Vegetarian meals in Ubud, Bali

Cafes near yoga studios

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Chai masala and banana bread at Garden Kafe

Garden Kafe, within Yoga Barn

Easy! Garden Kafe is located within Yoga Barn itself (second outpost: KAFE on Jl. Hanoman No. 44B). Have a cup of Chai Masala and a slice of banana bread — it’s my staple, ask anyone.

At times I’d do a shot of wheatgrass essence. It’s electrifying! On the tastebuds and for the body. Love the bottled cold pressed juices  at the lower deck juice bar too. Remember to return the bottles to save the Earth 😉

 

I ate so much here.. let the pictures do the talking! You’ll discover that healthy food doesn’t need to taste crappy. Here in Ubud, they are colourful and absolutely delicious.

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Vegetarian tacos at Taco Casa

Taco Casa, near Yoga Barn
If you’re up for a walk, Taco Casa at Jl. Pengosekan makes some kickass burritos that have us back for more during our teacher training days. Herbivore and carnivore options available.

Update: Tried and raved by a yogi who went on her first solo trip to Ubud!

IMG_2725Buddha Bowl, near Yoga Barn
A bit further from Taco Casa is Buddha Bowl at Jl. Raya Pengosekan. It’s a tiny shop selling avocado and acai bowls – yum! I stumbled upon it while waiting for my scooter rental. A lovely quiet space to rest and portions are small yet enough. Perfect as in-between class snack!

 

Bali Buda, diagonally across Radiantly Alive
Around RA are two streets with super amazing warungs and cafes. Bali Buda at Jl Jembawan has the most delightful array of bakes (I bought muffins as gifts to my homestay hosts and the little girl loved it!) The Balinese style Chia Pudding is simply divine. So is their Indian Spiced Chai for that nice evening slowdown. Mmmm.

Run’s Warung, same street as Radiantly Alive
A little further down the road is Run’s Warung in a sweet hut. Friendly local ladies fry up tasty local dishes such as mi goreng and freshly blend red dragon fruit juice. You’d see many locals buying takeaway from this warung – always a good sign!

Cafes off the beaten path

Alchemy
Hop on a scooter and find your way to Alchemy at Jl. Penestanan Kelod No.75, Ubud’s first 100% raw vegan cafe and juice bar. It’s gonna be tough making decisions at the salad bar, with all the kale, coconut shaving balls, pumpkin, slaw mixes and nuts. Please do not skip on the juices here, they’re naturally sweet and freshly pressed upon order. Kiss Kiss is my favourite!

 

Sari Organik (Warung Boday Maliah)
You have to either arrive by foot or scooter to Sari Organik, located at Subak Sok Wayah. Cars are not allowed to enter this quiet little getaway in the heart of Ubud. Surrounded by padi fields and fresh cool air, the atmosphere here suits the pristine organic food and juices served. There are salads, pizzas and a whole list of local dishes. Take an evening walk and you may be lucky to spot some fireflies in the paddies.

Must have coffee

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For good coffee, there’s Anomali Coffee by the busy street of Jl. Raya Ubud No. 88. Ambience here exudes chill-out vibes and friendly baristas. Take a street seat to people-watch over a cup of latte, or find a cosy corner inside (or level two) for quiet journaling time.

Watercress on Jl Monkey Forest serves up coffee from the famed Revolver Coffee and does not disappoint. The cafe prepares delicious food such as Acai Bowl and Baked Eggs. Make your visit a brunch affair – it’s worth the calories.

Habitat Cafe on Jl Monkey Forest No. 88 is quiet, has wifi, hidden laptop charging points, and kickass coffee. The acai bowl is sadly watered down, but that was in 2016. Who knows if it’s better now. A good place to work on your laptop, digital nomads!

Monsieur Spoon on No. 99 Jl Hanoman is a nice 8 minutes walk from Yoga Barn. There’s aircon seated area as well as outdoor patio. Perfect if you’re feeling a tad dizzy from the Bali sun! Pastries are top-notch – yummier dipped in coffee.

For local food

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Besides Run’s Warung and Sari Organik as listed above, here are three must-go local eateries, also known as Warungs.

First up is Warung Biah Biah at Jl. Goutama No. 13, along my favourite street to be in Ubud. The mi goreng is a killer, and so are the tempe sate (on sticks) and perkedel (fried potato balls).

IMG_9363I stumbled upon Veggie Table at Jl. Hanoman No. 53 because of its punny name and found my favourite Yellow Rice set, one which I never fail to return to for each trip to Ubud.

ubudIf you’re on a date or would like local food in a beautiful beautiful setting (four levels of different atmosphere!), head to Murni’s Warung at Jl. Raya Campuan. Desserts , especially the banana fritters, are an absolute must-have.

 

Along the street of Jalan Sugriwa are two warungs I’d never miss on my trips to Ubud. They’re located close to where I live too so that makes them perfect for that lazy, cosy afternoon/evening personal space time.

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Warung Sopa on Jl. Sugriwa No. 36 is more like a cafe — comfy, modern, chillout spot. Go for the pumpkin soup and refreshing taco rice with egg (you have to add that egg!) Mr. Antara who runs the cafe is a friendly local who always smiles and makes lighthearted, inspiring conversations.

IMG_9202Salads are good at Dayu’s Warung on Jl. Sugriwa No. 28X, but what’s keeping me coming back are their raw cakes made of pumpkin, sweet potato and sometimes, chocolate chilli. Mmm. Head up to second level — it’s peaceful and cooling there to sit and journal for long hours.


Dewa Warung
at Jl Goutama No. 13 is my number one local eatery! It has recently undergone renovation, and I’m happy to observe the place still retains its chillout vibes where we sit barefoot on the tatami, sharing tables with strangers. Food is superbly cheap and unbelievably good. Definitely a taste of local! I can’t visit Ubud without being here.

For whole food

soma

Jl. Goutama (my favourite street with Warung Biah Biah) is also home to Cafe Soma, where organic holistic food and drinks are to be had. I have so much love reading the menu of Cafe Soma for the heartfelt copywriting, and of course, long list of offerings. Pick the Pesto Pasta and opt for a Jicama Booster on a cool evening night to warm hearts.

Slightly off Jl. Hanoman, on the same street is Earth Cafe Paradiso. This cafe at level two prepares food so clean and fresh, you’d be shopping for the ingredients in its market at level one. Enjoy the falafel and of course, try the detoxifying kombucha. They offer interesting flavours such as coconut and hibiscus.

Atman Kafe has three branches in Ubud. All of them are lovely as I’ve been to and tested, but my favourite will be Atman Norish Kafe. The seats overlook padi fields and you don’t quite hear the hustle and bustle of Jl. Hanoman street. They serve vegan, raw, gluten-free food. I love the kombucha and hey, wheatgrass shot too!

The Seed of Life on Jl Gootama is my new favourite. Here, the tea selection spans across Asia, of which many are exquisite Chinese teas. They offer tea that helps to balance your dosha too. And food served look so out-of-this-world, and tasted so amazing! I went alone, and ultimately ended up having conversation with people around as we asked each other “what’s that you’re having? Looks crazy!”

Last but not least, the cafe that has the community coming together — KAFE! Now located on Jl Hanoman 44B, this place is re-built and raised by the helping hands of locals and friendly expats, due to a fire incident. The new facade is impressive with majestic wooden stairs, floor cushions to laze around, friendly servers. Drinks are slightly on the XS size, but food is generous. I was so full, I had to postpone a yoga class.

 

One response to “Vegetarian meals in Ubud, Bali”

  1. […] Health-conscious cafes: Soma Cafe, The Seeds of Life, Kismet, Down to Earth Cafe & Market […]