Plant Based Vegan Resto: An Essential Vegan Oasis in Lombok
- Corey Jones
- Dec 4, 2025
- 3 min read
For the plant-based traveler, the island of Lombok presents a unique set of challenges. While rich in natural beauty, its culinary landscape can feel sparse for those seeking dedicated vegan options. It was against this backdrop that we discovered Plant Based Vegan Resto, an unassuming establishment that, over the course of two days, became our culinary lifeline, revealing a kitchen with surprising depth, creativity, and moments of true brilliance.
Over two consecutive days of dedicated ordering, we explored a significant portion of the menu. We found several dishes that are not just good for Lombok, but are truly exceptional in their own right. These are the non-negotiable orders, the items that make a visit here essential.
The Must-Haves
Katsu Teriyaki Burger: Unquestionably the star of the savory menu. The success of this burger lies not just in the katsu patty, but in the remarkable bun. It is a soft, buttery, brioche-style creation that is pillowy and rich, more akin to a fine biscuit than a standard hamburger bun. It provides the perfect vehicle for the teriyaki-glazed patty.
Pumpkin Ravioli: A true standout, the kitchen achieves a perfect texture for the pasta, complemented by a sauce that impressively evokes the creamy, cheesy satisfaction of a classic ravioli. It is a special and skillfully executed dish.
Curry Puffs: Often a hesitant order, these were a revelation. The puff pastry exterior is flawlessly flaky, a feat of kitchen magic. The filling avoids overpowering spice profiles, instead offering a balanced savory note that works in beautiful harmony with the buttery pastry. An order of two is highly recommended.
Gyozas & Samosas: Both of these fried appetizers are executed with precision. The gyoza filling is well-seasoned and comes with a fitting dipping sauce. The samosas are a particular delight, with a flavorful, cumin-balanced filling encased in a soft, non-greasy shell.
Apel Pie: Even for the pie-averse, this is a revelation. These individual-sized pies contain a perfectly balanced filling of spiced apples and cinnamon sugar, achieving a flawless equilibrium between sweet and savory. It may be the best apple pie we have ever had.
Beyond these top-tier selections, a second category of dishes proved to be highly commendable. The Siomay, Chinese Fried Noodles, Spring Rolls, and Bao Sandwich were all solidly crafted. While perhaps not as revelatory as the must-haves, they are excellent choices that will satisfy anyone with a pre-existing fondness for these particular dishes.
For the Discerning Palate: What to Approach with Caution
No menu is without its weaker links, and a discerning palate will find a few items that do not reach the heights of the restaurant's best work. The Plant Based Burger (black bean patty) and the Garden Burger (mushroom patty) are significantly overshadowed by the superior Katsu burger. The black bean version is edible and serviceable, but the mushroom patty possessed a texture and flavor that we found challenging. However, it is conceivable that an ardent fan of portobello mushrooms might find it more appealing.
The pizzas, both the Meatlovers and the Mushroom, require a significant adjustment of expectations. It is crucial to understand that these are not "pizzas" in the traditional sense. They are served without cheese on a dough that is extremely hard, becoming almost stale at the crust. The experience is less like eating a pizza and more like having toppings and sauce on a circular, firm bread base. While the toppings themselves are good, the foundational hardness is a significant drawback.
The Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Roll came in a sealed package, so not sure if those are even made in-house or bought. We hope in-house, but they still aren't good enough to get regardless.
Despite a few missteps, Plant Based Vegan Resto is an unqualified recommendation and a vital resource for visitors to Lombok. There is a palpable passion and skill in the kitchen that shines through in its best dishes. It is a testament to its quality that even if it were situated in the dense, competitive vegan scene of Bali, it would still be a noteworthy destination.
+62 818-187-879
Jl. Sriwijaya No.7-8, Cilinaya, Kec. Cakranegara, Kota Mataram, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83232, Mataram, Indonesia, West Nusa Tenggara
