Bali; in the short time you are there you want to see all the beauty that the island has to offer, and that's where Shaima comes in. This week:the tastiest vegan pancakes on the island.
If there's one thing that makes my heart beat faster, it's pancakes. The fluffier, the better. A big misconception about vegan pancakes is that they are often dry because no egg is used. Well, think twice. At home I have hocus-pocused many times with recipes from the biggest foodies in the Netherlands, but they are nothing compared to the meaning they give to a 'pancake stack' here in Bali.
Unicorn Pancakes, Matcha Pancakes, Cassava Pancakes, American vegan Pancakes, Fitness Pancakes, and the list goes on. While we're at it, I also want to talk about waffles, because I think they are very undervalued. There isn't even a waffle emoji! Good. I give myself permission to extend this list to a pancake &waffle rating. Just because you can.
'Fitness food for all'
In the main street of Canggu you will find Motion Café. A fitness cafe with healthy food including vegan options. The number of seats is limited and it is always full. The waffles are to die for. Not vegan, but you can ask if they change the base (protein) for plant protein or soy protein. I took the sweet potato waffle with banana and peanut butter. Because it was busy it took half an hour before I got my food, but this was neatly indicated in advance. The waffles were crispy, not dry, and not too sweet. The staff was also not economical with bananas, I think I had two whole bananas on it. And the peanut butter was also all natural (checked). Delicious non-cheat meal to boost your protein intake after a good workout. Or just any moment of the day because it's always waffle o'clock.
Also read:5x the best yoga spots in Bali
'Insanely tasty vegan breakfast'
At the end of 2018, this 100% plant-based café opened with an extensive menu. Every time I resolve to order something other than waffles or pancakes, but I just can't! You can I am vegan babe not to label it as healthy, but every now and then a somewhat unhealthier option is not a disaster either. You can choose to upgrade your pancakes from three to five layers, get caramel sauce, vegan butter and fruit on the side. The waffles come with strawberry, banana, kiwi, chocolate sauce and papaya compote. Water is continuously replenished (this is not self-evident in Bali), and upon entering you get a board with three different cakes to taste. Red velvet, chocolate and lemon cake.
'Passion for Matcha'
When I told a friend about my disappointing experience with Matcha pancakes, he urged me to eat Matcha with real pure Matcha from Japan, as they sell at Matcha Cafe. Once I arrived at Matcha cafe, I ate the most delicious, light and tasty vegan Matcha pancakes with caramelized banana between the layers, and homemade Nutella sauce without sugar on top. In addition, I got a free tea with real Matcha powder to try out and a Matcha cookie. I really enjoyed the pancakes, but also the passion for matcha that radiates from the staff and owner Matteo. RECOMMENDED!
'Only local, organic food'
As I mentioned in my previous article about breakfasts in Bali, I ate at Zest on my birthday. The reason I was dragged here by my girlfriends was because they knew I had been craving pancakes for days. While everyone ordered pizza, I ate pancakes for dinner. Three medium sized rounds with mango, coconut, caramelized banana, dragon fruit and chocolate sauce. I really needed this! Light, not too powerful, good flavor combo and just enough. But if I had had more, I would have happily eaten it. Put Zest on your list for your next visit to Ubud!
'Vegan fast food for all'
On my first day in Canggu I wanted, you guessed it, pancakes for breakfast. I knew that Plant Cartel was 100% vegan but also advertised as vegan fast food. I went here on my own. Cute choc chip pancakes that resembled poffertjes, strawberry, banana, maple syrup and coconut whip were served to me. All this for less than €3.50. The pancakes can only be ordered until 11 am, so no all day breakfast. Tip; take a seat upstairs, because PC has no windows, but a nice open space with plants and beautiful wooden tables.
'Instaproof &GOOD food'
I stayed in Seminyak for one night as a stopover from Lombok to Canggu. My pancake cravings were strong, so I headed to Kynd. Best. Decision. Ever. I saw all the famous photos of the Kynd community on Instagram, but I'm not that sensitive to that. I'd rather have tasty food that doesn't look like it, than the other way around. Okay, time to choose. I don't know about you, but I'm someone who has long gone through the menu at home, decided what she wants and then 'reads' the menu in the restaurant itself. It was waffles with coconut ice cream and Oreo cookies. The ice cream came in cubes on the stack so it didn't melt too quickly and the waffles didn't get soft. Kynd is known for Insta worthy food, but I didn't have time to take extensive photos at all. The pancakes were gone in three breaths. Surprisingly delicious!
'#GARDENGANGSTAS'
Last but not least, Café Organic. More expensive than average, but the portions are really humengus. My expectations were very high. I ordered the Matcha pancakes. Remember when I said it was a misconception that pancakes are often dry? Well, I don't know what ingredient they forgot, but I couldn't finish the pancakes without water. I asked the staff if there might have been something wrong with the preparation, but they said the pancakes were always like this. Strange.. It was therefore the first time that I left half of my plate. Really and truly. Not repeatable for me. If you visit café Organic and order the pancakes, please let me know what you think?
Want to know more about Bali? Keep an eye on santé.nl, because next week Shaima will tell you about her teacher training in Bali.
Shaima Boone is a yogi, actress, dancer and proud owner of her own online spiritual crystal shop; GemsByShy. 'I like animals more than people, lose my charger at least three times a year, have a silver jewelry &nonstick addiction and I can't live without tempeh and peanut butter.' Her original plan was to go to Bali for 3.5 weeks . ‘Meanwhile, I am already 3 months, 54 Gojek rides (scooter taxi), 1 yoga teacher training, 7 massages, 3 tattoos, 2 villas, 5 homestays and 15 hostels further. Oh, and a bob line richer, because that's what Bali does to you.'
Follow her Bali adventure on Instagram @shaimaboone
