For
quality, quantity and value for money, it’s hard to beat Balinese food – and
vegetarians will find themselves particularly well-catered for during a trip to
Bali. Tempeh, made from fermented soybeans, is widely used in Balinese
vegetarian fare and is nutritious and high in protein.
It’s
no surprise that there’s such a wide range of delicious vegetarian food on
offer in Bai: around 70% of the population is vegetarian. Gado-gado, nasi padang,
dadar gulung and pisang goreng are just a selection of some of the best
plant-based Balinese dishes to try.
Indonesia’s Best Loved Salad: Gado-Gado
Gado-gado
is one of the most popular and well-known salad dishes served in Indonesia and
can be found in almost any local restaurant or warung in Bali. It typically
comprises cabbage leaves, lettuce, potatoes and steamed carrots, and often includes
bean sprouts and tofu. A rich and delicious peanut sauce is poured over the
top, and the dish is often topped off by an egg or prawn cracker – simply avoid
the cracker to make the dish entirely vegetarian.
Residents
of Bali – such as Isis Monteverde, who is
also a long-time vegetarian – appreciate that gado-gado can make for a
refreshing option in the Balinese heat.
Nasi Padang: A Vegetarian Feast
Nasi
padang can be a great choice for vegetarians visiting Bali. Padang restaurants,
which can be found all over the country, will typically serve a plate of white
rice along with several (sometimes up to 20) smaller dishes, meaning those
following a plant-based diet can easily stick to the vegetarian selections on
offer. Accompaniments to try could include daun singkong (cooked cassava
leaves) and telur balado (hard-boiled eggs that have been coated in fried chili
paste).
The Ultimate Sweet Treat: Dadar
Gulung
Dadar
gulung are traditional Balinese pancakes and can make for the perfect breakfast
treat during a visit to the island. The batter is infused with pandan extract
(from the exotic plant prized for its versatility and fragrance), and the
pancakes themselves are stuffed with shredded coconut and sweetened using
golden palm sugar. Variations of dadar gulung include the use of egg-free
batter and the addition of slices of banana.
Pisang Goreng
Pisang
goreng (Indonesian banana fritters) are served all across Bali. They consist of
chopped bananas fried in batter, with vanilla powder, sugar, and a butter and
rum flavouring. They can be eaten as part of breakfast, for a snack during the
day or incorporated into a dessert.
