A hidden gem in Ubud: my day at Sari Organik’s Bodag Maliah restaurant

Let me start by saying—I’m not usually the type to hike 20 minutes just for lunch. But someone whispered to me about a “hidden gem” buried in Ubud’s rice fields. No signs, no cars, just a walking path and a rumor of great food.

Spoiler: I got lost, got sweaty, and still loved every second of it.

The walk that sets the mood

It’s not your usual restaurant entrance. To get to Sari Organik, you follow a narrow trail through some of the most stunning rice paddies I’ve ever seen. We’re talking full-on postcard material—shimmering green fields, dragonflies darting around, the scent of wet earth, and the occasional frangipani blossom floating past like incense on a breeze.

But let’s be real—it’s also hot, a bit confusing if it’s your first time, and you’ll 100% wish you brought a water bottle. (And maybe a hat. Definitely a hat.)

Just when I was starting to think, “Maybe this place doesn’t exist,” I spotted it: Bodag Maliah. A rustic bamboo warung tucked into the jungle like it grew there.

First impressions: cozy vibes and colorful drinks

The space feels more like a friend’s breezy backyard than a restaurant. Think raised bamboo platform, faded cushions, mismatched tables, and that kind of lazy afternoon wind that makes you want to stay forever.

Before I even looked at the food menu, the drinks had me hooked.

I ordered something called the Pink Treat—a mad genius combo of pineapple, apple, mango, mint, beetroot, sweet potato (yes, really), lemon, and honey. It tasted like someone melted a rainbow in a blender. In the best possible way.

The staff were warm, smiley in a genuine way, and quick to suggest other creations depending on your vibe—hydration, detox, energy boost, or just plain delicious.

Fresh food straight from the garden

What makes this place stand out isn’t just the view or the drinks—it’s that they grow a lot of what they serve.

The menu leans heavily into vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian options, all made with produce from their own farm. You’ll even pass some of the veggies on your way in, growing alongside the path.

I ordered the Tofu Falafel Sandwich. Was it tidy? Not even close. But it was dripping with tahini, full of flavor, and satisfying in that “I-earned-this” kind of way after the walk.

Want something lighter? Their salads are crunchy, colorful, and basically taste like sunshine in a bowl.

And get this—if you ask nicely, they’ll sometimes show you how they make the dishes. You can even sign up for a cooking class and learn the recipes firsthand.

Nature is part of the dining experience

Here’s what no one tells you: you won’t eat alone.

As I sipped my juice and took in the view, chickens strutted nearby like they owned the place. Ducks wandered past the tables. Somewhere, a rooster screamed into the void (as roosters do). It’s wild, it’s charming, it’s Bali.

No cars. No billboards. No tourist buses. Just birdsong, bamboo, and bowls of colorful, homemade food.

Not just a restaurant—it’s a movement

Sari Organik is part of a bigger eco-community dedicated to:

• Supporting local farmers
• Promoting sustainable, organic agriculture
• Teaching environmental awareness to both locals and visitors

It’s not just about eating better food. It’s about doing it in a way that feels aligned with the land and the people.

You’re not just consuming here—you’re participating in something more meaningful.

Would I go back?

Absolutely. In a heartbeat.

But next time, I’d:

• Wear a hat
• Bring sunscreen
• Come hungrier (seriously, everything smelled incredible)

If you’re ever in Ubud and want something real—not another tourist-trap cafe with overpriced smoothie bowls and neon signs—this is your spot.

It’s a meal with meaning. And a walk you won’t forget.

For more info on Bali’s best spots for the modern yogi STAY | SPA | PLAY | EAT | SHOP | YOGA – Download our ULTIMATE BALI GUIDE for free.

Read next >> café cous cous

| | Email |