The exotic vibe of Ubud, Bali, was not a surprise. Neither was the endless parade of scooters, the club-wielding Brahmas found at every doorway nor the recognizable accents of Hindu culture that marked Ubud’s streets. The surprise I found came from all the yoga pants.
The expat community in Ubud is thriving — and maybe it has to do with all that yoga and vegetarian food they love. Organic and healthy choice restaurants are abundant in Ubud. They range from traditional Balinese fare to contemporary vegetable-based menus familiar to American palettes. Vitamin-rich greens are plentiful from the overgrown nature of this tropical paradise.
The following eateries in Ubud are just a sampling of the healthy options travel agents with Bali-bound clients will enjoy.
Alchemy
In nearby Penestanan, Bali (a 10-minute walk from central Ubud), raw and vegan cuisine is on offer at Alchemy. Visitors will appreciate its well-stocked salad bar and juice menu. Alchemy also hosts the best internet in the area along Jalan Penestanan Kelod.
alchemybali.com
Clear Cafe
Popular mainstay, Clear Cafe endorses the following statement: “Eat the food you wish to be.” Its casual ambiance and hip international menu offers hits such as the Dragon Bowl, which is a healthy dose of prawns, sprouts, red rice and mango chutney. Head there before or after a visit to the nearby Don Antonio Blanco museum.
www.clear-cafe-ubud.com
Kafe
In central Ubud, Kafe is a hangout with flair. Think of it as a comfortable place to chat, nosh and sip from an affordably priced menu of smoothies, salads, mains, coffee drinks and more. It’s a good spot to recommend, as it’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
www.facebook.com/kafeubud
The Yoga Barn
Near the iconic Monkey Forest and a few buildings down from Kafe, The Yoga Barn is the chief source of all the yoga pants and man buns billowing across Ubud. It hosts yoga classes every day and serves healthy meals at its Garden Kafe. The Yoga Barn is on Jalan Raya Pengosekan just behind Siam Sally & Zen Spa.
www.theyogabarn.com
Wayan’s Organic Coconut Juice Bar
Near Alchemy, Wayan’s Organic Coconut Juice Bar serves not only coconut, but a huge collection of familiar and foreign juices. The store is fronted by a charming local firstborn; the name of all first- and fifth-born Balinese people is Wayan.
www.facebook.com/wayans-coconut-juice-bar
Yellow Flower Cafe
Clients with a flair for adventure will love Yellow Flower Cafe. The food is deliciously traditional, and the walk to get there is lovely. Visitors follow a winding path next to a small stream off Penestanan Kelod. The Nasi Goreng (fried rice) is highly recommended.
www.facebook.com/yellow-flower-cafe-ubud-bali
