If you think green smoothies, bliss balls and gluten-free everything is reserved only for the uber health conscious crowd in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, think again.
Nestled among the roadside warungs, dotted with plastic chairs and the wafting smell of nasi campur, you have more than likely already spotted Bali‘s latest hospitality movement on your recent visit to the popular holiday island.
Yep, I’m talking, organic eateries.
Gaining as much popularity as a 5-for-1 Bintang singlet sale, these trendy cafés and restaurants are emerging as rapidly as ever, with their growth proving to be yet another indication of Western culture influencing the once quaint Indonesian province. But it’s certainly not a bad thing!
Amanda Brocket from the Raw Food Kitchen says the rise of organic, clean eats in Australia is down to people becoming more health conscious.
“You are what you eat,” says Amanda, and this health consciousness at home has spread to where we travel.
Healthy Aussies travelling want organic, or raw vegan she says, and the steamy Balinese climate is the perfect accompaniment to eating fresh, raw food.
Buying local and fresh produce has long been a part of Balinese life making it easy for cafés and restaurants to add cheap, fresh and healthy options to their menus.
“Tourists love these places. It creates employment opportunities for the locals and additional revenue. I also believe it teaches the Balinese about organic food and sustainability and as a developing country this shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Amanda.
And Amanda’s must-try raw food: “I absolutely love raw pizza! Topped with lots of veggies, avocado and of course nut cheese.” For a sweet treat at home, try Amanda’s Heavenly Strawberry Slice.
With such a huge selection of fresh and thriving local ingredients, paired with unique cooking methods, there’s no wonder the Island of The Gods is quickly overtaking the world in the “best organic eats” department.
We’ve delved into a few of our favourites that should be at the top of every foodie’s list of the best organic eats in Bali.
Ayung Organic Restaurant, Ubud
Located within the blissful grounds of The Royal Pita Maha Resort in Ubud, Ayung Organic restaurant allows its guests to enjoy delicious organic cuisine in an idyllic, serene environment. Perched beside Ayung River, the restaurant exudes the spiritual beauty of its surrounds while serving up a scrumptious menu of healthy eats.
Mouthwatering Tip: Try the Organic White Chocolate Cup Cake, enhanced with rose water and vanilla essence. It looks so pretty, you’ll agonise over ruining the presentation (until the first bite, of course).
Kupe Kupe Organic Balinese Restaurant, Mount Batukaru
Resembling a charming, traditional Balinese hut, which overlooks the vast rice paddies and pristine mountain river, Kupe Kupe Organic Balinese Restaurant in central Bali is not to be missed. Not only does the eco-friendly establishment boast locally sourced ingredients and their own permaculture food garden, but also innovative design using locally grown timbers.
If the memorable fare isn’t enough to satiate your cultural appetite, book yourself into a Balinese cooking class to learn the art of the ancient techniques.
Mouthwatering Tip: Try the Pepes ikan: Balinese steamed fish, served with organic rice, vegetables and sambal mentah, for only 75,000 IDR.
Earth Café, Seminyak
A popular addition to the Seminyak foodscape is Earth Café – a peaceful restaurant-cum-market-cum-cooking school that offers a host of exotic dishes, which incorporate macrobiotic ingredients.
Effortlessly blending Mediterranean, Japanese and Indian flavours, the owners of the café (who also own sister restaurant Zula) have made a concerted effort to provide wholesome, home-style eats to their loyal customers, as well as offer private nutritional consultations for the ultra health conscious.
Mouthwatering Tip: Try the Sweet Potato French Fries served with homemade ketchup, freshly cut to order and cooked in coconut oil. Delish!
Bali Buda, various locations
Established in 1994, the Bali Buda food store chain is like the golden child of Balinese organic eateries. With four set-ups across the island, including the Bali Buda headquarters in Batu Balan, the team strives to bring quality food to the masses, both via their restaurants and through home delivery. Promising a commitment to sustainability, recycling and fair trade, Bali Buda is also an avid supporter of various local organisations. And with the tagline, “Real Food By Real People”, you can be guaranteed that what you get, is honest, wholesome fare.
Mouthwatering Tip: Try the Raw Chocolate Pudding Pie, especially if you’re mad for the rich stuff.
Divine Earth Bali, Kuta-Seminyak
Situated in the midst of the bustling Seminyak-Kuta area, Divine Earth is like a slice of paradise in the chaotic hub. Not only does this little gem boast organic juices, smoothies and desserts, but also 100% raw vegan cuisine, making it the ideal place for the health conscious to indulge.
Visit the café or take advantage of the free delivery in the Seminyak area. Plus, the restaurant is connected to a yoga studio, so it’s the perfect spot to escape the surrounding madness.
Mouthwatering Tip: Try the Eggplant and Zucchini Moussaka stack with cashew cheese melt. Drool.
Featured image by Forgemind ArchiMedia
