COCONUTS HOT SPOT — If there’s one place you must visit to truly get the “Ubudian” dining experience, 9 Warung in Lodtunduh is definitely it. And not simply because of the hippy vibe of the decor or the fact that it serves vegetarian (and vegan) dishes—such characteristics would fit who knows how many establishments scattered all across Ubud, anyway.
We’re talking about the unique, “open-minded,” dining concept. It’s a 100% self-service warung, where you not only grab your own food from the buffet table, but also wash your own dishes and calculate your own bill!
For first-timers, the experience can be quite confusing. No sometimes-overly-friendly greeters to show you to your table, nor are there waiters handing out menus and taking orders—only handwritten instructions on boards placed all over the dining area to guide you. Start by grabbing a clean plate from the dish rack and heading towards the buffet table to create your own meal.
Pretty much as Ubud as it gets…
There are up to 20 vegetarian dishes to choose from. Stir-fried veggies, tofu or tempeh with peanut sauce, crispy corn fritters, pumpkin soup, take your pick. Most dishes have a recommended cost of Rp 3,000 per spoonful or otherwise stated on a card next to it. Once you have your plate piled high, choose between cosy indoor seatings surrounded by quirky artsy objects or breezy outdoor seating under the passion fruit pergola.
so hip
veggies on veggies on veggies
Drinks vary from plain water to alkaline water to funky kombucha teas. And don’t forget dessert! We usually grab a slice of their yummy pumpkin cake, but at this time, passion fruit is in season and the signboard says you can pick them right off the pergola for Rp 9,000 so that’s exactly what we did.
When it comes to paying, do your own math. Pay what you think your meal is worth and leave the money in the glass jar on your table. Don’t forget to bring your dirty plates and eating utensils to the sink and wash them all before leaving. Nobody will stop you at the door to make sure you’ve calculated and pay your bills correctly—or honestly. What if you’re sneaky and pay less than you should? You can most definitely get away with it. But remember, you’re in Ubud—where karma rules. How more Ubudian can you get than that?
FIND IT
Warung 9
Lodtunduh, Ubud
0817776768
Sunday-Saturday 10am-10pm
Photos at the top: Instagram @melati_nf (L), @warung9 (R)
