Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of visitors each year with its unique culture, breathtaking scenery, and rich wildlife. Known as the Island of the Gods, this Indonesian hotspot has been welcoming increasing numbers of tourists since the late 1960s. In 2024 alone, “16.4 million international and domestic tourists visited Bali,” according to Road Genius.
But with that popularity comes growing challenges. Bali is now a bustling hub of travelers and locals, and many believe the island is at risk of losing its cultural identity. If you’re planning a visit, it’s essential to be mindful of the island’s delicate ecosystem, cultural heritage, and local communities. Responsible tourism goes a long way in preserving what makes Bali so special.
That said, there is still so much to experience and enjoy on the island of Bali, from surfing and snorkeling to exploring ancient temples. And then there is the food scene, one of the most vibrant parts of Balinese life.
What is Balinese traditional food?
One of the most authentic and affordable ways to experience Indonesian cuisine in Bali is by visiting a warung. These small, family-owned restaurants and shops often serve a buffet of traditional dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice, usually served with egg), mie goreng (fried noodles), gado-gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce), and tempeh. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is one of the most widely available Indonesian foods, and it also happens to be 100 percent plant-based.
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While Balinese cuisine shares many similarities with the rest of Indonesian food culture, it also includes several unique, island-specific dishes. One of the most iconic is babi guling, a roasted pork dish typically served with pork satay, crackling, shredded vegetables, rice, and a rich blend of spices. Because it is so pork-heavy, vegan versions of babi guling are uncommon. However, plant-based food in general is easy to find across Bali.
In fact, the island is often considered a plant-based paradise, particularly in popular regions like Ubud, Kuta, and Canggu.
Where to find the best vegan food in Bali
Whether you are looking for traditional Indonesian fare or modern vegan twists, there is no shortage of delicious options. Find out more about the best vegan food spots in Bali below.
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1 Plant Theory
Canggu
Plant Theory’s menu is built around fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Drawing inspiration from Slavic, American, and Mexican cuisines, this Canggu restaurant offers a creative and flavorful lineup of plant-based dishes. Highlights include Vegplings (potato dumplings), Vegan Mac Attack, and No-Chick Strip Tacos.
Find it here
2 I Am Vegan Babe
Canggu
Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast of French toast, a light kale salad for lunch, or an indulgent Indonesian curry for dinner, I Am Vegan Babe has you covered. This popular Canggu-based restaurant is on a mission to make plant-based food more than just an option; it’s about delivering bold flavors and “boundless creativity” in every dish.
Find it here
3 Warung Pande Vegan
Canggu
Most warungs in Bali and across Indonesia serve plenty of plant-based options, including tempeh, rice, noodles, and vegetables. But at Canggu’s Warung Pande Vegan, as the name suggests, everything on the menu is 100 percent animal-free. If you’re looking for a satisfying plant-based feast packed with flavor, this spot is a must-visit.
Find it here
4Bodhi Leaf Eatery
Denpasar
For a wholesome and nourishing lunch in Denpasar, Bodhi Leaf Eatery is well worth a visit. The menu is full of delicious, nutrient-dense, whole food–based dishes, including tom yam soup, soto soup made with traditional Indonesian spices, sweet coconut rice pudding, and plenty more to explore.
Find it here
5 Kood Kolaborasi Untuk Desa
Denpasar
Ice cream, burgers, noodle bowls, and high-protein breakfast options are just a few highlights at this must-visit vegan restaurant in Sanur, a charming and popular coastal town located just east of Bali’s bustling capital, Denpasar.
Find it here
6 Sauce Tree
Kuta
Kuta is one of Bali’s most popular regions, best known for its iconic Kuta Beach, a favorite among surfers. After a day soaking up the sun and sea, head to Sauce Tree for a hearty serving of vegan comfort food. Standout dishes include the prawn burger with homemade lemon dill sauce and the satay taichan, featuring vegan chicken skewers, pickles, and rich peanut sauce.
Find it here
7 Sista Dumpling
Multiple locations
Popular Chinese restaurant chain Sista Dumpling, located in Berawa, Uluwatu, and Pererenan, offers plenty of vegan-friendly options. Highlights include mapo tofu bao buns, vegan wontons, and kimchi pan-fried dumplings, all packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
Find it here
8 Merah Putih
Seminyak
For a next-level Indonesian fine dining experience, look no further than Merah Putih. Located in Seminyak in the south of the island, this elegant restaurant offers a truly authentic taste of Balinese cuisine. Outstanding vegan options include kare sayur, a flavorful tofu and tempeh curry; gado-gado; ubi goreng; and sate tempe.
Find it here
9Plant Bistro
Ubud
Ubud is best known for its temples and lush rainforests, but it’s also home to a thriving food scene. One standout is Plant Bistro, a restaurant that specializes in flavorful, innovative plant-based dishes. Highlights include king oyster mushroom nigiri and bruschetta topped with vegan salmon, as well as comforting favorites like pizza and ice cream.
Find it here
10 Penida Colada
Penida Island
To the southeast of Bali lies the idyllic Penida Island, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. If you’re searching for plant-based options, Penida Colada is the place to go. Its menu features tasty dishes like barbecue cauliflower wings, bruschetta, chickpea curry, and even a salted caramel Peace Pop for dessert.
Find it here
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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