Soul Kitchen

Cozy Slavic Corner on Sri Wedari

On quiet Jl. Sri Wedari No. 88, a little way north of Jalan Raya Ubud, Soul Kitchen feels more like someone’s stylish living room than a generic café. A transparent wall opens onto the kitchen, so you can actually watch borscht simmer and dumplings hit the pan while Cigarettes After Sex hums in the background. Several guests mention coming back again and again during their stay just for that home-style feel.

Slavic Classics in the Tropics

Instead of another “healthy bowl” spot, this is all about Eastern European and Slavic comfort food: borscht, pelmeni, chebureks, Olivier salad, okroshka, chicken rissoles, chicken dumplings, chicken shashlik, beef shashlik, grilled barramundi, plov on Wednesdays, pancakes with cottage cheese, syrniki (when they haven’t sold out), and a much-loved Napoleon-style custard slice. Reviewers in 2024 call the borscht “rich” and “comforting”, rave about plov nights, and single out the mackerel “under coat” and chebureki as worth a special trip.

From Breakfast Deals to Late-Night Soup

Soul Kitchen opens daily from 08h00 to 23h00, so it works for everything from coffee and a 75K breakfast to late soup on a rainy evening. Portions are often described as generous and filling, with prices “lower than most places” by some, while others feel certain dishes sit at the higher end for Ubud. Syrniki and some specials can sell out quickly, and several diners advise arriving early or reserving, especially in the evening when the café can be full.

Atmosphere, Work Spots and Small Touches

Expect a clean, characterful space that’s both casual and a bit “humble fancy”. Digital nomads note good Wi‑Fi and a relaxed environment for working, while honeymooners and solo travellers mention feeling instantly at ease. Staff sometimes add playful extras – one guest recalls being gifted Victoria’s Secret hand cream and vanilla-scented body glitter – and many talk about leaving “feeling lucky” this place is near their villa.

Warm Service… With Occasional Strains

Names like Gema, Gek Ma, Acha and Sari come up repeatedly in reviews for genuinely warm, attentive service and thoughtful menu guidance, even when guests arrive close to closing time. At busy moments, people do report slow order-taking and billing, and one market analysis notes that reservations are wise in high season.

Quality Highs and Serious Lows

Food quality is widely praised as fresh, beautifully presented and “like homemade”, with a strong fan base for the custard slice, hash browns, crepes, lemonade options and fresh juices. However, there are a few serious complaints: one guest describes raw chicken cordon bleu and another reports undercooked beef on two separate visits, calling it unsafe. Others mention small salad portions, too-sweet cottage cheese pancakes, or bruschetta with very little salmon and too much butter.

Digital-First and Highly Rated

Online, Soul Kitchen sits around ~4.7 / 5 on Google Maps and delivery apps, with an Instagram-forward presence (@soul.kitchen.bali) and a simple website (soulkitchen.restaurant) mainly for reservations. Photos highlight natural light, on-trend plating and a steady stream of user-generated content that the team frequently shares.

Who Will Love It

Soul Kitchen is best for travellers and Ubud regulars craving Slavic and Russian-style comfort food, good Wi‑Fi and a cozy, social vibe; those especially sensitive to occasional kitchen inconsistency or looking strictly for Balinese flavours may want to keep the trade-offs in mind.