Best Vegan and Vegetarian Indian Food in Bali: Chai'Ba Guide
Finding good Indian food in Bali is not hard. Finding Indian food that actually understands vegetarian and vegan eating, without treating it as an afterthought, is a different story. Most menus on the island offer a token paneer dish or a plain dal and call it done. Chai'Ba, with locations in Seminyak and Canggu, was built with a different idea: plant-based and vegetarian eaters should get the same depth of flavour, the same tandoor char, and the same variety as everyone else at the table.
Founded by Raj Kapadia, Chai'Ba brings together North and South Indian cooking styles under one roof, with a bar and a menu that covers everything from breakfast dosas to late-night cocktails. What makes it worth a special mention, though, is how seriously the kitchen treats vegetarian and vegan cooking, rather than shrinking it down to a side note on the menu.
A Real Vegetarian Indian Menu, Not a Shortcut
If you are searching for vegetarian Indian food in Bali, the usual complaint is repetition. Same paneer, same dal, same naan, on loop. Chai'Ba's vegetarian spread goes well beyond that. The curry section alone has close to fifteen vegetarian options, from Baingan Bharta and Bhindi Masala to Malai Kofta, Kadai Paneer, and a rich Paneer Makhani. South Indian breakfast lovers get a proper dosa selection too, including Masala Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, Cheese Dosa, and Rava Dosa, alongside Uttapams for something lighter.
Starters keep the same standard. The Hara Bhara Kebab, made from spinach, cottage cheese, and green peas, is a good example of vegetarian food that does not lean on cheese and cream to carry the flavour. Grilled Vegetable Skewers, Onion Bhaji, and the classic Indian Samosa round out a starter list that would work for a full vegetarian meal on its own, without anyone at the table needing to compromise.
Salads are worth a mention too, since Chai'Ba treats them as a real course rather than a garnish. The Sweet Potato Tandoori Paneer Salad and the Happy Pumpkin Salad both mix Indian spice with fresh, grain-forward ingredients, which suits the Bali climate better than a heavy curry at lunchtime.
Bali's Vegan Indian Restaurant, Built With a Separate Menu
Vegetarian is one thing. Fully vegan Indian cooking, done well, is harder to find anywhere, and this is where Chai'Ba's Canggu location stands apart as a genuine vegan Indian restaurant in Bali. Alongside the classic Indian menu shared with Seminyak, Canggu runs an exclusive plant-based menu built around a house-made Chik'n, a soy or wheat protein designed to hold up in classic gravies the way chicken normally would.
The vegan Namastey section starts things off with Chilli Chik'n and Popcorn Chik'n, both built for sharing. From there, Tandoor Tales brings smoky, marinated options like Chick'n Tikka Bliss and Hariyali Chik'n Kebab, cooked with the same tandoor process used for the non-veg tandoori dishes, so the texture and char are not watered down for a plant-based version.
The Curry Nirvana range is where the vegan menu really shows its range. Butter Chik'n, Punjabi Chik'n Masala, Chik'n Tikka Masala, Madras Chik'n Masala, Palak Chik'n, Chettinad Chik'n Curry, and Andhra Chik'n Curry cover most of the regional styles that Indian food is known for, all without a trace of dairy or meat. For a heartier option, the Matka Chik'n Biryani layers the plant-based protein with saffron basmati rice and cucumber raita, served in the traditional clay matka pot. On top of the Chik'n range, several curries across the main menu, including Yellow Daal, Daal Tadka, Aloo Gobi, and Bhindi Masala, are already vegan by nature, giving Canggu visitors an even wider spread to choose from.
Two Locations, One Standard
Chai'Ba Seminyak sits on Jl. Raya Basangkasa, while Chai'Ba Canggu is on Jl. Pantai Berawa in Tibubeneng. Both locations run the full classic Indian menu with vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and Jain options clearly marked, along with gluten-free tags where relevant. The plant-based Chik'n range is currently a Canggu exclusive, so vegan diners planning a visit should head there for the widest selection. Both restaurants are open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM and take bookings for dine-in as well as takeaway. Check the full location details here.
For groups, birthdays, or private events, Chai'Ba also runs a catering service that can build a customised vegetarian or vegan menu around the same dishes served in the restaurant, so the food does not need to be scaled down for a party of forty.
Why It Works for Bali
Bali draws a large wellness-focused and plant-based crowd, and Indian cuisine is naturally suited to that kind of eating, since lentils, vegetables, and spice-forward cooking have always been part of the tradition. Chai'Ba's approach is less about inventing a niche and more about doing the vegetarian and vegan sides of Indian food properly, with the same tandoor, the same spice blends, and the same care that goes into the rest of the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chai'Ba have a fully vegan menu?
Yes, the Canggu location runs a separate plant-based menu built around a house Chik'n protein, covering starters, tandoori kebabs, curries, and a biryani, in addition to naturally vegan dishes on the main menu.
Which Chai'Ba location has the vegan Chik'n range?
The vegan Chik'n menu is currently exclusive to Chai'Ba Canggu on Jl. Pantai Berawa. Seminyak serves the classic Indian menu with standard vegetarian and vegan-marked dishes.
Are there Jain food options at Chai'Ba?
Yes, Jain options are available on request across the menu, and guests are encouraged to inform staff of any dietary restrictions when ordering.
Can Chai'Ba cater a vegetarian or vegan event?
Yes, Chai'Ba offers catering for private events and gatherings, with menus that can be customised to fully vegetarian or vegan requirements.
What are Chai'Ba's opening hours?
Both Seminyak and Canggu locations are open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM, for dine-in, takeaway, and bookings. For reservations or queries, reach out via the contact page.