook
Falafel Temple
This cute little restaurant has large portions at very reasonable prices.
We like the Middle Eastern Cuisine at Falafel Temple very much, indeed, and we recommend the mezze sharing plate if you bring a vegetarian friend with you.
All the food at Falafel Temple is vegetarian, and if you want an authentic taste of Morocco in Bali, you can’t go wrong here.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.35, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Spice Mantraa Indian Cuisine
Spice Mantraa is all about awesome Indian food, and it has both a vegan and a vegetarian menu.
If you’re looking for ayurvedic gourmet recipes delivered in a modern setting right near the Discovery Mall, this is the place that you’re looking for.
You know it’s authentic as it’s often packed out with well-to-do Indian tourists getting a taste of home.
Try the Vada Pav Sliders and the Pani Puri, they’re very yummy!
Where Is It? Jl. Kartika Plaza No.20, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Spice Mantraa
The Shala Bali Mumbai Station
The Shala Bali is a wellness resort, and if you want some phenomenal food in between your luxury spa treatments and yoga classes, the Mumbai Station is where it’s at.
The food covers a range of options, but there are both vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.
The location among the rice paddies is absolutely lovely, and their chocolate treats are mouth-watering perfection.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.90, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80517, Indonesia
Online: Facebook
The Elephant
Billing themselves as “Earth friendly food” you can get a truly amazing vegetarian meal at The Elephant.
Sit outside and watch the sun slowly pass over the rice fields and enjoy some Gorilla Salad (no gorillas are involved in the making of this salad) and some of their delicious smashed potatoes!
Then, move on to their brownie, which many say is the best brownie in all of Bali.
Where Is It? Hotel Taman Indrakila, Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: The Elephant
Tanaman
This experimental plant-based restaurant is only open in the evening, so don’t head there for a vegetarian lunch, or you’re going to be disappointed.
They pride themselves on the highest standards of food, and the presentation is absolutely ideal for your Instagram feed.
They have a 7-course degustation menu if you want to try everything, but you can also graze an a la carte menu and consume as much or as little as you would like.
The wine pairings (and yes, the wine is vegan) are excellent, too, and it’s nice to see that Dom, the Head Chef, has put a lot of time into ensuring each mouthful really complements the dishes that they serve here.
Our favourite dish is the pickle dust and onion waste powder, which dances on the tongue.
Where Is It? Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Tanaman
Sakti Dining Room
This vegetarian restaurant is very upscale, and it’s a good idea to dress to impress here.
It’s in the swanky Fivelements resort, and if you have a special occasion to celebrate in Bali, we recommend a trip to the Sakti Dining Room.
One thing that surprised us was how reasonable the prices are. It’s a 5-star place, but the final bill certainly wasn’t that “fine dining surprise” of some of Bali’s other top eateries.
We really enjoyed our mushroom and laksa soups and found that the superfood salad was amazing value for money.
The coconut cappuccino was a delicious plant-based treat, too.
Take a camera to capture the bamboo design of the restaurant and its lovely location on a gently flowing river.
Where Is It? Puri Ahimsa Banjar Baturning, Mambal, Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali 80352, Indonesia
Online: Fivelements
The Shady Shack Bali
The Shady Shack is among Bali’s most popular vegetarian restaurants, and it’s easy to see why when you go.
Its location near a small rice field gives it a feeling of authenticity, and the menu is richly varied, with food from all corners of the globe made with local ingredients.
Everyone raves about the nachos, and we have to admit we were impressed with them, too. They have a delightful crunch that really goes well with the sauce and vegetable accompaniments.
The vegan Oreo stuffed cookie, however, is the star of the show, and we’ve never had such a tasty plant-based cookie before in our lives.
Given its reasonable prices, The Shady Shack is one of those places you can visit over and over again.
Where Is It? Jl. Tanah Barak No.53, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: The Shady Shack, Bali
Lazy Cats Cafe
This is the perfect place for dining with vegetarian friends. The food is very homely and beautifully presented.
The veggie burger is the kind of standout burger that even Gordon Ramsey might give up meat for.
It’s not a mighty mushroom burger but rather a plant-based patty that has a wonderful mouth feel.
Sadly, there are no cats here (neither lazy nor hard-working ones), but if you want great vegetarian food in a pleasant setting, Lazy Cats Caffe delivers in spades.
It’s very easy to while away an entire afternoon on the food and drinks and ambience.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Ubud No.11, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Facebook
Sayuri Healing Food
Sayuri Healing Food is all about raw food and healthy eating to create a healing environment for the mind, body and soul.
It has an extremely boho feel to it, and that’s going to appeal to most vegetarians seeking a home away from home in Bali.
One thing we really love about this place is the range of fresh juices, plant-based tonics and cacao drinks that they have on offer. We could spend a day just drinking these healthy treats.
They’ve got the presentation down pat, too, and you’ll want a camera to fill your Instagram feed with their wonderful creations.
Where Is It? Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.2, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Sayuri Healing Food
Bodhi Leaf Eatery
This is a vegetarian cafe that brings healthy food to the table at a price almost everyone can afford. It’s no wonder that it gets super busy at lunchtime.
Their use of fresh ingredients to create a wide range of choices (from a Cantonese platter to a Minestrone) is world-class.
You can also buy organic items to take home after your meal.
We like to stop at the Bodhi Leaf Eatery for a coffee, too, as their roaster delivers excellent local blends that really are super tasty.
The only downside of eating here is that it can be very casual in its service, and you won’t get your meal fast if you’re in a hurry.
Where Is It? Jl. Letda Made Putra No.2B, Dauh Puri, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80232, Indonesia
Online: Facebook
Earth Cafe Bali
The Earth Cafe in Bali is all about plant-based organic foods and in a Mediterranean-style restaurant.
Try their lemongrass tofu wrap or the Jerusalem wrap, they’re so tasty and the portion size is very generous.
The iced coffees are good as they use cold, fresh coconut milk to add a creamy smoothness without any dairy in sight!
They have an organic produce market on site, too, so you can always stock up on grocery items if you want to cook at home later.
Vegan cafes don’t get much better than this. Try their vegan boba, too, it’s great!
Where Is It? Jl. Goutama Sel., Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Online: Earth Cafe
FINNS Beach Club
FINNS Beach Club is the best beach club in the world, and it couldn’t have that title if it didn’t ensure that vegan and vegetarian guests were catered to, could it?
In fact, you’ll find that all of our 3 restaurants and 7 kitchens offer some tasty vegan and vegetarian options. And if you have friends that don’t eat plant-based, that’s okay. We cater to them too.
If you’re looking for a relaxed sundowner or an all-day session, then come to FINNS, and we’ll make sure you get the tasty plant-based grub that you need to have a great time.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: FINNS Beach Club
FAQ
Is Vegetarian Food Available In Bali?
Yes, of course! In 2023, we’re still determining if there’s anywhere in the world where you can’t find at least some vegetarian restaurants.
But there are so many vegetarian restaurants and vegan restaurants in Bali that you can’t go wrong if you’re on a plant-based diet.
What Is The Best Vegetarian Food In Bali, Indonesia?
Gado Gado is the most popular vegetarian food in Bali. The name “gado” means “mix” and the name is essentially “mix-mix”.
What it describes is a mixed salad with a peanut sauce you can dip things in. It’s often served as a main course, but it can also be served as a starter to share.
How Do I Ask For Vegetarian Food In Bali?
If you’re not in a vegan restaurant or one of the vegetarian restaurants in Bali, you will need to let the staff know that you’re a vegetarian.
Try saying, “Saya vegetarian,” which means “I am vegetarian“. And if that fails, you can tell someone you don’t eat meat using “saya tidak makan daging“.
“No meat, please” will translate as “tolong jangan isi daging“.
Is Indonesian Food Good For Vegetarians?
Yes. While it’s fair to say that Bali is free of much of the heavy concern over different meats compared to somewhere like India, local taste buds really like plant-based food.
Indonesian dishes will often use tempeh (we’ve been impressed by “tempeh ribs”, in fact) and tahu (the local name for “tofu”) instead of meat.
These tasty proteins make it very easy to have great Indonesian food, even in a restaurant that isn’t a vegetarian restaurant.
Are There Vegan Restaurants In Bali? Where Do I Get Vegan Food?
Yes, there are vegan restaurants in Bali. In fact, many of the restaurants on this list serve vegan food or can make their vegetarian dishes into vegan food if you ask, we certainly do at FINNS.
Restaurants like I Am Vegan Babe are very clearly vegan restaurants but feel free to ask if dishes on a menu anywhere in Bali can be adapted into vegan dishes.
We’ve found that you don’t need to eat in the best vegan restaurants in Bali to get great vegan food. Even traditional burger joints are now stocking vegan burgers and vegan desserts.
Final Thoughts On Vegetarian Food Bali
Good food is the name of the game in Bali’s vegetarian scene, and there are so many great food options and restaurants to choose from.
Our guide has helped you decide where to have your next great vegetarian feed.
Read also:
The 40 Best Vegan Restaurants In Bali– Where To Find The Tastiest Vegan Food On The Island
The Ultimate Guide To Seminyak Restaurants: All The Best Restaurants In Seminyak In One Place
Tips And Tipping In Bali: Everything You Need To Know About Island Tip Culture
