Bali’s ultimate food guide for health nuts
I have had the culinary pleasure over the last few years undergoing residencies DJing at Skygarden getting to live in Bali months at a time. Living without a kitchen as a massive health freak foodie I’ve clocked up a few hundred breakfasts, lunches and dinners over the last few years that has made me qualified for recommending Bali’s best healthy food spots. Friends are always asking for a list of places to go so I’ve come up with this and it is my pleasure to share it with you fellow health nuts.
Legian/Seminyak
Vegan – Meat, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Price range: medium
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: Jl. Drupadi No. 2B, Seminyak, Bali
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 6.00pm
Situated in a great location between Legian/Seminyak in a large jungle vibe décor. Not my favorite place for smoothies but made up by having a Nalu bowl franchise attached and both Shelter and Nalu menus are provided so that you can order from them both. The green monster is my go to juice (spinach, cucumber, green apple, parsley, coriander, ginger & lemon). The ‘make your own’ breakfast section to pick and choose is really accommodating and salads are the highlight for me. My go to is the Veggie Patch (cauliflower and quinoa rice, beetroot hummus, sundried tomatoes, roasted root vegetables – broccoli, baby carrots, pumpkin and garlic, lightly dressed rocket salad, lemon – basil dressing). Breakfast is very busy but not a huge wait for a table. Afternoons are cruisey and it’s the best time to set up your laptop and join the wifi for a few hours surrounded by greenery.
Pictures via @sheltercafebali
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian, Vegan friendly, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Price range: medium
Kid & Laptop Friendly
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: Jl. Petitenget No. 99X, Seminyak
Opening hours: 7.00am – 10.00pm
A tourist hotspot. I go to café organic for the smoothie bowls and green juices which are served all day. I especially love the use of superfoods like goji berries, chia seeds, spirulina, bee pollen ect. The Afrika I highly recommend for chocolate/peanut butter lovers (cacao, banana, organic peanut butter, protein powder, maca powder, cacao nibs, strawberries, granola, coconut flakes) and the other stand out for me is the Acai Coco (acai berry, raspberries, passion fruit, almonds, blueberries, strawberries, mango, oats, toasted granola, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, bee pollen). There are other better savoury food destinations in my opinion but the smoothie bowls are definitely worth the visit. Their range of juices I commend for having more vegetables than fruit. The kale kick is my go to (kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery, lime & ginger). The coffee is good with a range of nut milks available.
Pictures via @cafeorganicbali
All vegan café, Gluten free options, nut mylk made on site
Price range: medium
Kid Friendly
Delivers on go-jek: no
Address: Jl. Petitenget No. 12, Seminyak
Opening hours: 6.00am – 6.00pm
The all-vegan café exploded on the scene with a strong social media presence due to the iconic pink wall. Salads are large, macro balanced, wholesome and beautifully presented. The Bli Buddha is my favorite (greens, broccoli, chickpeas, lentils, carrot, slaw, cauliflower rice, tofu, roasted pumpkin, beet hummus and house made dressing on the side). In my opinion the smoothie bowls are too sweet, but they can custom make a bowl for you with your name cut out in mango so if you want a ‘I’m eating a smoothie bowl in Bali’ picture it’s worth it. They have a range of very decedent sweet foods like waffles, freakshakes and vegan nutella on toast that is vegan yes, health food no. A great place to show non-vegans how tasty a vegan big mac can be. The gourmet toast options are very popular being able to choose two different half slices, I found the bread quite sweet myself. I personally prefer the lunch menu to the breakfast. Good juices and coffee.
Pictures via @kyndcommunity
Meat - Vegan, Macros, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Price range: medium
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: 18 Jl Lebak Sari, Petitenget, Badung
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 6.00pm
Situated off Jalan Petitenget, Coffee Cartell is a hidden gem a local recommended it to me. The pink cartell décor and ambiance is stunning. Every item listed has the macro count underneath. They really cater to everyone offering gluten free, vegan and tailor made vegan options. Offer charcoal, beetroot and matcha lattes with a range of nut milks. One of the things I loved about this place was also that you can request to get your name, logo, picture or whatever you want printed on your foam. The stand out for me was the green goddess smoothie: almond meal, protein powder, mango, spinach, coconut oil and coconut milk. My favourite dish is the pumpkin soul bowl (Char green pepper, quinoa, edemame hummus, mixed greens, pepitas, crushed nuts and sambal). Recommend coming for breakfast or lunch, especially for coffee, juice/juice shots and raw GF VG desserts. All tax and services charges are included in the prices making it easy for groups to dine.
Pictures via @coffeecartelbali
Price range: medium
Vegan, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Kid Friendly, Not laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: no
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya 99, Seminyak - Bali
Opening hours: 7.00am – 11.00pm
Extensive menu based on macrobiotic principles, vegetables grown on certified organic farms, non GMO, no use of preservatives, flavor enhancers or MSG. They sell a wide array of natural health foods and products. Great place to buy healthy on the go foods for day trips around Bali or supplies if you’re staying a while. The drinks list offer a tonic for every ailment from counteracting Bali pollution to the T2 (created for constipated travellers). The dragon bowl is their signature salad that comes in half and large size. It contains an assortment of grated organic vegetables, pomelo, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, sizzled tempe served over cold soba noodles with toasted sesame & shredded nori dressing (gluten free available). The ‘make your own salad’ available on request lets you choose from a list of ingredients and what dressing served on the side. The Planet Platter is made up of a daily changing macro-balanced plate consisting of a protein, greens, brown rice, salad and a serve of one or two specials of the day. Earth Cafe's flagship Mighty Burrito and eggplant & cashew cheese burekas are also worth mentioning. Great place to go with a few people for a casual lunch or dinner and share dishes so you don’t get food FOMO.
Pictures via @earthcafebali
Meat - Vegan, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Price range: medium
Kid friendly, laptops no
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: 22a Jl. Kayu Aya, Badung
Opening Hours: 7.00am – Late
Service runs smoothly in the cozy venue and the range of food is high quality and impressive. Located near Motel Mexicola in Seminyak open early til late it’s a great place to eat any time of day. Impressive breakfast items are the pesto eggs and smashed avo (simple rustic style with pumpkin seeds, salt flakes & pepper with side red onion marmalade & lemon slice). The stand out dish for me however is the nourish bowl (organic kale, baby spinach, chickpeas, red quinoa, beetroot, carrot, sprouts, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage, roasted pumpkin, toasted seeds, cashews & lemon agave dressing) with a side of grilled barramundi. Also love the jackfruit and maha fish tacos. And they serve Kombucha spiked with absolute vodka, yay.
Pictures via @seacircus
Canggu
Lacto/Ovo Vegetarian, Vegan friendly, Gluten free options, Nut Mylk options
Price range: low to medium
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: yes, most of the menu
Address: Jl. Tanah Barak 53, Canggu
Opening hours: 7.30am – 10.30pm
My favourite in Bali. The large café is covered by straw umbrellas surrounded by beautiful greenery. It’s open from 7am to late and always busy. The menu is innovative and somewhere I am always happy to any time of day. The Smoothie bowls and smoothies themselves are phenomenal. I can never go past the cacao dreams bowl and the choc tops and kale storm are my favourite smoothies (best smoothies in Bali). Check the specials as they often have salted caramel one or last time I was there a chocolate turmeric smoothie. The nourish bowls are my most ordered item. I’ve lost count of how many protein bowls I’ve had (lentils, broccoli, corn, beans, greens, beetroot, radish, capsicum, mung beans with a vegan dipping sauce). All the dishes are fresh, nutritious and delicious. I’ve been delighted with breakfast items from the porridge to eggplant on toast. The vegan cheeseburger, nachos and wraps are also very noteworthy. Shady also have a huge selection of raw and cooked desserts. Even though it is busy around the clock it was still one of my favourite places to study on my laptop. As non coffee drinker I found the best matcha latte served here (no added sweeteners).
Pictures via @theshadyshack
All Vegan Cafe, Gluten free options, nut mylks made on site
Price range: medium
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: no
Address: Jl. Raya Pantai Berawa no. 46, Denpasar
Opening Hours: 7.30am – 9.30pm
Peloton offers vegan versions of traditional comfort foods like tacos, lance lasagna and trikin parmy to name a few. The smoothie bowls are delicious and not sickly sweet. Attention to detail in everything, beautifully presented and colourful food and every coffee is served with Balinese petals. For Breakfasts at Peloton I always check the specials first for new creations. I usually have a breakfast salad or share ‘the marathon’ (scrambled tofu, garlic mushrooms, Mexican beans, tomato salsa, vegan sour cream, zucchini fritters and sauerkraut with a choice of breads). My favourite salad is the fuel good (kale, spinach, purple cabbage, capsicum, broccoli, mind chillies, carrot, beetroot, spring onions, toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, sesame, smashed pumpkin and hummus served with a house made dressing with a choice of toast with garlic oil). Peleton’s mexican food is also on point: nacho libre (corn chips covered with mexican beans, pulled BBQ jackfruit, tomato salsa, guacamole, cashew sour cream and cheesy quesa sauce). A great place to go with a group and share dishes. Peloton’s drinks menu is extensive covering juices, health shots, range of teas and coffees and props for offering the three doshas of Ayurvedic medicine an individual concoction tea.
Pictures via @pelotonsupershop
Meat - Vegan, Gluten free options, nut mylks made on site
Price range: medium
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung
Opening Times: 7.30am – 7.00pm
Matcha is tucked away off the busy part of Pantai Berawa in Canggu so it’s not overly busy. They list which items are paleo, vegan, gluten free and even refined sugar free. I used to take my laptop there and with the beautiful view of rice paddies and study for hours as the tables have power adaptors for patrons. The staff are delightful and the owner is a passionate matcha enthusiast so grounded green tea leaves feature in a lot of the menu and he’s happy to give you a matcha history lesson if he’s there. The vegan pancakes were great and I’m always impressed when a matcha latte doesn’t come pre-sweetened! The macrobiotic rainbow bowl won me over (matcha hummus, turmeric tempeh, sautéed greens, steamed purple sweet potato, red quinoa, pink beetroot & fennel sauerkraut, spirulina & wakame gomashio & goji vinaigrette).
Pictures via @matchacafebali
Meat - Vegan, Gluten free options, nut mylks options
Price range: low
Kid & laptop friendly (between busy times)
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: Jl. Batu Bolong 60, Canggu
Opening Times: 7.30am – 10.00pm
The tree house cafe provides a stunning sunset view over Canggu. The lunch/dinner options are out of this world and in my opinion outshine the breakfast menu. The Western/Indonesian fusion food is really special. Be sure to try the raw gado gado (spinach, ruccola, cabbage, carrot, coconut, cucumber, tomato, tempe, tofu, sprouts with a peanut dressing) was my favourite salad but they are all spectacular. My favourite is the sayur bowl (broccoli, carrot, eggplant, cauliflower, tempe, tofu, mushrooms, spinach in a tamarid ginger marinade topped with fresh sprouts & seeds, served with red rice, pickled vegetables sambal and krupuk) and the fresh Ginger turmeric soda water drink with soda.
Pictures via @betelnutcafe
Meat - Vegan, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Price range: low to medium
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: yes
Address: Jl. Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali
Opening Times: 7.00am – 10.00pm
Gym junkies this is the café for you! High protein to paleo to vegan options galore. The menu is extensive, based around health prerequisites and the staff are very accommodating with orders. I’ve always been really happy with every meal here. My stand out is the sweet pumpkin (lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, sweet potato, green beans, warm mushrooms, roasted sunflower seeds and green pesto) and the Vegan (beetroot, organic tempe, roasted mixed seeds, spirulina, carrot, cucumber, cherry tomato, corn, lettuce, pineapple and avocado). Having gone there with males they were really happy with the chicken burger and other meaty dishes. Tax and services are included in the price so easy for groups. Great range of juices and shots (beetroot, wheat grass, turmeric). You can also add superfoods to your juices/smoothies like spirulina, bee pollen and turmeric.
Pictures via @motioncafebali
Ubud
Vegan, Gluten free options, nut mylk options
Price range: low
Kid & laptop friendly
Delivers on go-jek: no
Address: Jalan Raya Pejeng Kawan, Banjar Laplapan, Petulu, Ubud, Pejeng Kawan, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, 80552
Opening Times: 10.00am – 10.00pm
I came across this gem scooting past and thought it would be a beautiful place to eat. It turned out to be one of the best culinary experiences I’ve had in Bali. The menu, quality, tastes, serving sizes, scenery and low cost of this restaurant is out of this world. The jackfruit curry was one of the best curries I’ve ever tasted. The outdoor and undercover large setting in a beautiful garden made an extraordinary experience.
Pictures via @ubudfloadgarden @priyanka_onmycanvas @gaiaretreatcenterinbali
Ulluwatu
Meat - Vegan, Gluten free options
Price range: medium to high
Kid friendly
Delivers on go-jek: no
Address: Jl. Belimbing Sari, Pecatu, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364
Opening Times: 11.00am – 1.30pm
Omnia day club in Uluwatu is drop dead gorgeous and as an impressive food selection that is actually healthy. I loved the fruit platters, salads and the poke bowl. A special mention to the lavender martini that is served with decorative goji berries. Including a superfood as a cocktail garnish, who wouldn’t be impressed?
Pictures via @omniabali
Warungs
Eating on the street stalls of Bali make up a well-rounded authentic Bali experience. I’ve personally never got sick from eating vegetarian foods at the local warungs and street stalls but if you have a weak stomach something maybe to avoid. Language barriers haven’t stopped me eating at them, I simply pick and choose by pointing to the dishes I want. Cap Cay is made up of vegetables, usually some tofu or tempe and a traditional sate gado gado is a Indonesian dish to add on your Bali bucket list. Some of the best mie goreng and nasi gorengs can be found in little unknown warungs.
Juice Bars
Juice bars are everywhere and extremely cheap. Most stalls blend the fruit and vegetables rather than juice them. Somewhat limited in the vegetables you can choose. I usually take it as an opportunity to blend cucumber, carrot and the amazing tropical fruits like dragonfruit and mango. For an Australian equivalent of around $1.50, you can usually pick and choose what fruits and vegetables you want. Just be sure to ask for no sugar otherwise they will add it.
Happy Cow
If ever in doubt download the Happycow app that lets you see vegetarian/vegan cafes and health food stores around your current location with pictures and reviews.
Go-Jek
Buying an Indonesian simcard for your travels is extremely cheap. I recommend downloading the app: go-jek which is the equivalent to Indonesian uber and uber eats but on scooters. Not all cafes/restaurans put their menus on the app but the ones that do make it extremely convenient for ordering from the menu on your phone with no language barriers. Delivery from Canggu to Kuta is around $1-$2 Australian dollars. So it’s a nice gesture to add the courtesy of tipping your driver for scooting your food to you in the humidity of Bali.
Tipping
Which brings me to tipping. It is not compulsory but common courtesy. I asked and the average wage of hospitality workers in Indonesia is around $300 a month. Leaving a tip is encouraged especially if you receive great service, it goes a long way for them and good karma comes back around x