Is Bali Vegan-Friendly? A Guide to Plant-Based Dining and Travel

Are you a vegan looking to explore Bali but not sure where to start?

Look no further. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Bali Vegan Friendlydining scene and travel options. From plant-based restaurants to hidden gems, we’ll help you plan the ultimate vegan getaway to Bali.

Is Bali Vegan-Friendly for travelers?

Yes, Bali is vegan-friendly, offering a plethora of plant-based dining options and travel experiences for vegans. The island is home to a growing vegan food scene, with many cafes and restaurants offering vegan options or specializing in plant-based cuisine.

In addition to dining, Bali also offers many vegan-friendly activities, including yoga, wellness retreats, and eco-tourism opportunities. With its natural beauty and rich cultural experiences, Bali is a great destination for vegans looking to travel and explore.

Ready to discover Bali’s best vegan-friendly spots and experiences? Read on for a detailed guide on where to eat, stay, and play as a vegan in Bali. We’ll share our top recommendations for plant-based dining, travel tips, and vegan eatery place to help you plan your dream vegan getaway.

→ Read more about our our Morning Culinary Journey 

→ Read more about our Evening Culinary Journey & Firefly Watching Tours

Bali’s Vegan Dining Scene

Bali’s vegan dining scene is thriving, with an abundance of restaurants and cafes offering plant-based options. Whether you’re looking for vegan versions of traditional Indonesian dishes or international cuisine, Bali has something for everyone.

One of the most popular vegan restaurants in Bali is Zula Vegetarian Paradise, located in the heart of Seminyak. The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including raw food options and a vegan dessert bar. Another popular spot is Sari Organik, located in Ubud, which specializes in organic and vegan cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.

For a truly unique experience, visit Alchemy in Ubud, which offers a raw vegan menu and a juice bar. The restaurant also hosts workshops and events focused on healthy living and sustainability.

If you’re looking for a plant-based fine dining experience, head to Sayuri Healing Food in Ubud. The restaurant offers vegan dishes made with nutrient-dense ingredients and focuses on using sustainable and organic produce.

Overall, Bali’s vegan dining scene is diverse and constantly evolving, with new vegan restaurants and cafes popping up regularly.

Why Bali is a Vegan Travel Paradise?

Bali’s natural beauty and vibrant culture make it an ideal destination for vegan travelers seeking a wellness-focused vacation.

The island’s tropical climate provides the perfect conditions for growing a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which are used in many of Bali’s plant-based dishes.

From jackfruit curries to coconut milk smoothie bowls, Bali’s vegan cuisine offers a unique blend of traditional Indonesian flavors and international influences.

In addition to its delicious food, Bali is also known for its strong connection to nature and spirituality. The Balinese people have a deep respect for the environment, and this is reflected in their way of life.

Many Balinese practices, such as offering flowers and incense at temples and taking daily offerings to the beach, emphasize the importance of mindfulness and gratitude.

Vegan travelers can also find a wealth of yoga and wellness retreats in Bali, ranging from week-long programs to month-long teacher trainings.

These retreats offer a chance to deepen your practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn about the principles of Ayurveda and other holistic health practices.

For those looking for eco-friendly accommodations, Bali has plenty of options. From eco-lodges nestled in the jungle to beachfront resorts powered by solar energy, there are many sustainable options that cater to vegan travelers.

Some accommodations even offer plant-based cooking classes and workshops, allowing guests to learn how to prepare delicious vegan dishes using local ingredients.

Overall, Bali’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and strong focus on wellness and sustainability make it a dream destination for vegan travelers.

Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s plant-based food scene or deepen your yoga practice, Bali offers something for everyone.

→ Read more about our Vegan Cooking Class in Ubud

Best Vegan Food in Bali

Bali’s vibrant plant-based food scene offers an abundance of delicious vegan dishes to try. From traditional Indonesian curries to international vegan cuisine, Bali’s diverse food options cater to every palate. Here are some of the best vegan dishes to try in Bali:

• Nasi Campur: This traditional Indonesian dish features a variety of vegetable dishes, such as tempeh and tofu, served with rice and sambal sauce.
• Gado-Gado: A popular Indonesian salad made with blanched vegetables, tofu, and tempeh, topped with a peanut sauce.
• Jackfruit Curry: A flavorful curry made with young jackfruit, a popular meat substitute in vegan cuisine.
• Tempeh Satay: Grilled tempeh skewers served with a sweet and savory peanut sauce.
• Coconut Milk Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing and nutritious breakfast bowl made with coconut milk, fresh fruit, and granola.
• Vegan Nasi Goreng: A vegan version of the popular Indonesian fried rice dish, made with tofu, vegetables, and spices.
• Raw Pad Thai: A fresh and healthy version of the popular Thai dish made with zucchini noodles, carrots, and a spicy almond sauce.
• Vegan Sushi: Many vegan-friendly sushi restaurants can be found in Bali, offering creative and delicious plant-based rolls.
• Smoothie Bowls: Bali’s smoothie bowl scene is legendary, with many cafes offering a variety of colorful and nutritious bowls topped with fresh fruit, granola, and superfoods.

When dining out in Bali, be sure to communicate your dietary needs clearly to the restaurant staff. Many restaurants and cafes are happy to accommodate vegan requests and may even have dedicated vegan menus. Additionally, always check that the sauces and condiments used in your dishes are also vegan-friendly.

Bali’s plant-based food scene offers a variety of delicious and nutritious vegan dishes that cater to every taste preference. Whether you’re looking for traditional Indonesian cuisine or international vegan fare, Bali has something for everyone to enjoy.

→ Read more about our list of culinary journey and classes

→ Read more about Ubud Vegan Food Guide

Bali Vegan Festival

The Bali Vegan Festival is an annual event that celebrates plant-based living, with a focus on healthy eating, sustainability, and conscious living.

The festival attracts vegan travelers and locals alike, offering a wide range of activities and events, including cooking demonstrations, workshops, and talks on veganism and environmentalism.

The festival also features a food fair, showcasing some of Bali’s best plant-based restaurants and cafes. Visitors can sample a variety of vegan dishes, including traditional Indonesian cuisine and international fare, and learn about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

In addition to food and wellness events, the Bali Vegan Festival also features music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and a marketplace offering eco-friendly products and vegan merchandise.

The festival aims to inspire and educate visitors about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle, and to create a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and sustainability.

For those interested in attending the Bali Vegan Festival, it is typically held in October and takes place over three days. The festival is held at various venues throughout Ubud, with different events and activities happening at different locations. Check the upcoming schedule on their website www.baliveganfestival.com

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the festival itself, and a portion of the proceeds go towards supporting local animal welfare organizations.

Attending the Bali Vegan Festival is a great way to immerse yourself in Bali’s vibrant vegan community and learn more about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based living, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of Bali’s vegan culture and cuisine!

Best Vegan Cafes and Restaurants in Bali

When it comes to finding the best vegan cafes and restaurants in Bali, the options are endless. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just starting out, Bali’s vegan dining scene has something for everyone. Here are some tips for finding the best plant-based eats on the island:

• Research in advance: Before your trip, do some research on the best vegan cafes and restaurants in the areas you’ll be visiting. Websites like HappyCow and TripAdvisor offer comprehensive listings and reviews of vegan-friendly spots in Bali.
• Ask the locals: Don’t be afraid to ask the locals for recommendations. Balinese people are known for their friendly hospitality and are often happy to share their favorite spots for vegan food.
• Explore off the beaten path: While popular vegan spots like Zula and Alchemy are must-tries, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore lesser-known vegan cafes and restaurants. You may discover a hidden gem that’s not yet on the tourist radar.
• Check the menus: When dining out, always check the menu to make sure there are vegan options available. Some restaurants may not have vegan dishes listed, but may be able to accommodate vegan requests with simple modifications.

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, here are some other noteworthy vegan-friendly spots in Bali:

• Earth Cafe: With locations in Seminyak and Ubud, Earth Cafe offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options, including raw food and gluten-free options.
• Bali Buda: With multiple locations in Bali, Bali Buda offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options, including organic salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
• Warung Sopa (is said permanent closed on google map): This vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Ubud offers a variety of Indonesian and international dishes, with a focus on using locally sourced and organic ingredients.
• Moksa: Located in Ubud, Moksa is a vegan restaurant and permaculture garden that offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on sustainability and ethical eating.

Overall, Bali’s vegan dining scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and cafes popping up regularly. Whether you’re looking for upscale fine dining or casual street food, Bali has something for every type of vegan foodie.

→ Read more about how to safely eat in Bali during your vacation

Vegan Travel in Bali Travel Tips

Vegan travel in Bali can be a dream come true for plant-based eaters, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your vegan trip to Bali:

• Communicate Your Needs: Bali is known for its friendly and accommodating culture, but veganism may not be widely understood or accepted in some areas. Be clear and respectful when communicating your dietary needs to servers and locals.
• Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Consider staying at eco-friendly accommodations that offer vegan-friendly amenities and activities, such as yoga classes, meditation, and plant-based cooking workshops. Many eco-friendly resorts and hotels in Bali offer vegan options, so be sure to check before booking.
• Research Vegan Options: Do your research and plan ahead by finding vegan restaurants and cafes in the areas you plan to visit. Bali has a growing vegan food scene, but options may still be limited in some areas. Make a list of vegan-friendly spots to ensure you have options when dining out.
• Carry Vegan Snacks: While Bali offers many vegan-friendly options, it’s always a good idea to carry vegan snacks for times when options may be limited. Pack some nuts, seeds, or vegan protein bars to keep you fueled throughout the day.
• Learn Some Indonesian: While many locals in Bali speak English, it can be helpful to learn some basic Indonesian phrases, especially when ordering food. Knowing how to say “no meat (tanpa daging)” or “vegan” can help ensure your dietary needs are understood.
• Be Adventurous: Bali offers many unique and exotic plant-based foods, so be adventurous and try new things! Sample local fruits, vegetables, and spices, and embrace the opportunity to try vegan versions of traditional Indonesian dishes.
• Respect the Culture: Bali has a rich cultural heritage, so be respectful and mindful of local customs and traditions. Learn about Balinese culture and traditions, and be open to learning from the local community.

Remember, planning ahead and being respectful can help make your vegan trip to Bali a memorable and enjoyable experience.

→ Read more about An In-Depth Guide Hiring Private Chef in Bali

In conclusion

Bali is a vegan-friendly destination with an abundance of plant-based dining options, eco-friendly accommodations, and unique travel experiences. From vibrant cities to tranquil beaches and lush jungles, Bali has something for every type of traveler.

So, are there any of your vegan favorite places that I miss? Or you have more travel tips that I need to add? 

Let’s write them in the comment or send me an email.

If you find this post worth sharing, please help me to spread the word! Happy traveling in Bali!