The short answer
Ashtari: what visitors should know first
Worth a stop if you want Indian-style vegetarian or vegan food near Kuta. It is not an all-vegetarian kitchen, so tell the staff your diet when ordering. It sits about 3 km uphill from the village, so arrange a car or scooter driver and confirm opening hours first.
Diet
What we checked
- Indian. An Indian restaurant outside India. Checked November 2026 · Source
- Vegan options. The menu clearly marks vegan dishes, alongside others that are not vegan. Checked November 2026 · Source
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
Useful facts
Ashtari facts at a glance
- Location
- West of Kuta village on the Mawun and Selong Belanak road
- Dining style
- Hilltop cafe-restaurant, Indian and vegan-leaning
- Price signal
- Mid-range for the island; check current menu
- Signature order
- Try: the vegan thali, as recommended on spinach.guide
- Good for
- Vegetarian and vegan travellers, relaxed lunches
- Hours
- Reported differently by two sources; confirm before going
Why it matters
Why Ashtari is worth your time
Vegetarian and vegan options are scarce on Lombok. Most warungs cook with shrimp paste, chicken stock or egg, and the island has few places where a visitor can read a menu and find meat-free dishes marked. Ashtari is one of the very few places named by both Wikivoyage and a vegan directory, which is why it is the first listing to consider for a south-coast stay.
It also matters for families travelling together with mixed diets. A thali or bowl built around tofu, lentils and vegetables suits a vegetarian grandparent, while others can order the grilled or curry dishes that reviewers mention. The honest limit is that this is a cafe for relaxed meals with a view, not a strict temple-food kitchen, so treat it as vegetarian-friendly and confirm each dish.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Vegan thali
Spinach.guide lists the vegan thali as the standout order, with vegan dishes marked on the menu.
- 02
South-coast view
Both pages describe a hilltop position with views over the coast, which suits a slow lunch.
- 03
Indian touches
Dishes mentioned include palak tofu and dosa, rare finds on this part of the island.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Ask your driver to take you up the main road west of Kuta village rather than walking, because Wikivoyage places the cafe about three kilometres uphill. Check the opening time before you leave. One page lists Tuesday to Sunday with last orders at 17:30, while another lists daily hours into the evening, so a quick message avoids a wasted trip.
Spinach.guide, a vegan directory, describes the food as Indian-leaning slow food and picks out a vegan thali as the top order. Reviewers there also mention palak tofu, dosa, rice, roti, rainbow salad and smoothie bowls. Vegan items are clearly marked, though the same page warns that vegan dishes may not always be available because the menu changes.
The kitchen is not fully vegetarian, so do not assume every dish is. Say plainly that you eat no meat, fish or egg, and ask what goes into sauces and breads. Jain food without onion and garlic is not something we could confirm here, so ask rather than assume. Keep the visit unhurried and pair it with a stop at Selong Belanak or Mawun on the same road.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Confirm opening hours before you set out
- Arrange a car or driver, as it is about 3 km from Kuta
- Say clearly that you want no meat, fish or egg
- Ask about onion and garlic if you avoid them
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Main road west of Kuta village, on the way towards Mawun and Selong Belanak, South Lombok
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Lunch or an early evening meal; hours reported differ, so check first
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- You need a vehicle to reach it, as it is about 3 km up the road from Kuta. Once there, check for steps between the entrance and the seating, which we could not confirm from the pages we read.
- Tickets and access
- No booking system was found in our sources. Hours differ between the two pages we read, so ask by message or phone before the drive and arrive well before closing.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ashtari
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
You need a vehicle to reach it, as it is about 3 km up the road from Kuta. Once there, check for steps between the entrance and the seating, which we could not confirm from the pages we read.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Ashtari fully vegetarian?
Not according to spinach.guide, which says it is not fully vegetarian but marks vegan and dairy-free dishes. Wikivoyage says vegetarian food is offered. Ask staff to confirm each dish.
Is it Jain friendly?
We found no evidence either way, so do not assume it. Ask whether dishes can be cooked without onion, garlic and root vegetables.
How do I get there?
It is on the main road west of Kuta, roughly 3 km uphill. A taxi, hired driver or scooter is the practical way; walking is not sensible in midday heat.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
