Welcome to vegan paradise – otherwise known as Canggu, Bali! Our Vegan Travel Guide To Canggu is perfect for anyone looking to find the best spots to eat plant-based cuisine or find healthy options while on their travels. We also include some food safety tips and overall advice for your time in Bali.
Nestled on Bali’s southwest coast, this once-sleepy village has blossomed into a vibrant hub for surfers, digital nomads, and travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With its picturesque rice fields, stunning beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Canggu offers an eclectic mix of activities.
From yoga retreats and world-class surfing to exploring trendy cafes and boutique shops, there’s something for everyone in this tropical haven.
For vegan travelers, the Canggu area boasts an impressive array of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, cafes, and numerous whole food stores and organic eateries focusing on healthy, plant-based options.
Balinese classics like nasi goreng and gado-gado are often reimagined with tempeh, tofu, and fresh vegetables. At the same time, Western favorites such as smoothie bowls, vegan burgers, and pizzas are crafted using locally sourced, organic ingredients.
So, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your vegan adventure in Canggu!
Before You Go: A Vegan Travel Guide To Canggu
Before jetting off to Bali, there are a few key things every vegan traveler should know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Language
While many people in Bali speak English, especially in major tourist areas, knowing a few key phrases in Bahasa Indonesian is always helpful. Be cautious with labels regarding vegan dining, as some products may not indicate animal-derived ingredients.
Here are a few keywords to note on your travels:
- Susu – Milk
- Telur – Egg
- Daging – Meat
- Ayam – Chicken
- Ikan – Fish
- Sapi – Beef
- Babi – Pork
- Udang – Shrimp
- Eat – Makan
Traditional Balinese Cuisine
Balinese cuisine offers some naturally vegan dishes that are worth trying. However, some traditional dishes may contain shrimp paste, fish sauce, or eggs. Always confirm the ingredients, especially when dining at non-vegan establishments.
Markets
One of the joys of visiting Bali is exploring its vibrant local markets. You’ll find an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Try local fruits like jackfruit, dragon fruit, and mangosteen. Fresh coconuts are also widely available and are great for staying hydrated.
Groceries
For vegan pantry staples, larger supermarkets offer a selection of plant-based products. While the range might be more limited than what you’re used to back home, you’ll still find plenty of options to keep your vegan kitchen stocked.
Here are a few places you can visit in Canggu:
- Frestive
- Pepito
- Alive Wholefoods
- Bali Buda
- Bintang Supermarket
Dining Out In Canggu As A Vegan
Canggu is a vegan food lover’s dream come true. The area is teeming with dedicated vegan and plant-based restaurants, making it easy to find delicious meat-free meals (check out our list below). However, research in advance is always a good idea, especially if you venture outside Canggu to other parts of Bali where vegan options might be more limited. A great solution is to purchase a vegan meal to takeaway and bring it on the road with you. Otherwise, you can usually find a local warung (food stall) selling staples like rice, vegetables and tempeh.
Cross Contamination
When dining at non-vegan restaurants, be aware of potential cross-contamination with animal products. Clarifying with the staff is helpful, especially when ordering fried or grilled items.
Water
Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from filtered water.
Street Food
While Bali’s street food can be tempting, you must be cautious about where you eat to avoid foodborne illnesses. Look for vendors with busy stalls that indicate a high turnover of fresh food. When in doubt, stick to cooked foods and avoid raw items such as salad. Eat food that is cooked to order and served hot.
Religious Sensitivity
Bali is predominantly Hindu, and many ceremonies and offerings occur across the island. While staying true to your vegan principles, be respectful and understand cultural practices that may differ from your beliefs.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into the exciting world of vegan restaurants in Canggu!
Top Vegan-Friendly Restaurants In Canggu Bali
Shady Shack is a Canggu must-try, famous for its serene garden setting and diverse vegan menu. On the scene since 2011, this is a beautiful spot to enjoy colorful smoothie bowls, hearty salads, and mouthwatering plant-based burgers. The ‘Nori Bowl’ and ‘Raw Lasagna’ are crowd favorites, and the fresh coconuts and juices are ideal for the Bali weather.
This trendy spot offers a mix of healthy bowls and indulgent comfort food. Their ‘Big Brekkie’ is perfect for those mornings when you need a hearty start to your day. 100% plant-based, this is a great spot to order an iced latte on a tropical day or take home one of the many dessert options.
Now, with two incredible locations, KYND is one of the best places to enjoy vegan food (and vegan ice cream). You can’t go wrong with one of their Instagramable smoothie bowls or the indulgent plant-based comfort served on their diverse and creative menu. Be sure to show up hungry, as the chefs here serve generous portions, and you will want to leave room for dessert!
Did someone say authentic Italian pizza? Kasto serves ethically sourced plant-based cuisine made with local ingredients. With menu items designed to be enjoyed ‘family style’ you can order a selection of delicious pizza, pasta, and desserts to enjoy! Gluten-free pizza is also available on request.
A plant-based restaurant chain in Indonesia, Burgreens features both Western and Asian plant-based dishes on its menu. There are both vegetarian and vegan options with a focus on organic produce and nutrition, and all dishes are preservative and MSG-free. Along with all-day breakfast, their Earl Grey Bubble Mylk Tea is a popular choice! You can find these establishments across Java, Tangerang, and Bali.
A family-run restaurant focused on plant-based dishes and local produce, Manggu is a simple menu designed around sustainability and flavor. Be sure to try the Blueberry Lemon Cream Pancakes for something sweet or the Breakfast Scramble for something savory. In addition to breakfast, there are plenty of burgers, pasta, and salads to choose from. Enjoy with a coffee made from local beans or a vegan smoothie.
With two locations in Canggu and Berawa, Secret Spot is 100% plant-based, with cozy indoor seating and a relaxing garden area with the option to dine outdoors. Most of the menu is gluten-free; the staff always ask about your food allergies and preferences. The menu features a variety of dishes such as pizza, burgers, pasta, salads, and sweet treats. Finish your meal with their delicious chai latte or selection of herbal teas.
A 100% vegan restaurant located within a yoga and wellness center focused on improving health and vitality. The unique thing about the menu is that the fresh food is prepared with Alkaline water and organic produce from the permaculture garden. You can find a range of healing tonics, detox juices, gluten-free dishes, and soups. Take a yoga class and enjoy a meal after in a relaxing setting.
Vegan Desserts & Bakeries
This spot offers dairy-free, coconut-based ice creams in various unique flavors. Try the ‘Salted Caramel Cashew’ or ‘Bali Banana’ to taste tropical paradise.
If you are craving authentic Italian gelato, you might be surprised to find it right here in Canggu at Ettore. They have a wide selection of vegan flavors, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
Here, you can find a selection of vegan cakes and pastries, as well as gluten-free bread. The cafe also serves vegan dishes, coffee, and fresh juice. The menu is refined-sugar-free and focuses on healthy options.
With five locations around Bali, this popular spot makes delicious cookies and has a range of vegan options (they sell out quickly).
A great wholefoods grocery store that sells a selection of vegan and raw dessert options. Perfect to stock up on plant-based snacks for the road. There is also a cafe on-site with a vegan menu. Try the Cassava Pancakes or the Organic Fruit Salad.
Warungs (Local Balinese Food)
Thanks to a wide selection of plant-based options, it is a great spot to try traditional Balinese cuisine. Most warungs are similar to a buffet-style setup where you will select rice and many side dishes made from vegetables, tempeh, and tofu.
An ideal spot to try many different vegan options on one plate, Warung Varuna is well known for providing numerous plant-based options. With outdoor seating, it’s perfect for dine-in or ordering a takeaway box and walking down to the beach.
Non-Vegan Restaurants with Vegan Options
One of the best things about dining out in Canggu is the fact that many restaurants have a variety of vegan-friendly menu options making it easy to find plant-based options everywhere you go.
Here is a list of places featuring vegan menu options that are worth checking out around Canggu:
- La Baracca
- Nude
- The Black Box Provisions
- Tyger Sushi
- Roots
- Mostly
- RiZe
- Nourish
- Crate Café
- Ketela Eatery
- Zali
- Mason
- Woods
- Shelter
Markets With Vegan Options In Canggu
This weekly market is a treasure trove of fresh, organic produce, vegan baked goods, and other plant-based treats. It’s also great to meet like-minded individuals and support local producers. It gets very busy, so it’s best to go earlier to avoid the crowds.
Designed to support local sellers, this market has everything from fresh produce to fashion. The food court has several vegan options, including fresh juice, coffee, and salads. You will be met with a busy atmosphere, which tends to get crowded by lunchtime.
Final Thoughts
Canggu’s vegan scene goes beyond food. Many local businesses embrace a holistic approach to veganism, focusing on sustainability, animal welfare, and community support. From eco-friendly accommodations to vegan fashion boutiques, the vegan lifestyle is well-integrated into Canggu’s culture.
As you explore this vegan paradise, remember to stay open to new experiences. Try local fruits you’ve never heard of, experiment with traditional Indonesian ingredients, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the food and culture.
The Getaway Co. travels to Canggu each year for an amazing 10 day island holiday in Bali! If you would like to join us in Canggu be sure to follow our upcoming getaways by signing up to our newsletter or following us on social media so you don’t miss out!
