a spread of vegan lunch dishes at zest ubud - a large dark bowl filled with an orange peanut curry, next to mini colorful sushi rolls and a vegan burger with golden french fries on a newspaper style serving tray at zest ubud

Ubud Vegan Guide: Best Restaurants, Hotels, & More

Ubud, Bali’s cultural and spiritual hub, is known for its vibrant art scene, holistic retreats, and picturesque rice fields dotted with antiqued temples. It’s where we kicked off our vegan tour to Bali, and it was my first introduction to the country. For a first visit to Bali, Ubud is a bit of a sensory overload — scooters zipping by, an endless stream of artisans and cafes, and, of course, colorful vegan dishes that will make your mouth water.

Given Ubud’s high-spirited atmosphere, I highly suggest you don’t spend all your time here. It won’t give you a balanced perspective of the country, and I guarantee you’ll want a little peace. My tip is to head to the countryside for a few days.

I’m sure having an idea of what Ubud is like is helpful, but you’ve come to understand its vegan scene, so let’s get into it! It’s undeniable that Ubud is a fabulous city for vegans to visit. You’ll find a plethora of diverse and flavorful vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, absolutely showstopping hotels, activities, and more.

So, let’s jump in and break down all the fantastic food and places you must add to your Ubud vegan trip itinerary!

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Must-Visit Vegan Restaurants in Ubud, Bali

Ubud has a fantastic vegan scene, and I was only able to scratch its surface! These are a few of the spots that I absolutely adored, and I know that you will, too! If you’re looking for vegan-friendly spots, scroll down to the “Important vegan tips” section, as there are some things you’ll want to know before you go.

Alchemy Bali

Additional location in Uluwatu
$$ Traditional eats with a healthful spin (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)

This laid-back, boho-chic vegan café is the poster child for Ubud’s eclectic wellness scene. This was one of the first spots we visited on our vegan tour, and it didn’t disappoint. From the handmade chocolates and sundae bar station to colorful bowls and fresh juices, your senses will be heightened, and your tastebuds will want to try one of everything!

vegan burger on a plate with thick cut french fries next to a colorful veggie bowl with mini falafel on a wood table at the vegan restaurant alchemy in ubud, bali

Everything on the menu is made with the most healthful and superfood-packed ingredients, including plenty of fresh herbs, raw veggies, medicinal mushrooms, and more. Your biggest problem will be deciding; there are so many options, and you must save room for dessert! I opted for a falafel protein bowl topped with spirulina crunchies (where else will you find spirulina crunchies). This was a smart choice as it was filling and flavorful, but it didn’t put me over the edge so that I could indulge with a “Shy” sundae.

While I adored the colorful dishes, my full-on love affair was sealed when I learned about the company’s mission. They prioritize caring for people, the planet, and the community. They do this by creating good-for-you food, hosting special community services, and sourcing local, ethical ingredients. In addition to that, they’re also climate-neutral certified — it’s nice to go somewhere and feel good in more ways than one about supporting them.

Zest Ubud


$$ Globally-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch, & dinner

You’ll not soon forget a visit here. From the beautiful, lush views next to your dining table to the massive tree creating a centerpiece for a quirky bar, your eyes wander until your food is slid in front of you. This hippie haven is a true community hub, bringing together all walks of life, from the barefoot songstress to vacationing families and everyone in between.

While Zest is a definite joy for your eyes and ears, it’s also a joy for your tastebuds. The menu is massive! They’ve traversed the globe and veganized everything from schnitzel to jackfruit tuna sushi. I think I spent a full 10 minutes just examining the menu, trying to decide! Indecision really got me good, so we ordered three dishes (isn’t there a saying about going big in Bali? If not, there is now). For a boost of green, I went for the Moringa medicine bowl; I’ve had powdered Moringa before, but never fresh, and this was served with a delicious peanut curry-type stew. As I mentioned, I didn’t stop there; we also got the vegan fisherman burger and Burmese “egg” sushi! It was all super creative, and I was impressed by their use of whole foods, like shrooms, to create interesting flavors like fish!

a spread of vegan lunch dishes at zest ubud - a large dark bowl filled with an orange peanut curry, next to mini colorful sushi rolls and a vegan burger with golden french fries on a newspaper style serving tray at zest ubud

It’s safe to say I felt like I needed to be rolled out of there, but I also wanted to order more. Come here hungry, very hungry! And, don’t forget to order dessert!

the large dessert case filled with large vegan cakes, cheesecakes and individual desserts and treats at zest in ubud, bali

Plant Bistro


$$ Italian cuisine with a little global inspiration; open fore breakfast, lunch, & dinner.

Right around the corner from Zest is another vegan showstopper. We visited here at the tail end of an all-day eating adventure, which was a total mistake — this menu needs you to come hungry and ready to eat without a care in the world. Now, you will quickly notice that many vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in Ubud seem to be competing for the next best-designed and decorated! It’s absolutely evident that every place wants to make sure you feel like you’re somewhere special, and you’ll feel that way at this chic boho meets upscale spot.

the boho chic dining room with wicker lighting and marble tables at plant bistro in ubud, bali

While the menu has a unique mix of options, the chef leading the charge here is Italian, so you shouldn’t skip his signature pastas and pastries. I know those are generally things you really think about when visiting Bali, but you’ll be disappointed if you don’t.

Sadly, we only had room for dessert when we visited, but it didn’t disappoint. The house-made, cream-filled bomboloni and ultra-creamy passionfruit gelato were top-notch. They’d be perfect after a bowl of purple risotto or a Margherita pizza! Also, they have house-made gluten-free pasta!

Dapur Usada


$$ Vegetarian restaurant with a focus on Balinese & Indian cuisine; open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner.

Before traveling, I always do a ton of food research; there are always places that come up again and again, and there are places I don’t find until I get there. Dapur Usada was a hidden gem I didn’t find until getting to Ubud. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that everything is made with the utmost care, from the bouquet of perfectly selected herbs for a refreshing cocktail to the powerful veggie blends meant to heal and balance whatever ails you.

All of their dishes focus on the fusion of flavors from Indonesia and India, made utilizing the principles of Ayurveda, which is meant to reduce imbalances or stress through the powers of food. There is truly something for everyone on this menu. When I visited, I felt like I needed a boost of fresh veggies, so I went for the aptly named Raw Rabbit Bowl. According to the restaurant, it was best for balancing my Kapha; honestly, I had no idea what that meant, but I’ll say I had a lot of late-night energy afterward.

We visited during our group tour, and everyone indulged in different things — banana flower stew, kitchari, Nasi Campur, and more. The group gave it a resounding two thumbs up! Also, the menu is well-marked for dishes that contain dairy or honey. Most of the menu is vegan and gluten-free.

Fivelements Sakti Dining Room

Location: Mambal, 25-minutes from central Ubud
$$$ Chic riverside restaurant attached to the Fivelements Retreat

I will go into more detail about Fivelements below, but I wanted to highlight the restaurant as most might think it’s only open to hotel guests; that’s not the case! This beautiful riverside dining spot is the perfect place if you’re looking for something special. Every meal I had here was incredible. I actually would get up a little earlier so I could take my time at breakfast — I was willing to sacrifice sleep — that’s how much I enjoyed it! The menu varies every day and features Indonesian specialties and other globally-inspired dishes. They also offer a three-, five-, and seven-course chef’s tasting menu.

a vegan Balinese platter with a pyramid of rice next to tempeh satay, salad, pickled veggies and sauces in small bowls on a wood table at fivelements retreat in ubud, bali

Ubud Vegan Hotel Review: Fivelements Retreat & Spa

I had dreamed about going here for ages — coming here is my version of Disney Land. From the moment you set foot on the property to your final bite at the Sakti Dining Room, you’ll be in seventh heaven (side note: this would be a fabulous place to enjoy a vegan-friendly honeymoon).

Fivelements Retreat & Spa

Location: 25-minutes from central Ubud
Eco-luxe vegetarian resort with holistic amenities and activities.

the beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by traditional thatched Balinese buildings and overlooking a quiet river at fivelements retreat

So, what makes this place so awesome? That’s honestly a tough question because there is so much. For starters, the staff is wonderful and helpful. If you need something special, they can help. If you have questions about where to go, they’ve got you. I loved interacting with everyone every day.

Second, the food (duh)! The restaurant is almost entirely plant-based. They use honey in some dishes but can remove it from most things. The first morning, I asked if yogurt could be made without honey; they said no problem. Every morning after that, the staff remembered that request! I barely remember what I did yesterday, let alone that someone wanted to omit one thing from a dish.

Third, the focus on wellness — this isn’t a go-hop-on-a-bike and be-well kind of place; they take a holistic approach with all of their activities, classes, and spa services. I had the opportunity to enjoy a Balinese massage, which was definitely one of the best I’ve had.

The last thing to keep in mind is that Fivelements isn’t right in Ubud. It’s located in a village called Mambal, about 25 minutes from Ubud by car. I think it’s the perfect location to explore the city, then leave all of its crazy energy behind and recharge here.

a beautiful guest room at fivelements retreat with a king size bed with mosquito netting tied up to the posts behind a small seating area at fivelements retreat

Additional Vegan Hotels to Book in Ubud

You’ll be amazed to discover that Fivelements isn’t the only fantastic place for vegans to stay in Ubud! These two places are also very special and would be memorable places to rest your pretty little vegan head.

BeingSattvaa Resort

Vegetarian eco-resort is just 10-minutes from the heart of Ubud.

Book Your Stay
BeingSattvaa vegan-friendly resort in bali
Credit: BeingSattvaa Resort

Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort

Luxury vegan wellness resort 12-minutes from the heart of Ubud.

Book Your Stay
deluxe vegan friendly rooms tucked in the jungle at gdas health and wellness resort in bali
Credit: Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort

Is Ubud Vegan-Friendly?

Yes, Ubud is very vegan-friendly — I counted nearly 20 vegan and vegetarian spots, and that’s only counting the places that I easily found. I am guessing there are a handful of hidden gems out there to add to the count as well! Ubud’s vegan-friendliness has really been influenced by its huge influx of international visitors and residents. You can find quite a bit of veganized Balinese food, but you’ll also find various options from around the world. It’s important to remember this because Ubud is much different from other smaller villages that tourism hasn’t affected as much. On that same note, you will almost always find tofu and tempeh anywhere in the country and that is easy to make vegan-friendly!

a spread of white dishes filled with golden fried tofu, tempeh, veggies, and small bowls of soup on a wood table with a single handle holding a fork in bali

Important Vegan Tips to Know Before Traveling to Ubud (or Bali in General)

As a vegan, you’ll have an incredibly easy time in Ubud. You could exclusively eat at vegan or vegetarian spots and not even realize that sneaky non-vegan ingredients are lurking on menus — it’s nice to go somewhere and be blissfully unaware! So, if you go to a standard restaurant, there are a few things to be on the lookout for:

Shrimp paste and/or other fishy flavoring are in many dishes!

If you find a veggie dish, don’t assume it’s vegan or vegetarian; you need to ask if there is shrimp or fish. If there’s a language barrier, use Google Translate and type “shrimp paste” or “fish seasoning” into it. You could also tell them that you’re allergic to fish to be super sure. In addition to veggie dishes, traditional spicy sambal sauce usually has shrimp paste in it, too.

Luwak or Civet coffee is incredibly unethical.

This coffee is produced by forcing civets to eat the coffee cherries, and then the partially digested ones are removed from the poop and processed. Some may tell you that the coffee isn’t cruel and that locals just pick up the coffee cherries that have been eaten from the ground. That is true, but that isn’t the coffee that is being mass-produced. Unfortunately, demand for this coffee has caused civet farms to pop up, and the animals are force-fed the cherries. It’s sad and unethical — make sure you avoid it, and if you’re traveling with others, tell them, too.

a poster promoting unethical luwak coffee that is produced by forcing civeks to ingest coffee beans and then picking them out of their poop
You will unfortunately find this around the country but much more in tourist areas.

Cow’s milk isn’t common in traditional cuisine, but eggs are.

Aside from shrimp paste, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for eggs — at least they’re easier to spot (usually)!

Ubud Vegan Guide Wrap Up

If you’re looking for more vegan travel inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these other guides and articles to plan other exciting and delicious adventures.

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