Best Vegan Restaurants in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia – My Top Picks
Best Vegan Restaurants in Ubud
Hello, my fellow foodies! We have you covered, whether you live a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle or want to taste some delicious plant-based foods. For your enjoyment, we’ve compiled a list of Ubud, Bali’s best 10 vegan eateries.
With its emphasis on delicious plant-based meals and fresh, organic products, Ubud is a haven for healthy dining. These delectable vegan treats may be found at local warungs and organic cafés.
I had an enjoyable experience visiting several of these locations, and while I don’t have any pictures to offer, I can attest to their delectability. While you’re there, stop by Anomali Coffee for a delicious beverage.
Let’s cut the chit-chat and go right into discovering these amazing vegan eating alternatives in Ubud. You’re about to pamper your taste senses!
Why Local Food In Indonesia is Not The Best For Vegans?
Local Indonesian food is not always the best for vegans primarily because traditional Indonesian cuisine tends to heavily rely on animal products such as meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Animal proteins and fats are commonly used in various cooking techniques, flavorings, and condiments, making it challenging for vegans to find suitable options
Best Vegan Restaurants in Ubud, Bali
Reasons Why Indonesian Foods May NOT Be the Best For Vegans:
- Meat-centric culture Indonesian cuisine has a strong emphasis on meat, with popular dishes like rendang (spicy meat stew), satay (grilled skewered meat), and nasi goreng (fried rice with meat or shrimp). Vegetarian or vegan versions of these dishes are not as prevalent in traditional Indonesian cooking.
2. Use of animal-derived ingredients
Many Indonesian dishes incorporate animal-derived ingredients like shrimp paste (terasi), fish sauce (kecap ikan), and shrimp or chicken broth as flavor enhancers. These ingredients are not suitable for a vegan diet.
3. Hidden animal products
Some seemingly vegan dishes may contain hidden animal products. For example, vegetables and stir-fried dishes might be cooked with oyster sauce or other non-vegan condiments. Additionally, dishes may be garnished with fried shallots, which are often fried in animal fats.
4. Limited vegan options
While there are Indonesian dishes that are naturally vegan or can be easily modified, such as gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) or tempeh and tofu-based dishes, they may not be as widely available or popular compared to meat-based dishes. In certain regions or restaurants, vegan options might be limited or require special requests.
However, it’s worth noting that the availability and awareness of vegan options have been growing in recent years, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Some Indonesian restaurants and cafes now offer dedicated vegan menus or have vegan-friendly alternatives for traditional dishes.
If you are a vegan visiting Indonesia or looking for vegan options, it’s recommended to communicate your dietary requirements clearly to restaurant staff to ensure your meals are prepared without any animal products. Additionally, exploring vegetarian or vegan restaurants that cater specifically to plant-based diets can provide more diverse and satisfying options.
Best Vegan Restaurants In Ubud
Moksa Plant-based Restaurant – Permaculture Garden
Let’s discuss this wonderful location north of Ubud in Sayan. They want to provide cuisine that is not only delicious but also healthy. They only use ingredients from their garden and use only plant-based components in everything they cook.
However, there’s still more! In addition, they have a yoga center there called the Moksa Dojo, which comes from Sanskrit for “place of enlightenment.” A verdant, beautiful landscape surrounds it. Just picture yourself taking a soothing yoga lesson there, followed by a delectable vegan supper. It seems like the ideal day.
The unique Clear Café places a high value on utilizing ethical and local foods. It’s quite nice that local Balinese farmers supply them with their meals. Even cooler is their belief in the power of food’s positive energy. They ensure that their kitchen is a joyful and energizing space and that this positive energy permeates the food they prepare.
But let’s focus on the food instead! It’s incredible. The menu includes cuisine from the Middle East, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, and India, among other regions of the world. And what’s this? Both vegetarians and vegans can choose from their offerings. As a result, you may indulge in delectable food while experiencing good about assisting regional farmers and appreciating the wonderful feelings they infuse into each meal. It benefits both parties.