Indonesia isn’t the easiest country for vegetarians and vegans, but it’s far from impossible — especially in Bali, which has one of the world’s best plant-based food scenes. Outside Bali, you’ll need to know which dishes are naturally vegetarian and which hide shrimp paste or chicken stock.
TL;DR — City Comparison
| City | Veg-Friendliness | Dedicated Restaurants | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali (Canggu/Ubud) | Excellent | 50+ | Plant-based paradise |
| Jakarta | Good | 20+ | Growing scene |
| Bandung | Moderate | 5–10 | Cafe culture helps |
| Yogyakarta | Moderate | 5–10 | Tempeh capital |
| Lombok | Limited | 2–3 | Tourist areas only |
Naturally Vegetarian Indonesian Dishes
| Dish | Description | Vegan? |
|---|---|---|
| Gado-gado | Vegetables in peanut sauce | Yes (usually) |
| Tempeh goreng | Fried fermented soybean | Yes |
| Tahu goreng | Fried tofu | Yes |
| Nasi goreng sayur | Vegetable fried rice (ask no egg for vegan) | Ask |
| Cap cay | Stir-fried mixed vegetables | Often |
| Pecel | Vegetables with spicy peanut sauce | Usually |
| Urap | Steamed vegetables with coconut | Yes |
| Sayur asem | Tamarind vegetable soup | Usually |
| Sayur lodeh | Vegetables in coconut curry | Usually |
| Ketoprak | Rice cake with tofu and peanut sauce | Yes |
Hidden Non-Vegetarian Ingredients
Watch out for:
- Terasi / belacan — Shrimp paste. Used in many sambals and sauces
- Kecap ikan — Fish sauce (less common than in Thai food)
- Chicken stock — Often used in soups that look vegetarian
- Oyster sauce — In stir-fries
Key phrases:
- “Saya vegetarian” — I’m vegetarian
- “Tanpa daging” — Without meat
- “Tanpa ayam” — Without chicken
- “Tanpa ikan” — Without fish
- “Tanpa telur” — Without egg
- “Ada terasi?” — Is there shrimp paste?
Bali: Plant-Based Paradise
Bali (especially Canggu and Ubud) has one of the best vegan food scenes in the world.
Top vegan/vegetarian spots:
- Alchemy (Ubud) — Raw vegan, cold-pressed juices, salad bar
- Moksa (Ubud) — Farm-to-table plant-based
- Shady Shack (Canggu) — Plant-based, generous portions
- Peloton Supershop (Canggu) — Vegan comfort food
- Earth Cafe (multiple locations) — Affordable vegan
Smoothie bowls, avocado toast, tempeh burgers, and raw food are everywhere. Monthly food budget as vegan in Bali: $150–$350 depending on how much you eat at warungs vs cafes.
Outside Bali
In Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung: stick to tempeh/tahu (tofu) dishes at warungs, order nasi goreng without meat, and explore dedicated vegetarian restaurants in each city. Indonesian cuisine is naturally rich in plant-based ingredients (tempeh, tofu, coconut, peanuts) — you just need to navigate around the hidden animal products.
FAQ
Is Indonesia good for vegans? Bali is excellent. The rest of Indonesia requires more effort but is manageable if you learn key phrases and stick to known-safe dishes.
Is tempeh vegan? Yes — tempeh is made from fermented soybeans. It’s one of Indonesia’s greatest contributions to plant-based eating. Cheap, high-protein, and available everywhere.
Can I find plant milk in Indonesia? In Bali and Jakarta cafes, oat milk and soy milk are widely available. In smaller cities, less common. You can buy plant milk at supermarkets (Bintang, Pepito) in most cities.