Healthy Cafes in Ubud That Don’t Feel Like Eating Diet Food
Updated: Aug 12
The healthy lifestyle trend shows that more people are aware of the importance of staying healthy. Regular movement, enough rest, stress management, and nutrient-dense meals are all part of the same routine.
If you’re traveling to Ubud (or living here for a while), you don’t have to “pause” your healthy habits. Ubud is widely known as a hub for healing and holistic living. It’s packed with yoga studios, wellness spaces, retreats, and mindful experiences, plus plenty of healthy food in Ubud that fits your lifestyle.
Below, we’ve rounded up a practical guide to finding a healthy cafe in Ubud, including what makes Ubud special for health lovers, what to expect from plant-based dining, and tips for choosing the best spot for you.
Why Ubud Feels Like Home for Health Enthusiasts
Surrounded by lush nature and a deeply rooted culture, Ubud creates an atmosphere that makes healthy eating feel effortless. More than just “salads and smoothies,” the local dining scene focuses on freshness, balance, and sustainability.
Here are a few reasons why the healthy dining culture here stands out:
Farm-to-table is a real thing here
Many spots position themselves as organic cafes in Ubud, using seasonal produce, partnering with local farmers, or prioritizing ingredients that are grown with minimal chemicals. If you care about what goes into your body (and where it comes from), you’ll find plenty of like-minded places.
Healthy doesn’t mean boring
Ubud’s chefs are great at turning vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices into dishes that actually feel exciting. Expect colorful bowls, creative dressings, fermented elements, nourishing broths, and bold flavors that don’t rely on heavy processing.
The setting supports your nervous system
A big part of wellness is your environment, and many cafes here lean into open-air concepts, natural light, greenery, and calm interiors. It’s common to eat with views of rice fields, gardens, or tropical trees, perfect if you’re trying to slow down and reset.
Healthy Cafes in Ubud
Ramu Kitchen
If you’re looking for a healthy restaurant in Ubud that still feels exciting, Ramu Kitchen is a strong pick. Especially if you love bold Southeast Asian flavors, fresh seafood, and creative plates that don’t rely on heavy, processed ingredients.
What makes Ramu Kitchen stand out is the menu style: it’s not “diet food,” but it still fits the mindset of wellness with fresh components, plenty of herbs, citrus-based dressings, and balanced plates that feel lighter than typical comfort meals.
Must Try:
Ceviche Blimbi (gluten-free): fish of the day with ambarella, young mango, jicama, and a bright blimbi dressing.
Ramu Salmon Yum (gluten-free): salmon with pomelo, kalamansi dressing, and slaw.
Gohu Tuna: yellowfin tuna with watermelon, tomato, kemangi, rice cracker, and cashew.
Hibachi Grilled Fish Mangut: charcoal-grilled fish with smoked fish curry.
Plant-Based Menus: Even if you’re not fully vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of “plant-based leaning” dishes and sides:
Aubergine Tempura (vegetarian)
Papaya Blossom (vegetarian, with vegan option)
Fried Cuciwis (vegetarian, vegan option; hazelnut-soy dressing)
Romaine Salad (has vegan option)
Beverages: Ramu Kitchen also offers a strong list of juices and herb-forward refreshers. It’s ideal if you’re coming after yoga or want something lighter than a dessert:
Ubud Garden (apple, orange, carrot, ginger, pineapple)
Soother (turmeric, ginger, lemongrass)
Green Machine (celery, spinach)
Notes for specific diets:
Several plates are clearly marked gluten-free, especially in the cold plates and seafood sections.
There are vegetarian and vegan options, mainly in salads, sides, and some carbs.
Seafood and meat are both available, so it’s easy to come with a mixed group.
Kismet
Thinking about having a good cocktail but staying healthy? We got you! Kismet is where you should go. This place famously offers delicious smoothies and veggie bowls.
There's one dish that always makes travelers come back for more: the jackfruit bowl, shredded young jackfruit tossed with a tangy dressing over rice or greens. It's also worth trying their acai bowl, layered with granola, banana, and fresh tropical fruit. Several menu items are marked gluten-free or vegan, so it's an easy stop whether you're plant-based or just craving something lighter.
While some might say that the price point is quite high, their quality and services are totally worth it!
Sayuri
If you are into the raw food movement, you should definitely go to Sayuri to spend your time and money. They do raw vegan food wonderfully. Their signature Sayuri Bowl, packed with sprouted grains, marinated vegetables, and a nut-based dressing, is a good place to start, alongside their coconut-based smoothie bowls topped with cacao nibs and bee pollen. They also offer daily specials that change regularly, so it's worth asking what's fresh that day.
The Elephant
For those who believe a meal is best served with a view, The Elephant is a must-visit. Focused heavily on sustainability, this spot overlooks the stunning Tjampuhan Ridge. Head straight to the seating at the back of the restaurant to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery.
The menu here is extensive; give yourself a couple minutes just to explore all the possibilities. Standouts include their spaghetti “I can't believe it’s not” bolognese. While it is 100% vegetarian, the dishes are so hearty and creatively prepared that even dedicated meat-eaters will find themselves fully satisfied. It's the perfect blend of ethical dining and gourmet flavor.
Quick Comparison
Cafe | Specialty | Dietary Focus |
Ramu Kitchen | Pan-Asian, GF seafood | Mixed menu, strong GF/vegan options |
Kismet | Smoothies, jackfruit bowl | Vegetarian-friendly |
Sayuri | Raw vegan, smoothie bowls | Fully vegan |
The Elephant | Ridge views, hearty plates | Fully vegetarian |
Finding an Authentic Vegetarian Cafe in Ubud
For plant-based food lovers, finding a vegetarian cafe in Ubud is genuinely easy. Ubud has a long-standing community of vegans and vegetarians from all over the world, so the options go way beyond basic meals.
You’ll commonly find menus featuring:
Smoothie bowls with fresh tropical fruit
Hearty salads with seeds, legumes, and house-made dressings
Grain bowls with balanced macros
Plant-based takes on comfort food (like burgers, wraps, and “creamy” sauces)
Herbal drinks, tonics, and functional beverages
And it’s not only vegetarian-friendly. Many places that qualify as healthy restaurants in Ubud also cater to specific dietary preferences like gluten-free, low-sugar, or raw-inspired meals. The best part is that many dishes are crafted carefully to keep the nutrition high while still tasting satisfying.
Tips for Choosing a Healthy Place to Eat in Ubud
To get the best experience (and avoid meals that only look healthy), keep these tips in mind:
Check ingredient sourcing.
If a place claims to be an organic cafe in Ubud, look for clues: seasonal menus, local farm partnerships, or clear ingredient descriptions. Transparency usually signals real intention.
Look for balanced menu options.
A good healthy meal isn’t just “low calorie"; it’s balanced. Choose places that offer a mix of: Complex carbs (brown rice, sweet potato, oats, quinoa)
Quality protein (eggs, legumes, tofu/tempeh, fish/chicken if you’re not plant-based)
Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and coconut in moderation)
Find your vibe.
Some cafes are lively and social; others are quiet and tucked away near rice fields. If your goal is stress reduction and a slower pace, pick the more peaceful locations, even if it takes a little extra effort to get there.
Final Statement
Staying healthy is a long-term investment, and food choices are one of the simplest daily actions that actually add up. When you choose to eat at a healthy cafe in Ubud, you’re not just supporting your wellness; you’re also enjoying a side of Bali that feels grounded, refreshing, and genuinely nourishing.
FAQ
Are there vegan options at healthy cafes in Ubud?
Yes. Ubud's plant-based dining scene is well established, with menus built around smoothie bowls, grain bowls, hearty salads, and plant-based versions of comfort food like burgers and wraps. Sayuri and The Elephant are fully vegan/vegetarian, while spots like Ramu Kitchen and Kismet offer clearly marked vegan dishes alongside their broader menus.
What's a typical healthy meal in Ubud?
A well-balanced plate typically combines a complex carb (brown rice, sweet potato, quinoa), a quality protein (legumes, tofu/tempeh, eggs, or fish), and a healthy fat (avocado, nuts, seeds, or olive oil). Most of the cafes on this list build their menus around this kind of balance rather than just cutting calories.
Is Ramu Kitchen a fully vegetarian restaurant? potato, or
No. Ramu Kitchen is a Pan-Asian restaurant with a strong lineup of plant-based and gluten-free dishes, but it also serves seafood and meat. That makes it a good option if you're dining with a mixed group of plant-based and non-plant-based eaters.
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