TLDR: Bali has a genuinely exceptional vegan and vegetarian food scene, from Ubud's raw-food cafes to Canggu's plant-based Italian. This guide breaks down what to eat, where to find it, and what to expect — by area.
Bali has quietly become one of the best places in the world to eat vegan and vegetarian food. It's not just the warungs serving tempeh and tofu (though those are great too). Over the past decade, a generation of serious chefs and restaurateurs have made the island home, and the plant-based dining scene here has grown into something genuinely world-class.
Whether you're a committed vegan, a vegetarian, or someone who just wants to eat well without meat for a week, this guide covers what you need to know.
Is Bali good for vegan and vegetarian food?
Yes — exceptionally so. Bali's Hindu culture means vegetarian food has always been part of the local diet. Tofu, tempeh, jackfruit, and fresh vegetables feature heavily in traditional Balinese cooking. Add to that the international restaurant scene that's grown up around Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud, and you have a destination that handles plant-based dining better than most European cities.
The main challenges are cross-contamination awareness (some local warungs cook in shared oil) and the occasional use of shrimp paste in traditional dishes. For strict vegans, it's worth asking. For vegetarians, Bali is genuinely easy.
Vegan and vegetarian food by area
Canggu
Canggu is probably Bali's most plant-forward neighbourhood right now. The area has a dense concentration of health-conscious cafes and restaurants, and several spots have built their entire identity around vegan or vegetarian cooking.
For vegan Italian: Kasto is the standout. It's the only 100% vegan Italian restaurant in Canggu — handmade pasta, traditional oven pizza, and Italian soul food made entirely from plant-based ingredients. The kitchen is led by a Michelin-trained chef, and the menu changes with the seasons. Good for lunch or dinner.
For vegan community vibes: Kynd Community has been a Canggu institution for years, with a large menu of acai bowls, burgers, and comfort food that's entirely plant-based.
For juice and raw food: There are several spots along the Batu Bolong corridor doing cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and raw food menus. Good for breakfast or a mid-morning break.
Ubud
Ubud is where Bali's vegan food scene first took root, and it remains excellent. The town has more vegetarian and vegan restaurants per capita than almost anywhere in Asia.
Alchemy is the landmark — a sprawling raw-food cafe and juice bar that's been operating for over a decade. Seeds of Life is another institution, known for its raw vegan menu and commitment to organic produce. For a more relaxed lunch, Sage Restaurant offers a refined vegetarian menu in a beautiful garden setting.
Seminyak
Seminyak's restaurant scene skews more upmarket and international, but there are solid vegan and vegetarian options here. Most restaurants in the area will have plant-based options on the menu, even if they're not exclusively vegan.
Outside the main areas
Travelling further afield? Nusa Lembongan, Sanur, and the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Jimbaran) all have growing vegan and vegetarian options, though the density is lower than Canggu or Ubud. In most areas of Bali, you can eat well plant-based without much difficulty.
What to order in Bali as a vegan or vegetarian
Some dishes to look for across the island:
| Dish | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nasi campur vegetarian | Rice with a selection of vegetable sides | Ask for no shrimp paste |
| Tempeh goreng | Fried fermented soybean cake | Naturally vegan, widely available |
| Gado-gado | Vegetables in peanut sauce | Usually vegan; confirm no fish sauce |
| Sayur urap | Steamed vegetables with grated coconut | Traditional Balinese, often vegan |
| Jamu | Turmeric-based herbal drink | Vegan, found everywhere |
| Handmade pasta | At Kasto, Canggu | 100% plant-based, Italian-style |
Tips for eating vegan and vegetarian in Bali
Learn a few words. "Tidak makan daging" (I don't eat meat) and "tanpa telur" (without eggs) go a long way in local warungs where English may be limited.
Warungs vary. Traditional Balinese warungs are often a great option for vegetarians, but strict vegans should ask about cooking oil and whether dishes share a wok with meat.
Prices are reasonable. Even the more upmarket plant-based restaurants in Canggu and Ubud are affordable by international standards. A full meal with drinks at most places will come to well under $20.
The cafe culture is strong. Bali's vegan food scene isn't only about restaurants. Juice bars, smoothie bowl spots, and health-food cafes are everywhere in Canggu and Ubud — useful for breakfast, snacks, or when you just want something light.
Frequently asked questions
Is all food in Bali vegetarian-friendly? No — Bali has a strong meat-eating culture alongside its vegetarian traditions. Traditional dishes like babi guling (suckling pig) and betutu are central to Balinese culture. But in the main tourist areas, vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful.
Are there vegan restaurants in Canggu? Yes, several. Canggu has a particularly strong plant-based dining scene. Kasto (100% vegan Italian), Kynd Community, and a number of health cafes along Batu Bolong are all entirely or predominantly vegan.
Is it easy to eat vegan in Bali for a full trip? Very easy, especially if you're based in Canggu or Ubud. You'll have more choice than you expect, across a wide range of cuisines and price points.
What's the best vegan restaurant in Canggu? That depends on what you're after. For vegan Italian — handmade pasta, traditional pizza, fine-dining technique — Kasto is the place. For a broader plant-based comfort food menu, Kynd Community is a reliable choice.
Can vegetarians eat at Kasto? Kasto is 100% vegan, so every dish is automatically vegetarian-friendly. There's nothing on the menu that contains meat, fish, dairy, or eggs.
Kasto is located at Jl. Canggu Padang Linjong, Canggu, Bali. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Reserve a table or order via WhatsApp.