Around 5 years ago a few healthy cafes opened their doors in Canggu, and since then, new places have been popping up at the speed of light. Every week there are new openings - uniquely designed, with incredible attention to detail and menu that is not only creative but also delicious. The competition is fierce, so if an establishment does not live up to the incredibly high standards, there will be a new eager business ready to the take the space and turn it around in no time!
Canggu has become the mecca for digital nomads- boho style, surf, yoga, sunshine living. Tasteful, not tacky bars, cool, air-conditioned co-working spaces, green and open café spaces to fuel you through the day of hard work. Either you prefer to respond to your emails from air-conditioned rooms and have a hearty meal, or you want to soak up the humid breezy air from a hammock or comfortable lounge taking Pinterest worthy photos of a bright pink pitaya (dragon fruit) smoothie bowl - you will be spoiled with choices.
According to Nomadlist that highlights the best places in the World to work from as a digital nomad (measuring things like cost, safety, speed of wifi) Canggu is currently 2nd on the list (check full list and more details here).
There are three main parts- Echo Beach, Batu Bolong (the main street) and Berawa.
You could be In Canggu for a month and still find yourself overwhelmed with all the food choices (that's definitely how I felt the first few times..)
But now that I've been in Canggu enough times, I consider myself an expert in the local eats, and with every new-commer, there are still some favorites that have stood the test of time, keeping the same menu and quality over the years.
Whether you are vegan, pescatarian, love a good burger or feel ambitious to embrace the healthy life and dive-in some incredible salad-super-food bowls – there is something here for everyone.
However, if you're anything like me, there is no eating before coffee!
Let's look at the coffee scene in Canggu and Bali.
For coffee lovers, undoubtly without any competition, the absolute favorite is BGS. It's more of a surf-shop, so don't expect comfy lounges and hammocks..
BGS is small and often very busy. Not the place to settle in for work or 'good read' , but it's favorite among the Canggu locals, so it's arguably one of the best spots to meet people and have insightful conversation about the upsides and downsides of life in Bali, as well as contact details to a local visa expert who can help 'with your situation' if you suspect that 30 days in Bali might not be enough..
There are certainly places with a much better set-up, but I recommend compromising that in return for the best almond-milk-latte you will ever have.
For me, coffee is ruined forever, because even travelling across Australia and trying all the ‘best coffee’ that local guides suggested - no cup stood close to the excellence of BGS coffee. I know it will be hot and you will question the hot drink recommendation, but please- trust me with this one!
Other local favorites include:
Any other place in Canggu area will still serve a good quality espresso, so if coffee is not your main driver- skip to the breakfast!
If you travel to more remote places or stay in a budget accommodation, you will most likely see 'Bali Coffee" which is what the locals drink. Coffee powder stirred into boiling water - it's an ok flavor, but far from what a regular coffee drinker would appreciate..
If you wish to try the most expensive coffee, arguably also the best in the World- you are in the right place!
Have you heard the story of Kopi Luwak coffee?
(Appeared on the big Hollywood Movie 'The Bucket List')
Cultivated in the rich volcanic soils of Bali, with ideal climate conditions, the berries for this fine coffee in Bali are first eaten by the Asian Palm Civet, a small cat-like animal. The wild Asian Palm Civet selects the ripest berries to feed on, which contribute to the fine quality of the later processed coffee beans. These berries are then digested and excreted out by the animal after spending about 24 to 36 hours in their intestines.
The defecated matter is then collected by the local farmers and processed with a great deal of precision. The faeces layer over the green beans of coffee is crumbled out and separated. These beans are then segregated from the smaller unwanted beans or gravel, collected and washed carefully to remove any vestigial bacteria contamination. After drying adequately, the premium quality beans are roasted to a medium degree
to preserve its rich aroma and taste.
There are a lot of "Coffee Luwak" farms in Bali, so speak to a local guide or contact me :)
Now that you have fueled yourself with the best coffee, it's time to have the most important meal of the day. Fuel your body with flavor, texture, nutrition. My recommendations for the best breakfast/lunch spots coming soon..
Also, I will be sharing the best spots for sunset watch and
very happy hour after the sun sets..
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