Vegan Guide to Gili Air, Lombok, Indonesia

When I knew I’d be back in Indonesia after a few years away I was thrilled to realize I had some time between my adventures in Yogyakarta and the Komodo Islands. I only had three days to spare but I knew exactly where I wanted to spend them—in the idyllic paradise that is Gili Air. I yearned to be back on the beautiful island where I could simply swim out through the emerald sea to frolic with sea turtles and chow down on some healthy vegan eats. Here’s my vegan guide to Gili Air, Lombok, Indonesia.

VEGETARIAN GILI AIR RESTAURANTS

GOOD EARTH CAFE

I wasn’t too amazed by my smoothie bowl at Good Earth Cafe and there were very few other vegan options but it is a nice spot for vegetarians. And of course, you can practice yoga here too or join their yoga retreats.

VEGAN-FRIENDLY GILI AIR RESTAURANTS

PACHAMAMA

This organic restaurant is the epitome of bohemian chic and while it isn’t strictly vegan it does offer many vegan dishes and use separate utensils to prepare the plant-based dishes. Pachamama makes many of the menu offerings from scratch including kombucha and all sauces, peanut butter, and nut milks. Other ingredients are sourced from local organic farms. They’re also palm oil-free and only use coconut, olive, and sesame oils.

I order jamu at least once a day while in Indonesia and Pachamama makes my favorite version in the Gili Air. Vegan eats include a veggie burger, falafel, rice paper rolls, eggplant burrito, and more. Most of those dishes are also gluten-free. Save room for some of their yummy raw desserts.

COCOLOCO

CocoLoco cafe is located within the Captain Coconuts hotel but is open to outside guests. If you eat at the cafe you’re welcome to use the hotel pool which is dreamy and super bohemian. Treat yourself to an epic smoothie bowl or order some of the savory dishes—many of which are vegan. They also have a selection of gluten-free dishes.

Enjoy the avocado toasts or the bowls stuffed with drool-worthy ingredients. Other vegan menu items include cucumber tofu rolls, beetroot hummus, zucchini, and eggplant lasagne, and more. The CocoLoco cafe is plastic-free and palm-oil free.

HELLO LUMBUNG WARUNG

I stayed in the beautiful bungalows owned by Hello Lumbung and ate at their nearby warung. I enjoyed fresh fruit for breakfast and had one of their tempeh burritos that was phenomenal. Hello Lumbung Warung is locally owned by a family of vegans—although the restaurant is not strictly plant-based.

COFFE & THYME

This beautiful beachfront cafe is a great spot for coffee with plant-based milk. Coffee & Thyme usually has a few vegan baked goods. They open early so it’s a fantastic spot to get a bite to eat before you catch your ferry off of Gili Air.