Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan food in Bali?
Checked October 2026 · 3 sources
Yes, Bali is one of the easiest places in Asia to eat vegetarian or vegan. Ubud and Canggu are full of plant-based cafes, and almost every local warung serves tempeh, tofu and vegetable dishes such as gado-gado. The main trap is hidden animal products: shrimp paste (terasi) in sambal, fish sauce, egg and prawn crackers.
In detail
Indonesian staples that are vegetarian or easy to adapt include gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce), urap (vegetables with spiced coconut), cap cay (stir-fried vegetables), tempeh and tofu, often served in a nasi campur. Tempeh is an Indonesian invention and is cheap everywhere.
Balinese cuisine itself is meat-heavy, with pork, duck and chicken at its core. Lawar, for example, often contains minced meat and sometimes fresh blood, so ask before ordering.
Ubud has the highest concentration of vegan and raw food restaurants on the island, followed by Canggu and Uluwatu. Many tourist menus mark vegetarian and vegan dishes, and apps such as HappyCow list current options.
Some locals do not consider fish or chicken stock incompatible with a vegetarian diet, so be specific when you ask.
Good to know
- Learn three phrases: "tanpa daging" (without meat), "tanpa terasi" (without shrimp paste) and "tanpa telur" (without egg).
- Pick warungs where dishes are cooked to order rather than pre-made.
- Many cooking classes in Ubud offer a vegetarian menu if you ask when booking.
On Bali Reply
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Sources
Rules and prices in Indonesia change often. Always check official sources before you travel.