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A raw guide to food in Ubud

Who knew raw food could be so good?

The village of Ubud on the island of Bali is well known for its unique blend of temple life, Balinese culture, tourism, yoga, healthy food and holistic healing hubs. Viewed as a raw food paradise, this healthy diet destination attracts raw food experts, alternative medicine practitioners and soul seekers in search of spiritual transformation. Those who end up in Ubud journey here from all over the world. With plenty of raw food options to choose from, interesting and exotic raw dish options grace the menus in most of the local restaurants.

Anyone choosing to pursue a healthy lifestyle should consider making the pilgrimage to Ubud. As technology allows for increased access to facts about nutrition, it is obvious why this village attracts so many raw food advocates. Valuable information along with modern science has literally changed the way people perceive food. Although processed food still reigns supreme on the supermarket shelves, raw food is slowly rising up the ranks, and Ubud is leading the charge.

What makes going raw so appealing?

Generally, raw food diets consist of uncooked plants, vegetables, fruits and nuts. “Untouched, untainted, raw food is quite literally honest food – what you see is what you get.” Leading raw food coach Karen Knowler says raw food is special… “By the very fact that it hasn’t been heat-treated, it is replete with everything that enabled it to sprout and grow in the first place – life force, enzymes, water, oxygen, hormones, vitamins, minerals and so much more. No hidden ingredients, nothing messed around with, just pure delicious fresh live food that we are designed to eat – living food for living bodies.”

Raw food advocates believe that cooking food actually kills essential nutrients and enzymes. These natural proteins aid in digestion, immune function, brain activity and energy production. According to this belief, food can be warmed up, however, it should never be cooked above 47 °C (118 °F).

Ka Nova, a raw food connoisseur originally from Vancouver, finds herself thriving in Ubud with all of its raw food hangouts. According to Ka, “it’s a myth that there’s no protein in eating raw. The amount of protein in dark leafy greens, sprouted nuts and beans is absolutely incredible.”

Growing up on a farm, Ka was raised with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. “I wouldn’t suggest for someone to go from one extreme to the other. I recommend making the transition slowly. The body will naturally detoxify itself when eating raw” which can be quite intense initially, she added. Now in her late 30s, Miss Nova began eating raw nearly 2 decades ago and has been experiencing such benefits as healthy skin, increased physical stamina, improved memory and a stronger immune system ever since.

The raw food options in Ubud are unlike anywhere else in the world. Local business owner and raw food expert, Ben Richards promotes his natural lifestyle through workshops, retreats and healing energy techniques, using raw food as a catalyst. Ben’s restaurant The Seeds of Life, offers a variety of 100% raw food options well-suited for everyone. Daily specials and fan favourites such as Mexican Lasagna, Indian Curry and Thai Noodles are just a few of the exotic dishes which make going raw an exciting alternative compared to the typical restaurant experience. For directions and more information about the Seeds of Life please visit http://www.theseedsoflife.net/raw-food-cafe-bali/

Who doesn’t like dessert? Ubud is full of raw goodies and creative after-dinner options. Raw ice cream, cookies, chocolate bars, fruit pies and tasty cakes are some of the delicious options available exclusively at Paradiso, located on the corner of Jl Hanoman and Jl Goutama Selatan. Raw desserts use natural ingredients, never refined sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. Organic honey, agave syrup, coconut palm sugar, dates and fresh fruits are healthy alternatives used to satisfy that sweet tooth craving.

The local vendors provide a wide range of organically grown fresh fruit and vegetables to choose from daily. Raw food travellers on a budget can save money buying produce from the market. Thirsty shoppers can enjoy fresh coconut water as they make their way through the crowds in search of that next Bali bargain.

Situated in central Ubud, the market opens early and closes late. Vendors begin setting up their produce stands around 3 am every morning come rain or shine. Typically, the market closes at 8 pm.

Do you want to know more about going raw?

Ubud offers workshops, courses and activities for those wishing to learn more about going raw. Alchemy, located at Jalan Penestanan Klod in Ubud, Bali 80571, was the island’s first 100% raw vegan cafe and juice bar. Alchemy was “established as a place of transformation in 2011 by a group of conscious creatives with a passion for live food, green juice, and raw chocolate! Alchemy’s vision is to honor Mother Nature, promote healthy sustainable living, support healthy habits and well being, and to offer a space of inspiration and community awareness.”

When it comes to raw food, Ubud has it all. With plenty of tasty options available everywhere you go, it’s no surprise Ubud has become the raw food capital of the world.

One Response

  1. Judith says:

    Hi, I’m thinking of coming from Australia to live in Bali while my son does year 11 at the green school. My husband and I have raised our 7 children on raw, organic living foods…all healthy. We are also drawn to ubud as we have never been able to eat out on our restrictive diet. We live in far North Queensland and the fruit here is amazing but the people are not changing and life can be a bit dull. We will be looking for something to put our energy into while our son is at school. Do you have any ideas? Would you have any work for coconut obsessed, food preperationists who know a lot of raw recipes and experience? We won’t be living there until the new school year in January . We will also be looking for accomodation if you know of anything
    All the best and hope to hear from you

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