Bali offers endless beauty in a short visit, and as a seasoned traveler, I've uncovered the island's best-kept culinary secrets. This week: the tastiest warungs.
If you've followed my Bali adventures, you know I'm a true food enthusiast—from pancakes and raw cakes to tempeh, waffles, salads, and pizza. Bali boasts trendy, healthy hotspots, but don't overlook the local warungs. These humble spots serve incredibly flavorful food at shockingly low prices. Drawing from my months exploring the island, here are my absolute favorites.
Oh. My. God. This is hands-down my favorite spot in all of Bali. Order at the counter from dishes displayed behind glass, load your plate, and find a seat. Tourists often pay more than locals, but not here—about 20 cents per scoop of vegetarian goodness (fish and meat options abound too). I ate here nearly every day amid the crowds. Bu Mi is my top Bali recommendation!
Read also: The best (vegan breakfast spots in Bali)
Similar to Bu Mi but fully vegan and slightly pricier (still a steal), with unbeatable flavors. Opt for the buffet or menu items like oatmeal, smoothie bowls, mushroom burgers, and vegan ice cream. Stock up on organic products, and join Friday's free breakfast—arrive early!
Tucked in a side street near the rice fields, this gluten-free gem spans two floors. No influencer hype here—just real taste. My smoothie bowl was thick, creamy, flavorful, perfectly chilled, and topped generously (not Instagram-perfect, which meant I could dig in immediately). Try the tempeh with satay sauce, plus affordable raw cakes and pies. Grab sugar-free homemade crackers and cookies at the entrance—I always did.
A cozy hybrid—not fully local, Western, or hip—with outdoor tables and friendly service. My vegan noodle bowl with tempeh and tofu sandwich were flavor explosions. The noodles slipped from my chopsticks, making it a fun challenge! Great vibes in a new shopping area; two Canggu locations for variety.
Read also: The tastiest Vegan Pancakes in Bali
More than a café, this 100% vegetarian, donation-based hidden gem is easy to miss. Serve yourself from the buffet, wash your plate, then pay suggested prices: 19 cents per scoop of veggies/salad/tofu/tempeh, 38 cents for rice, 31 cents for soup (or volunteer if cashless). Pure magic.
Steps from my daily boxing gym, this buffet-style warung offered tempeh in every style, tofu, veggies, meat, and fish. Customize your plate perfectly. Spacious seating inside and out on beanbags, with playful kittens for company.
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On Lombok's Gili Air, this unnamed spot was my daily ritual. Early afternoons brought snacks like LakLak (rice flour-coconut cake), spekkoek, and Kue Lapis (layered steamed cake)—often sold out later. Meals follow the same point-and-plate system (on eco-friendly banana leaves). Packed with locals midday; evenings quieter. One table, warm vibes, takeout option. Solo travel felt communal here—the Balinese spirit shines.
Shaima Boone is a yogi, actress, dancer, and owner of GemsByShy, her online spiritual crystal shop. 'I prefer animals to people, lose my charger three times a year, obsess over silver jewelry and nonstick pans, and can't live without tempeh and peanut butter.' Planned for 3.5 weeks in Bali; stayed 3 months with 54 Gojek rides, 1 yoga teacher training, 7 massages, 3 tattoos, 2 villas, 5 homestays, 15 hostels—and a fresh bob haircut. That's Bali magic.
