The vegan lifestyle is really taking off, with as many as 6% of consumers saying that they’re vegan, and at least 39% saying that they are trying to incorporate plant-based food into their lifestyle.
More and more vegan restaurants are being launched, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about animals and the environment are jumping on the bandwagon. With this idea, James Sebastiano created the first raw vegan restaurant in Bali.
Sebastiano founded Alchemy, the first raw vegan restaurant in Bali, in 2011. It was established as a place of transformation by a group of live-food enthusiasts. Although vegan food was gaining popularity at this time, Sebastiano was able to get in on the ground floor and create the first raw vegan restaurant in Indonesia. “I’m passionate about living vegan, and I think it can make people healthier, both spiritually and physically,” Sebastiano says. “I came up with the idea after spending some time in Bali and talking to tourists. I knew that there was a market for our shop.” Since then, Alchemy has expanded, including a clinic, cookbooks, and long lines for reservations.
He also founded The Shift, a vegan hotel in Bali, in 2014. While he loved serving raw vegan food to patrons, he knew that he could do more. It’s a small hotel with only about 25 rooms, but the atmosphere there is incredible. They work with Alchemy, and many people who eat there end up booking the hotel. “We’re very eco-friendly at The Shift,” he says. “We give our patrons eco-friendly materials when they check in, like a reusable water bottle.”
If you’re a vegan or someone interested in a plant-based lifestyle, don’t worry about finding somewhere to eat and stay in Indonesia. With Alchemy and The Shift, James Sebastiano has you covered.
Sources: Link
