Vegetarian Chinese food has never been more exciting, and at Golden Monkey, it takes centre stage with the same care and craftsmanship that defines every dish on our menu. Whether you are a lifelong vegetarian, a curious flexitarian, or simply someone who loves bold flavours without the meat, our Cantonese kitchen has been thoughtfully designed to deliver a plant-based dining experience that is anything but an afterthought. From hand-folded dim sum to wok-fired mains, Golden Monkey proves that vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms can be just as celebratory as any roasted centrepiece. If you have been searching for genuinely satisfying vegetarian Chinese food in Bali, your table is waiting.
A Fresh Take on Plant-Based Cantonese Dining
Cantonese cuisine has always placed remarkable emphasis on balance and freshness, values that translate beautifully to modern plant-based dining. At Golden Monkey, that tradition is alive in every dish we serve.
The Tradition of Vegetables in Chinese Culture
Long before plant-based eating became a global conversation, Cantonese cooking had already developed a profound respect for grains, legumes, and fresh greens. Buddhist culinary traditions across southern China elevated vegetables to the centre of the table, celebrating their natural sweetness, their texture, and their capacity to absorb the complex flavours of a well-seasoned wok. Fermented bean pastes, aged soy sauces, fragrant ginger, and toasted sesame have always been the backbone of a cuisine that never needed meat to feel complete. At Golden Monkey, we draw directly from these roots, treating every vegetable and plant-based ingredient as an opportunity for genuine flavour rather than a simple substitute.
Why Plant-Based Diners Love the Golden Monkey Menu
Our vegetarian Chinese food menu was built on a straightforward belief: that every guest at the table deserves something extraordinary. We have ensured that our plant-based selection carries the same ambition and detail as our most celebrated meat dishes. You will find variety across every course, from delicate steamed parcels to rich braised plates, so a vegetarian or vegan diner can build a full, satisfying spread without ever feeling they are working around the menu. That commitment to inclusivity is one of the reasons Golden Monkey has become one of the most recommended vegan-friendly restaurants in Ubud and beyond.
Discover Our Signature Vegetarian Dim Sum
Dim sum is the heart of the Golden Monkey experience, and our vegetarian selection ensures that no guest misses out on Bali’s most beloved Cantonese tradition.
Hand-Folded Vegetable Dumplings and Buns
Every dumpling and bun that leaves our kitchen is made by hand each morning, and our vegetarian dim sum receives exactly the same attention. Our translucent steamed skins are filled with seasoned water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh greens, each parcel folded with the precision that is the hallmark of authentic Cantonese dim sum. The result is a delicate bite that is clean and bright on the palate, with just enough texture to feel truly satisfying.
Crispy Starters and Light Bites
For those who love contrast at the table, our crispy starters offer an irresistible counterpoint to the softness of steamed dim sum. Our vegetable spring rolls arrive golden and shattering at the crust, filled with a fragrant mix of glass noodles and julienned vegetables. Salt and pepper tofu has become one of our most requested dishes across both locations, its crisp exterior and silken centre seasoned with the classic Cantonese combination of white pepper, sea salt, and fresh chilli. Light, addictive, and endlessly shareable.
Hearty Mains and Wok-Fried Specialities
When it is time to move beyond starters, the Golden Monkey kitchen delivers plant-based mains that are bold, generous, and deeply satisfying.
The Art of the Perfect Stir-Fry
High-heat wok cooking is one of the defining techniques of Cantonese cuisine, particularly transformative when applied to vegetables. The fierce, direct heat of a seasoned wok creates the coveted Wok Hei, that smoky, slightly caramelised character that cannot be replicated on a gentle flame. Broccoli stays vibrantly green and tender-crisp. Pak choi develops a light char at its edges while remaining juicy at its core. Every stir-fried dish on our menu is a reminder that plant-based dining in Sanur, and across Bali, never needs to compromise on depth or excitement.
Tofu and Mushroom Dishes Full of Flavour
Our vegetarian version of Mapo Tofu replaces the traditional minced pork with a richly spiced fermented bean sauce, layered with chilli, garlic, and Sichuan-inspired seasoning, poured over silken tofu that trembles at the touch of a spoon. Braised mixed mushrooms, slow-cooked in an aromatic master stock, bring an earthy depth that rivals any slow-braised meat dish on the menu. These are not compromise dishes. They are highlights.
Rice and Noodles Tailored to Your Diet
Our kitchen is happy to adapt classic staples to suit strictly vegan or vegetarian requirements. Egg fried rice can be prepared without egg. Chow Mein can be tossed with vegetables and a light soy glaze rather than a meat-based sauce. Simply let our team know your preferences when you order, and we will ensure your bowl arrives exactly as you need it.
Navigating the Menu With Ease
Dining out with dietary requirements should feel effortless, and at Golden Monkey, we have designed the experience to be just that.
Clearly Marked Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Our menu clearly identifies vegetarian and vegan dishes so that guests can browse with confidence. There is no need to interrogate every item or second-guess the kitchen. Whether you are dining solo or coordinating a large group with mixed dietary needs, you will find it straightforward to build a spread that works for everyone at the table.
Customising Your Meal to Your Preferences
Beyond the clearly marked options, our chefs are experienced in accommodating specific requests. Oyster sauce can frequently be swapped for mushroom sauce. Broths can be adjusted to a vegetable base. Dishes that are ordinarily prepared with a small amount of animal product can often be modified upon request. We encourage guests to speak with our team upon arrival. A great dining experience begins with an honest conversation, and ours will always be a welcoming one.
Join Us for a Plant-Based Feast in Bali
Golden Monkey is the destination for plant-based Cantonese dining on the island, and both of our locations are ready to welcome you.
Perfect for Healthy Lunches and Group Dinners
Whether you are seeking a light and nourishing lunch after a morning exploring the rice terraces or planning a celebratory group dinner where guests arrive with a range of dietary preferences, Golden Monkey is designed to accommodate everyone with equal warmth. Our round tables were built for sharing, and our vegetarian Chinese food menu ensures that every seat at the table feels considered.
Visit Our Locations in Ubud and Sanur
The finest vegetarian Chinese food in Bali is waiting for you at Golden Monkey. Join us on Jalan Dewi Sita in the heart of Ubud, or visit our Sanur location at Icon Bali Mall for the same authentic Cantonese experience in a modern, welcoming setting. Reserve your table today and discover a plant-based menu that is as vibrant and generous as the island itself.
