Look, Bali ain't just about beach clubs and yoga anymore. You’ll find some of the best vegetarian friendly food in Bali in places you’d never expect—like a warung down a sketchy alley or a café that looks like it belongs in Canggu but is randomly in Ubud. I’ve been living here off and on for years, driving people around, giving food recs, and yeah... tasting a lot. So believe me when I say this: if you’re vegetarian, Bali is gonna treat you like royalty.
Right off the bat—yes, “vegetarian friendly food in Bali” is totally a thing. And not in the “here’s a sad side salad and plain rice” kinda way. I’m talking loaded smoothie bowls, jackfruit tacos, mushroom satay skewers, and yes—tempeh everything. Tempeh here isn’t the weird rubbery stuff you get in the West. In Bali? It’s crispy, marinated, fried, and downright addictive.
Read also: Best Things to Do in Bali With Kids
A lotta places cater specifically to vegetarians or vegans, and even the traditional Balinese dishes can often be made meat-free. You just gotta know where to look (and what to ask). And I got you.
Ubud—The OG Vegetarian Food Heaven in Bali
If you’re into yoga pants, coconut lattes, or just wanna eat clean without trying too hard, Ubud is your jam. This town is basically the heart of the Bali wellness scene. I swear every third person you bump into is either a vegan or a raw food chef.
Now, let’s get specific. Head to Sayuri Healing Food if you want raw, organic, and full-on Instagrammable dishes. Their raw lasagna? Sounds weird but it’s got layers of zucchini, cashew cheese, and some kinda pesto magic that actually works. Plus, their desserts are like... how is this raw and still this good?
Then there’s Alchemy, which is Bali’s first raw vegan café. The salad bar is legendary. I’m talking pumpkin hummus, fermented veggies, roasted chickpeas, shredded beets—you build your own massive bowl, and they don’t cheap out on portions.
You also got Warung Sopa, more of a down-to-earth local feel. Their tempeh curry is creamy, spicy, and totally meat-free. Plus they use coconut milk, so it's all good if you're dairy-free too. Super cheap compared to the trendy cafés, but just as good.
Also, weird tip: Ubud Market has some small food stalls early in the morning that’ll whip up vegetarian nasi campur (mixed rice). Just tell 'em “tidak daging” (no meat), and they usually got tofu, veggies, eggs, and sambal ready to go.
Canggu—Hipster Central with Plant-Based Everything
Canggu’s like the cool younger cousin of Ubud. Still chill, still full of health food junkies, but with a bit more surf and tattoo energy. Think smoothie bowls and oat milk lattes with someone playing live acoustic guitar in the background.
Start with Shady Shack. It’s not even vegetarian friendly—it’s fully vegetarian. Everything. Their halloumi bowls and vegan burgers are insane. And don’t skip dessert—their coconut cream pies are no joke.
Peloton Supershop is another banger. This place is 100% plant-based and somehow makes vegan food feel like junk food in the best way. BBQ jackfruit tacos, mushroom rendang, and satay skewers that could fool any meat lover. They even have dairy-free cheese that actually melts—miracle.
Oh and Give Café is run by the guys from KYND (more on them in a bit), and all profits go to charity. So yeah, you’re eating good and doing good. Their jackfruit burrito and pumpkin curry? Worth every rupiah.
Quick shoutout: If you're staying near Berawa, check out Café Vida. Organic everything, loads of vegetarian options, and their beetroot latte is like, suspiciously good.
Seminyak—Fancier Vibes, But Still Tons of Vegetarian Love
Alright, Seminyak is a bit more polished. Think beach clubs, nicer villas, and maybe a little more overpriced than the other spots. But the food? Still bomb, and still vegetarian-friendly for sure.
You gotta try KYND Community. Yes, it’s super Instagram-y. Yes, the walls are pink and your smoothie bowl will be shaped like a flower. But it’s not just for show—the food’s genuinely tasty. I still dream about their coconut bacon BLT. Don’t even get me started on the cinnamon scrolls.
Earth Café on Oberoi Street is another solid choice. Kinda a health food store meets vegetarian café. You can sit down for a full meal or grab snacks for later. The tempeh satay with peanut sauce is my go-to when I want something filling.
Also, Nebula has a vegetarian menu section that’s way more than just an afterthought. Their tofu rendang is rich, spicy, and feels like comfort food—minus the meat.
If you’re ever craving sushi, head to Ryoshi and just ask for veggie rolls. They usually got avocado, cucumber, pickled radish—you can build a solid meat-free platter.
Nusa Penida and the Islands—Don’t Worry, You Won’t Starve
So you’re hopping over to Nusa Penida or Lembongan for a few days? Cool. First, bring snacks if you’re picky—these islands are a little behind the vegetarian curve. But it's getting better.
Penida Colada is one of my favs on Nusa Penida. Not only do they have a solid veggie burger (made with lentils and chickpeas), but they also have killer ocean views. Their veggie nasi goreng hits the spot after a hot day of hiking up Kelingking.
On Lembongan, check out Bali Eco Deli. They do wraps, smoothie bowls, fresh juices—super vegetarian friendly. Plus, they’re big on sustainability, which always gets a thumbs up from me.
Also, ask around for local warungs. A lot of them can make vegetarian mie goreng or cap cay—just say “tanpa ayam dan ikan” (no chicken or fish). The trick is being polite but firm. They’ll usually hook you up.
What About Local Balinese Food—Is It Vegetarian Friendly?
Here’s the thing—traditional Balinese cuisine is heavily meat-based, especially with dishes like babi guling (roast pig) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck). But don’t worry, there’s still hope.
You got dishes like lawar, which is usually meat-based, but some warungs now do a veggie version using jackfruit or green beans. Ask for lawar sayur or lawar nangka—you might get lucky.
Gado-Gado is a classic Indonesian dish that’s usually vegetarian—steamed veggies, boiled eggs, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce. Make sure they don’t add shrimp paste (terasi) to the sauce if you’re strict.
Another one to try is urap—a mix of steamed greens tossed in spiced grated coconut. It’s simple but flavorful, and usually meat-free by default. Pair that with rice and some tempeh and you’re good to go.
Also worth hunting down: bakwan jagung (corn fritters), perkedel kentang (potato patties), and tempeh manis (sweet fried tempeh). These show up often in warungs and buffets.
Street Food and Markets—Surprisingly Vegetarian Friendly, If You Know What to Ask
Okay, this part is a lil’ tricky. A lotta street food vendors don’t speak fluent English, so here’s what you do. Learn a few phrases:
- “Saya vegetarian” = I’m vegetarian
- “Tanpa daging, ayam, ikan” = No meat, chicken, fish
- “Ada tahu atau tempe?” = Do you have tofu or tempeh?
Now, let’s talk options. You can almost always get vegetarian nasi campur at night markets. They’ll load up your plate with rice, sautéed veggies, fried tofu, maybe a boiled egg, and sambal. Just gotta make sure none of it was cooked in meat broth.
One of my go-to snacks? Pisang goreng—fried banana. It’s not a meal, but after a long day, it’s comfort food. Some stalls even do it with chocolate or cheese (don’t knock it ‘til you try it).
Also, don’t sleep on martabak manis—the sweet thick pancake. They’ll fill it with crushed peanuts, condensed milk, and chocolate. Vegetarian? Yep. Healthy? Not even close. But so worth it.
Budget Eats for Vegetarians in Bali That Don’t Suck
I know not everyone’s eating $12 smoothie bowls every day. And honestly? Some of the best vegetarian friendly food in Bali is found at little local joints where nothing’s over 30K IDR (about two bucks).
Look for places labeled “Warung Vegetarian” or even “Warung Muslim”—they often have veggie options. Go in, smile, and point to what looks good.
In Ubud, Warung Mendez and Warung Dewa Malen both serve filling, flavorful veg meals for under 40K. In Canggu, try Warung Bu Mi—cheap, good, and you can make your own plate. Just avoid the beef rendang tray, obviously.
Check the food delivery apps like Gojek or GrabFood. You’ll find loads of vegetarian meals with photos and prices, and they deliver pretty much anywhere.
Common Vegetarian Dishes to Order in Bali (So You Don’t Stare at the Menu for 10 Mins)
When you’re hangry and don’t know what to order, these are usually safe bets:
- Nasi Goreng Sayur – Veggie fried rice
- Mie Goreng Sayur – Veggie fried noodles
- Cap Cay – Stir-fried mixed veggies, often with tofu
- Tempeh or Tahu Manis – Sweet fried tempeh or tofu
- Gado-Gado – Veggies with peanut sauce (ask about shrimp paste)
- Sayur Lodeh – Veggie coconut curry
- Nasi Campur Vegetarian – Mixed rice with veg sides
Just double check for fish sauce, chicken broth, or sneaky egg bits if you’re avoiding those.
So, Is Bali a Good Spot for Vegetarians? Oh Heck Yeah
Look, I’ve driven clients all over this island—honeymooners, digital nomads, yoga nuts, families with picky kids—you name it. And I can say without a doubt, Bali is one of the most vegetarian friendly places in Southeast Asia.
It’s not just that there’s veggie options everywhere—it’s that a lotta locals already eat meat-free dishes regularly. Tofu and tempeh aren’t substitutes here—they're just part of the diet. Whether you’re ballin’ out at a beach club or grabbing cheap eats at a roadside stall, you’ll find something that hits the spot.
So yeah... don’t stress. You’re gonna eat well here. Maybe too well. Just save room for dessert, alright?
Want more specific eats in a certain town? I got lists for days.
