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Tempeh: Bali’s Protein Powerhouse, and Why You Should Try Dod’s Veggie Tempeh Burger
October 23, 2025

Tempeh has been feeding Indonesia for centuries, long before “plant-based” became a marketing buzzword.
It’s fermented soybeans, pressed into a cake, and packed with everything your body quietly begs for – protein, fibre, good fats, and natural probiotics.
If tofu is soft jazz, tempeh’s the full band: textured, nutty, and full of character.
The Secret’s in the Fermentation
Tempeh isn’t just made, it’s grown.
The fermentation process uses live cultures to break down soybeans, creating a food rich in nutrients and beneficial bacteria.
These natural probiotics feed the good microbes in your gut, the little team running your digestion, immunity, and even mood.
Tempeh also contains prebiotics, the fibre those microbes feed on, so it’s basically a self-sustaining ecosystem on your plate.
It’s one of the few foods that truly improves as it ages, kind of like a good sourdough.
Tempeh Packed with Protein and Good Stuff
A small 3-ounce serve of tempeh delivers around 15 grams of protein, nearly triple what tofu gives you.
That’s enough to keep you full for hours and help repair muscle after a beach workout. It’s also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and manganese, which makes it great for bones, blood, and metabolism.
Tempeh’s soy isoflavones can even help lower bad cholesterol and protect your heart, something the average burger can’t claim.
Studies show soy-based diets can reduce LDL levels by over 5%, making tempeh one of the rare foods that’s both indulgent and heart-smart.
The protein in tempeh also increases thermogenesis — that’s your body’s natural calorie burn after eating. So while you’re chewing, your metabolism’s already doing a little happy dance.
Good for You, Good for the Planet
Tempeh’s sustainability story might be its best asset.
It’s made locally, uses minimal water, and skips the carbon footprint of livestock.
Every bite supports Bali’s farmers and the kind of food system that doesn’t wreck the planet.
And because it’s naturally low in sodium and carbs, it fits just about any diet – vegan, flexitarian, or “I’ll try anything once.”
The Veggie Tempeh Burger Bali’s Been Waiting For
At Dod’s Burger, we’ve taken Bali’s most underrated superfood and turned it into something worth craving – the Veggie Tempeh Burger.
It’s our tribute to local roots with a modern twist: marinated tempeh grilled to smoky perfection, stacked with crisp greens, tomato, and our house-made sauce on a toasted bun.
It’s hearty, healthy, and 100% satisfying – no fake meat, no lab-grown mystery, just real local flavour that hits the spot.
So next time you’re in Seminyak and craving a veggie burger in Bali that doesn’t taste like compromise, swing by Dod’s.
Because tempeh isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the island too.
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