As a self-proclaimed carnivore, I used to think that vegan or vegetarian food was less tasty than regular food. This changed after I visited Sawobali, a vegan warung in Ubud, Bali, known for their tasty meatless buffet.
Their buffet only costs IDR50K (~S$4.51) per person, and you can eat to your heart’s content for up to one hour. To enjoy the spread, simply approach any one of the staff to pay in advance. Do note that they prefer cash over card payments.
Here, you can choose from over 10 different local dishes, including glass noodles, house-made sauerkraut, braised kidney beans, baby potatoes, and carrot fritters. The food here is simple but flavourful, and gives off a home-cooked vibe.
To cater to Buddhist diners, Sawobali also does not include garlic or onions in their dishes.
Out of all the dishes, I liked the eggplant the most, which was caramelised and tossed in a coconut tamarind sauce. This resulted in a sweet flavour with a slight vegetal bitterness. I also loved how the eggplant was super soft and soaked up the savoury gravy well.
Don’t miss out on their selection of yummy tempeh with spicy and non-spicy options. Our favourite was Tamarind Caramelised Crispy Tempeh and Crispy Kaffir Lime Tempeh, the former boasting a nutty flavour and a hint of tartness from the tamarind.
There’s also an appetiser section with Balinese-style soup, salad, and traditional crackers. We tried the Soup Soto, featuring local mixed vegetables in a kaffir lime-infused broth. According to the staff, this soup is typically paired with crispy keropuk on the side.
If you still have tummy space to spare, try out the warung’s variety of traditional bakes such as pineapple tarts, sticky rice balls, and ketan hijau, a sticky rice dessert with grated coconut and pandan.
While flavoured beverages are not included in the buffet, Sawobali does provide free-flow drinking water. You can also top up IDR20K (~S$1.80) to enjoy a scoop of vegan ice cream with tropical flavours such as coconut, passionfruit, and durian. A la carte cakes are also available at IDR25K (~S$2.25) per slice, with the Mango Velvet Cake and Durian Chantilly Cake being popular picks.
For more plant-based options, check out these vegan and vegetarian food places in Bali. If you’re looking for more good food in Ubud, read our Ubud food guide.
Address: Jalan Sukma Kesuma Nombor 19, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 8pm
Website
Sawobali is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Photos taken by Yi En Chew.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg
Feature image adapted from @sawobali