If you are wondering if Bali is a good destination for vegans, you are in the right place. I’m discussing the best vegan food spots in Bali, shops, food markets, and everything vegan.
Is Bali vegan-friendly?
Bali is not just vegan-friendly; it is a haven for vegans and everyone wanting to enjoy vegan food. From western vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants to local warungs that offer vegan options.
Besides restaurants, you can also find good vegan options in local food shops. You can find plant-based milk (Oatside, Oatly, Alpro), vegan cheese (one of my favourites is locally crafted artisan vegan cheese from Treenut Cheezery), plant-based yoghurt, meat substitutes (check out the Green Rebel brand), vegan crisps, vegan chocolate, kombucha and so much more.
Vegan Restaurants and Cafés in Bali
If I tell you that I spent a year living in Bali and still haven’t managed to try all the vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants that Mama Bali offers, then you know how many there are. I will share my favourites for each part of Bali and hopefully help you find some good vegan food. I also have more on my blog, so check out the rest here.
Canggu
Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Canggu
- Warung Dua Hati
- Kynd Community
- Kasto
- Manggis
- I Am Vegan Babe
Ubud
Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Ubud
- Plant Bistro
- Alchemy
- Pizza Cult
- Moksa
- Zest
Seminyak
Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Seminyak
- Kynd Community
- Sauce Tree
- Tasty Vegan
- Veganlicious
- Club Mexicola
Uluwatu
Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Uluwatu
- The Chai
- Alchemy
- Chickpea
- ShRi Cafe
- La Baracca
Amed
Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Amed
- Salt
- Sunset Point View
- Good Stuff Cafe
Sidemen
Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Sidemen
- Anandinii Organic Garden & kitchen
- Sleeping Gajah
- Asri Dining by Samanvaya
Download my free Vegan Starter Kit Guide
Traditional Balinese vegan dishes
Balinese cuisine features several ‘accidentally’ vegan dishes, most of which can be found in vegan versions, so you won’t have to worry about missing out.
- Nasi Campur: A mixed rice dish that can be made vegan by choosing tofu or tempeh and excluding meat and eggs.
- Nasi Goreng: Fried rice dish with pieces of meat or tofu and tempeh, and veggies.
- Gado-Gado: boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce.
- Lawar: Typically made with vegetables, grated coconut, and spices. A vegan version can be prepared using jackfruit or other plant-based ingredients.
Local markets and stores
Bali is home to numerous organic stores and markets where fresh, locally sourced vegan ingredients can be found.
- Road markets: You can find markets with fresh vegetables and fruit on the side of the road, much cheaper than in shops.
- Bali Buda: A chain of health food stores and cafés across the island, providing a wide range of vegan groceries, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Pepito – Supermarket chain across Bali
- Frestive – Supermarket chain across Bali
- Delta – Supermarket in Ubud
- Bintang – Supermarket in Ubud
- La Brisa – Sunday market in Canggu
- Treenut Cheezery – Artisan Vegan Cheese shop in Ubud
Tips for Vegan Travellers in Bali
I wrote another blog post on how to travel as a vegan, so it might be helpful to read it but to focus on Bali, here are a few tips to get you going.
- Learn basic phrases: Knowing a few phrases in Bahasa (Indonesian language) can be helpful. For instance, “Saya vegan” means “I am vegan“, and “Tanpa daging, tanpa telur, tanpa susu” means “Without meat, without eggs, without milk.” My experience was always positive if I spoke in Bahasa. Locals always giggled at my funny accent and appreciated the effort.
- Always ask about the ingredients: While many dishes can be made vegan, it’s important to confirm the ingredients, as fish sauce and shrimp paste are commonly used in Indonesian cooking.
- Explore local cuisine: Try traditional, local Balinese dishes that are vegan or can be easily adapted. (see the list above)
Vegan Cooking Class
Besides the incredible vegan food you can find around the island, you can also attend one of the vegan cooking classes in Ubud, Bali.
The class is 6 hours long. You start by visiting the local food market. After that, you pick up the veggies from the garden, transfer to the kitchen to make some delicious traditional Indonesian dishes, and basically have the best time ever.
I wrote more about the class here.
Summary – Vegan Food Bali
Bali is THE place if you are looking for delicious vegan food. If you are visiting for a couple of days as a traveller or staying longer, there’s no need to worry about food. My biggest advice is to try local food; it won’t disappoint.
Have you visited Bali yet?
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- Ultimate Vegan Grocery list + printable PDF
- Top 10 Myths About Veganism and Plant-based Diet
- Iron on a vegan diet: Can you get enough?
- Vegan Food in Bali – Is Bali vegan-friendly?
- Top 11 Vegan-friendly Warungs in Ubud, Bali