Warung 9: A self-serve vegetarian hideaway with a soulful twist

Tucked away in Lodtunduh village, just outside the buzz of Ubud, Warung 9 isn’t your typical restaurant. It’s not just the food that nourishes you here—it’s the philosophy behind the place.

Locally owned and operated, Warung 9 has created something refreshingly different: a self-service vegetarian warung where everything—except the cooking—is up to you.

From the moment you arrive, something feels different. You settle beneath a pergola draped in Passiflora vines, with plump passion fruits hanging down like lazy chandeliers. The air is warm, the breeze gentle, and the energy… well, it invites you to slow down.

The food is wholesome, the vibe is real

Inside, you’ll find a help-yourself buffet that’s as generous as it is colorful. There’s usually a spread of red rice, roasted eggplant, corn on the cob, tofu, pumpkin soup, and other plant-based goodness—all served in big, honest portions.

Grab a plate, scoop up what calls to you, and check the price grid to figure out what you owe. It’s a trust-based system—yes, you’ll even pay by putting your money into little pots on the counter. There’s change if you need it.

Coffee? Kombucha? Alkaline water? It’s all there—just ask.

Oh, and there’s one more thing: you wash your own plate.

And somehow… you’ll love that part too.

What makes it special

Honestly? It’s not just the food. It’s the community energy.

There’s no Wi-Fi, so conversations flow more naturally than you’d expect. You might end up sharing a table with a stranger-turned-friend, chatting about yoga classes or your last waterfall hike. You’ll likely spot a familiar face—maybe even your Ubud yoga teacher—lounging in the shade nearby.

And if you’re lucky enough to spot a ripe yellow passion fruit hanging low from the pergola ceiling? It’s yours for a small donation. Pick it. Enjoy it.

The Warung 9 ritual (your path to the 9th cloud)

Step 1: Find your way to the warung. Breathe it in. Take a seat and just feel it. (Seriously, don’t rush this.)

Step 2: Visit the buffet and prepare for the hardest decision of your day: what to eat. It all looks good. Do your best. Then calculate your bill using the price grid.

Step 3: Order your drink and be social while you wait. Talk to someone. Smile. Let the lack of Wi-Fi work its magic.

Step 4: When you’re done, drop your payment into one of the little ceramic pots. (Yes, it really works like that.)

Step 5: Come back. Bring your friends. Maybe even join for the tango night on Wednesdays or Sundays at 6 p.m.

Final thoughts

Warung 9 is what happens when good food meets trust, simplicity, and heart. It’s not trying to be anything fancy—but it’s everything a mindful, grounded experience should be.

Just one visit and you’ll understand why people keep coming back… and why they bring their friends with them next time.

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