Fairy Kale Vegetarian — Restaurant in Yogyakarta

CURRENT Update: The Nasi Padang that I've enjoyed numerous times before is not special anymore. I had a deflated experience that left me very confused and deeply disappointed. I am sure this was a different chef that prepared this meal. The wait staff acknowledged he would speak to the kitchen.

I can no longer say they have the best Nasi Pasang. 🤔

PREVIOUS Fairy Kale in Yogyakarta serves the best nasi padang I’ve had in Indonesia, and hands down, the top vegan version in the city. What sets it apart is the freshness—every dish is made to order, unlike many places where food sits pre-prepared. The result is an explosion of vibrant, well-balanced flavors that you won’t find elsewhere. The tempeh is perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and tender inside, with just the right amount of seasoning. The rendang is incredibly rich, slow-cooked to perfection, letting the spices fully infuse. The red rice is flawless, each grain distinct, while the jackfruit in coconut milk carries that signature Indonesian curry flavor—fragrant, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between fine dining and casual comfort. Fairy Kale is set in a transformed home with a lush garden out front, full of vibrant flowers, greenery, and a small water fountain. Inside, the menu is displaye with well-shot photos that match exactly what’s served. Hanging lights and fairy lights add warmth, while artwork and plants fill the space, creating an inviting, artistic vibe. There is a 15% service fee, but given the quality, freshness, and attention to detail, it’s well earned.

Lastly, I recommend dining in for a more rich experience instead of take out.

As a traveling plant-based chef with a passion for food science and flavorology, I’m always on the hunt for culinary inspiration. Check out my other reviews on Google Maps for more plant-based insights and...

Fairy Kale vegetarian restaurant in Yogyakarta is a place that truly stands out. With its effortlessly cool and unique vibe, it’s the kind of spot that instantly makes you feel at home. Every corner exudes warmth and creativity, setting the perfect stage for an unforgettable dining experience. What makes it even more special are the amazing people who work there—they’re some of the kindest and most genuine individuals you’ll ever meet, always going out of their way to make every visit memorable!

The food is nothing short of extraordinary. The Nasi Padang is a masterpiece—bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced. The Super Food smoothie is a must-try, packed with nutrients and absolutely delicious. And that's just the beginning—every dish on the menu is crafted with care and love, making it a true haven for food enthusiasts.

I had the pleasure of visiting Fairy Kale every single week during my two-month stay in Yogyakarta, and I can’t express enough how much I cherished every meal and moment spent there. This place became a sanctuary for me, and I am deeply grateful for the kindness and warmth of everyone who made my time so special. Fairy Kale is more than a restaurant—it’s an unforgettable experience, this is the truth 😊🙏🏼

Thank you all so much for making my time here so special and do keep shining bright like the stars that you are 😊❤️✨🙏🏼

With all my Mettā for you all today, tomorrow, and every single day of...

We came with high expectations given the restaurant’s vegan-friendly rating, but the experience was very disappointing. The server didn’t mention that 5–6 main dishes were unavailable at the beginning, and we only found out after trying to order them one by one.

The Soto was especially poor: egg was simply removed with no vegan replacement, soy curls were missing, and our request to substitute something like tofu, tempeh, or potato to replace the egg was refused. What we got was basically watery broth with a few vegetables (cabbage, green onion and tomato pieces) and rice as a main dish.

We raised this with the server at 9pm and said we also would like to order dessert. She returned with no resolution. When we tried to order dessert when she came back, she told us the kitchen had stopped serving dessert because it’s past 9 by a few minutes. She then asks if we wanted to order the vegan cookie, only to then say they were out too (the only vegan option). For a restaurant that markets itself as plant-based, the lack of substitutions, unavailable dishes, and refusal to accommodate is unacceptable in a city with so many better...