Bali is a world-renowned paradise for vegans and vegetarians. But beyond the smoothie bowls, how do you navigate traditional local food safely? This guide provides essential tips for plant-based travelers to enjoy Bali’s incredible cuisine without worrying about hidden ingredients or tummy troubles. This is your ultimate vegetarian Bali guide for safe and delicious dining.
The Good News: Plant-Based Staples are Everywhere
The foundation of Indonesian cuisine is naturally rich in plant-based options. You will find delicious, protein-packed staples like Tempeh (fermented soybean cake) and Tahu (Tofu) to be ubiquitous. This means you can find them ‘everywhere’, from simple roadside warungs and local markets to the most sophisticated five-star restaurants.
The “Hidden Ingredient” All Vegetarians Must Know: Terasi
While many dishes start with a plant-based foundation, there is one non-negotiable ingredient for all vegetarians and vegans to learn about. This is arguably the most critical piece of information for navigating traditional cuisine safely.
What is Terasi?
Terasi, or shrimp paste, is a fundamental building block of Indonesian flavor. It’s made from fermented ground shrimp, pressed into a dark, dense block. It has a powerful, pungent, and deeply savory (umami) aroma that adds complexity to dishes.
Because of this flavor-enhancing quality, it is the default base for almost every type of traditional Sambal (chili paste). For this reason, you should always assume that any sambal or unidentified sauce contains terasi unless confirmed otherwise.
How to Ask
Arm yourself with a few key phrases in Bahasa Indonesia. When ordering, you can politely and clearly ask:
- “Tanpa terasi?” (Without shrimp paste?)
- “Tidak pakai terasi?” (Don’t use shrimp paste?)
Navigating a “Warung”: Tips for Plant-Based Eaters
Eating at a local Warung is a must-do for an authentic Bali experience. The sights and smells are intoxicating, but for a plant-based eater, it can also present some unique challenges. Here’s how to navigate the experience safely and successfully.
Dedicated Vegan/Vegetarian Warungs Are Your Safest Bet
The number of dedicated vegan warung Bali spots has exploded, especially in areas like Ubud and Canggu. This is your safest and most stress-free option. These establishments eliminate the risk of cross-contamination (e.g., using the same oil or utensils for meat and vegetables) and the need to constantly question hidden animal products in Balinese food. It allows you to order anything off the menu with complete confidence.
At a Regular “Nasi Campur” Warung
At a traditional mixed rice (Nasi Campur) stall, you need to be an observant detective. Watch to see if the same serving spoon is being used for both meat and vegetable dishes. To be safe, always point to the dishes you want and ask the server to use a clean spoon (minta sendok bersih). For more general tips on warung safety, you can read our guide on eating at street food stalls safely.
Safe & Delicious Plant-Based Dishes to Try
Here are some classic Indonesian dishes that are generally safe and easy to order as safe vegan food in Bali:
- Gado-gado: A famous Indonesian salad of blanched vegetables, tofu, and tempeh, covered in a rich peanut sauce. To ensure it is fully vegan, it should be ordered ‘tanpa telur’ (without egg) and you must confirm the peanut sauce is ‘tanpa terasi’.
- Tempeh/Tahu Goreng (Fried Tempeh/Tofu): Simple, delicious, and available everywhere. These are typically served as golden-brown, crispy slices or cubes, offering a satisfying texture and nutty flavor.
- Sayur Urap: A wonderful Balinese dish of steamed vegetables mixed with seasoned and toasted grated coconut. It’s refreshing, naturally vegan, and a great way to eat local greens. For more tips on produce safety, see our guide to fruits and salads in Bali.
- Nasi Goreng Sayur (Vegetable Fried Rice): A classic staple. A truly plant-based version will be made ‘tanpa telur, tanpa terasi’ to ensure it’s delicious and compliant with your diet.
With a little knowledge and a few key phrases, Bali truly is one of the best places in the world for a plant-based eater to explore.
These tips help with prevention. To be fully prepared for any digestive issues, which can be a risk for any traveler, read our Ultimate Guide to Bali Belly.
Eat Healthy, Travel Happy. Should you need any medical advice during your stay, from digestive health to general wellness, our team is here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Vegans & Vegetarians in Bali
How do I say “I am vegetarian/vegan” in Indonesian?
For vegetarian, you can say, “Saya vegetarian” (I am vegetarian). For vegan, the term is less common locally, so it’s better to be specific: “Saya tidak makan daging, ikan, telur, atau produk susu.” (I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products).
Is ‘Gado-gado’ always vegetarian?
Usually, but not always. The vegetables are fine, but the peanut sauce can sometimes contain terasi (shrimp paste) and it’s often served with a hard-boiled egg and shrimp crackers (krupuk). Always specify “no terasi, no egg, no krupuk” if you are vegan.
What about cross-contamination from cooking oil?
In non-dedicated warungs, this is a real risk. It is very common for tempeh, tofu, and vegetables to be fried in the same oil used for chicken or fish. If this is a major concern for you, sticking to 100% vegan-certified restaurants is the best strategy.
Besides ‘terasi’, are there other hidden animal products to know?
Yes. Be cautious with broths, as they are often made with chicken stock (kaldu ayam). Some sauces may also use fish sauce (kecap ikan). It’s always good to ask.
Is it easy to find plant-based milk for my coffee?
In the vast majority of cafes catering to tourists (especially in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud), yes. Oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are standard options and widely available.
What are the best areas in Bali for vegan food?
Canggu and Ubud are world-famous for their incredible density of high-quality vegan and plant-based cafes and restaurants. Seminyak and Uluwatu also have many excellent options.
I have a severe nut allergy. Is it difficult to eat vegan in Bali?
It can be challenging and requires extreme caution. Peanut sauce (bumbu kacang) is a core component of many famous Indonesian dishes like Gado-gado and Sate. You must be very clear about your allergy when ordering anywhere.
Are there any “accidentally vegan” Balinese snacks?
Yes! Look for keripik tempe (tempeh chips), keripik singkong (cassava chips), and many types of kue (traditional cakes) made with coconut milk and rice flour. Always ask to be sure, but many are naturally plant-based.
How do I know if the tempeh/tofu is safe?
The process of making tempeh and tofu involves boiling the soybeans, which makes them safe from a bacteriological standpoint. The main risk comes from how they are prepared and cooked afterwards (e.g., oil used, sauces added).
Is there a good app for finding vegan restaurants in Bali?
Yes, the HappyCow app is an excellent and very popular resource used by travelers worldwide to find vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in their area. It’s highly recommended for your trip to Bali.
