Ubud’s Vegan Scene: A Hub for Yogis and Nomads Worldwide!
Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, is a spiritual town where people seeking ‘healing’ gather amidst abundant nature. In recent years, long-term residents, students, and health-conscious travelers from around the globe have flocked here, leading the entire town to evolve uniquely as a sanctuary for ‘vegan and raw food.’
Ubud’s vegan restaurants go beyond merely serving ‘meat-free meals.’ They offer a culinary experience as ‘edible medicine,’ deeply focused on health—from farm-to-table practices using organic vegetables from their own farms, to the pursuit of raw food (living food) that preserves enzymes, and even tonic drinks incorporating Ayurvedic and Taoist teachings.
This time, we’ll deeply explore 5 unmissable vegan restaurants in Ubud that have gained overwhelming support not only from those with dietary restrictions like halal or vegan, but also from locals and long-term digital nomads.
Wild Vegan Healing Restaurant
📍 Address: Jl. Sugriwa No.16, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Since its opening in 2023, ‘Wild Vegan Healing Restaurant’ has been quietly gaining fans in Ubud’s vegan scene. Despite being in central Ubud, stepping inside reveals a tranquil jungle garden, making it a hidden gem where solo travelers and digital nomads can relax.
The biggest feature of this restaurant is that a nutritionist supervises its menu. Every dish is themed around ‘healing,’ characterized by delicate seasoning that highlights the quality of ingredients and beautiful plating that’s irresistibly photogenic. You absolutely must try the ‘Tempeh Potato Steak’ and the ‘Fire Grilled BBQ.’ The large tofu and tempeh, marinated in a rich, flavorful sauce, offer an incredible punch and satisfaction that you wouldn’t expect from vegan food.
For the grand finale of your meal, be sure to ask about their daily specials, which might include off-menu desserts like a vegan chocolate chip cookie dough. Since it’s still relatively new, it’s often not too crowded even during peak hours, making it highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a meal in a quiet environment and engage in conversation with the staff.
Moksa Ubud
📍 Address: Ubud II Kutuh Jl. Melati, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Nestled deep within the Sayan area, slightly away from central Ubud, amidst beautiful rice paddies, ‘Moksa Ubud’ is an indispensable, highly acclaimed establishment in Ubud’s vegan scene. Its expansive permaculture garden (a regenerative farm) ensures the ultimate ‘farm-to-table’ experience, with freshly harvested organic vegetables brought directly to your table.
Each menu item beautifully harmonizes complex spices and flavors, and their coconut bread, in particular, is a masterpiece many guests praise as ‘unforgettable.’ If you’re unsure what to order, the ‘190k set,’ which includes a starter, main, and dessert, is highly recommended for its excellent value. Evenings get very busy, so it’s essential to make a reservation or aim for an early dinner.
While Wi-Fi is available, there are few power outlets and the interior is bustling, making it unsuitable for opening a laptop and working for extended periods. Visit purely to savor the wonderful food and ambiance. Additionally, Chef Made’s vegan cooking classes are incredibly popular and are widely acclaimed among students and long-term residents for providing an exceptional experience.
Sayuri Healing Food Cafe & Academy
📍 Address: Jl. Sukma Kesuma No.2, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
‘Sayuri Healing Food Cafe & Academy,’ run by Japanese owner Sayuri, is one of Ubud’s most passionate vegan cafes. It functions not only as a restaurant but also as a raw food chef training academy, attracting health-conscious yogis and nomads from Western countries worldwide.
The interior has a free and open atmosphere, even featuring zashiki (floor seating) where guests can lie down and relax. The dishes are all artistic, with creative menus such as a vegan burrito that recreates egg flavor using coconut and corn, and the Thursday-exclusive ‘Banana Flower Fish Tacos.’ The drink menu is also unique, offering a wide array of original beverages only found here, like the ‘Yoga Proof Tonic’ with a strong kick of cayenne pepper.
Its popularity is such that it’s almost full even during off-peak hours, like after 2 PM on weekdays. In the evenings, live bands and dance events are held, transforming the quiet cafe into a vibrant community space. This is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the deep, spiritual, and multicultural community atmosphere unique to Ubud.
Plant Bistro
📍 Address: Blanco Museum Area, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
‘Plant Bistro,’ located within the grounds of Ubud’s famous tourist attraction, the Blanco Museum, is a sophisticated plant-based restaurant overseen by an Italian chef. Situated on a hill overlooking Ubud’s lush nature, dining on its open-air terrace, where a refreshing breeze blows, offers travelers the ultimate healing experience.
The menu, while vegan, features an abundance of pastas and pizzas that capture the essence of Italian cuisine. Particularly popular are their ragu pasta, made with plant-based ingredients instead of minced meat, and the beautifully rolled ‘Bali-fornia Roll’ (sushi). For dessert, they offer delights like pistachio maritozzo with soy cream, which are irresistible to sweet lovers.
However, one point to note is that there are some critical reviews from those with a thoroughly naturalistic approach, mentioning concerns like ‘some syrups contain white sugar’ and ‘the smell of synthetic detergents from napkins or during cleaning.’ This restaurant is best suited for travelers and couples who prioritize enjoying beautiful vegan fine dining in a stylish setting with stunning views, rather than those seeking strict raw food.
The Seeds of Life Cafe
📍 Address: Jl. Gootama No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Located on the lively Gootama Street in central Ubud, ‘The Seeds of Life Cafe’ is a highly specialized cafe with a sharp concept, pushing raw food to its limits. It also features a Taoist Tonic Bar, where you can enjoy elixir-like drinks made with ancient herbs.
The signature dish here is the gluten-free ‘Raw Vegan Lasagna,’ which contains no grains whatsoever. Despite being raw food, it’s served warm and offers a hearty, satisfying experience, drawing enthusiastic repeat customers from across town.
However, its overly strict seasoning and the unique textures inherent to raw food can feel ‘too intense’ for beginners and may not appeal to everyone. It’s a true gateway for Ubud’s deep health enthusiasts, where taste preferences are clearly divided. The spacious second floor is comfortable, but the air conditioning can be weak during the day, so the connoisseur’s way to enjoy it is to sip a mysterious tonic drink during the cooler evening hours, immersing oneself in Ubud’s deep night.
Summary: How to Choose Ubud’s Vegan Eateries Based on Your Stay Style
Ubud’s vegan restaurants each hold strong beliefs and concepts, offering entirely different atmospheres. If you wish to contemplate yourself in a quiet environment, ‘Wild Vegan Healing Restaurant’ is for you. If you want to experience the vibrant community atmosphere with friends, ‘Sayuri Healing Food Cafe & Academy’ is ideal.
Travelers seeking fine dining with beautiful views should visit ‘Plant Bistro,’ while long-term residents wanting to explore the pinnacle of local ingredients should head to ‘Moksa Ubud’ or ‘The Seeds of Life Cafe.’ Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, immerse yourself in the plant-based energy of Ubud and savor a gourmet experience that cleanses both body and mind.
