Every time I’ve returned to Bali (over the last ten years), I get gobsmacked at how much it’s changed – in a relatively short amount of time. Aside from the local Warungs’ (restaurants), there’s now an abundance of healthy, vibrant vegan restaurants and cafes, and many vegan options at any number of eateries. I spent one of my weeks here in Seminyak, and wanted to share some of my favourite finds.
*Note: This is not a paid or sponsored blog. Food and Accommodation was paid for by me. All opinions and images are mine.
Location
I stayed right ON ‘Eat Street’, also known as Oberoi or Jalan Laksmana. This is the second time I’ve stayed here, and my hotel of choice is the IZE in Seminyak. I love it for it’s brilliant location and easy access. It has an entrance right onto Oberoi…. right will take you to Down to Earth, The Bistrot, Divine Earth and more. Left will take you to Potato Head/Alchemy and Cafe Organic (Grab a cab, it’ll cost you about $3).
I wandered up and down Oberoi most days and nights, finding places that I may not have bothered stopping in before. Some places were noteworthy, others not so much – but the fact is we now have so many options!
Food
There’s no shortage of food on Eat Street, and with so many different cuisines catered for, you could happily stay here your entire holiday and not eat the same thing twice.
I tried to visit as many places as I could this first week- however there’s only so much food one person can eat!
I did check out a few other places but if the menu doesn’t blow my socks off, I won’t bother going. My favourite type of restaurant specialises in one cuisine – I stay away from places that claim ‘International Cuisines!’ and have a menu the size of a book.
I’ve added some places at the bottom of this blog that I have eaten at on past trips, but don’t have any photos of this time.
Down to Earth, Earth Cafe, Seminyak
Probably one of my favourite cafes/restaurants here in Seminyak. The menu is extensive, and I’ve not had a bad thing yet! They have raw and cooked food, breakfast, snacks, smoothies and juices and more. There’s also a store that stocks everything from snacks, organic fruit and vegetables, drinks, books, crystals, skin and body care and supplements. Grab a table, settle in, and make yourself at home. It gets busy here often- but I’ve eaten at all times of day and always gotten a table. They also do take-away and delivery. The Down to Earth Collective is quite large – they have cafes all over Bali and Indonesia.
Try:
Iced Java Chai with Cashew Milk
Sautéed Scrambled Tofu
Tofu and Basil Rice Paper Rolls
Raw Chocolate Cupcake filled with Raw Chocolate Mousse
Visit:
Divine Earth Cafe, Seminyak
This is the smaller sister of Down to Earth. It’s got a more specialised menu, focusing on raw food (with limited cooked options). They have a cinema upstairs, where they often show vegan and environmentally themed films – and entry is free when you buy something from the menu. Great idea for a quiet night out.
Try:
The Tempeh with Peanut Sauce and Sauteed Vegetables (I got my tempeh cooked)
Any of their delicious smoothies – mine was a carob/banana/almond milk!
Address: Jalan Raya Basangkasa No.1200A, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Cafe Organic (Garden Gangsters)
Busy, pumping and totally cool. This cafe is gorgeous (photo ops galore) and the menu is extensive. The smoothie bowls are epic (served in fruit bowls) and the smoothies are delicious. It’s busy here, so don’t expect a quiet chilled out meal – but the turnover is super fast and you’ll always get a table. The cooked food was ok- nothing to write home about- but the raw food hit the spot.
Try:
Any of their Smoothie Bowls
Sugar Cane Juice
Visit:
Jl. Petitenget No.99 X, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Alchemy Seminyak
Really hard to find- it took me two days and three different cab drivers to locate it. It’s actually located INSIDE Potato Head, as one of the smaller concept stores. It’s totally different to Alchemy in Ubud, so adjust your expectations. There’s no legendary salad bar, but instead fridges with a selection of their Ubud best-sellers. They have smoothie bowls, smoothies, teas, drinks, a small a la carte menu, vegan ice cream, as well as snacks, raw desserts, ingredients, and body care. It’s small, with a few outdoor tables, and a bench table on the inside that seats ten. I happily took my laptop there a few times, and worked quietly inside, enjoying the lovely staff and fresh food.
Try:
The Peanut Butter Granola Jar
Pina Colada Smoothie
Raw Nachos
Papaya Wrapped Paper Rolls
Visit:
Jl. Petitenget 51B Seminyak Bali 80361 (inside Potato Head, through the security checks)
Chandi
Not exclusively vegan, or even vegetarian, this restaurant was absolutely delicious. It had something for everyone, so if you’ve got a meat-eating partner, this place would be perfect. Gorgeous atmosphere, solo bench seats if you’re dining alone, and some beautiful mocktails!
Try:
The Vegan Saté Plate – different grilled vegetables, tempeh and tofu, served on a hot stone platter, and served with steamed rice, and a spicy peanut sauce, this was PERFECTION.
Happy Felafel
A simple little eatery, I walked in and actually thought it was closed. There was no one else inside, and that usually sets off warning bells for me (rule of thumb – always look where the locals and/or a lot of people are eating!). However, I’d heard good things and was hanging for a felaf. It didn’t disappoint. The felafel’s were crispy and traditional, the hommus was creamy, the toppings were fresh and crunchy, and the only thing I could fault is that the pita was a little TOO cooked for me. I like my pita soft and warm. But I used a fork instead, and enjoyed!
Try:
The Felafel. And then another.
Visit:
The Bistrot
I love this place. The atmosphere, the lighting (chandeliers), and the food. You’d be forgiven for walking past and thinking it’s an expensive restaurant – it looks like one. However it’s super casual inside, and there’s plenty of booths upstairs if you feel like getting out of the main dining room. Not a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, but has some options that’ll fill you up. Just be clear when you’re ordering – they obliged me with Pad Thai with no fish sauce and no egg. A tad saucy, compared to what the Thai make, but not bad!
Try:
The Mocktails! So fun.
Rice Paper Rolls
Pad Thai
Visit:
La Favela
I love La Favela! Not for the food – but the space. It’s stunning. They have a load of mocktails and open after 5pm. But lucky me was allowed to go and sit in their super cool gardens when it was closed, and did some work. Well worth a look, just to see how beautiful it is – it really is like another World.
And the Rest
La Lucciola
Ku De Ta
I ate here alone last time I was in Bali and it was divine. However I heard from a few people that the standards have slipped a tad. But do check it out, as it’s a stunning venue, and if you call ahead, vegan options can be organised.
The Spicy Coconut
Tasty Vegan
This was on my list, but I ran out of time and stomach space! Check it out and let me know what you think!
Hotel
As I mentioned above, I stayed at the Ize in Seminyak. It’s sleek, modern, and aimed at a younger crowd who come to Bali for shopping, food and fashion- which Seminyak has in spades. You’ll find higher-end boutiques scattered throughout, small market stalls, and funky concept stores with things you won’t find anywhere else.
The Ize is super comfortable, private, and I spent most afternoons by the rooftop pool with a coconut mojito mocktail in hand and a book in the other. I’d go for a swim late at night – 9 or 10pm – out of the hot sun, and had it to myself every night. The buffet breakfast was sufficient, with all of your standard breakfast fare. Western and Eastern. Not a lot of vegan options, but that’s the same for most buffets. Fruit a-plenty, different breads (even a sourdough!) and the kitchen do have an a’la carte menu. I ordered mushrooms, spinach, tomato and topped it off with some baked beans and a roasted potato.
I’d often go and sit and people watch at the front of the hotel, making myself comfortable under the shade in the bar. Celery, lemon and ginger juice was my drink of choice.
Want to join me?
I am now taking expressions of interest for a Lifestyle Reset Retreat in 2017. Dates and costs are yet to be finalised, but sign up here to be the first to know when these exclusive spots become available.
I hope you can join me for a beautiful relaxing time, where we’ll eat incredible food, learn about the local culture, indulge in cooking classes (run by me!), practice a whole lot of self care, and more!
I’ll share with you some practices that will make 2017 your most beautiful year yet.
Perfect for women of all ages, this retreat will focus on living a sustainable plant based lifestyle, however is suitable for those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan, but want to learn more, or for those who simply want to include more vegetables in their diet.
Sign up here – I’ll only be bringing ten women!
Hope to see you there,
Adele x
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