Traveling as a vegan or vegetarian doesn’t mean you must compromise on the culinary experiences that form an integral part of exploring new cultures. With some planning and insight, plant-based eaters can enjoy delicious and authentic meals anywhere in the world. This guide offers essential tips and destinations that cater to vegan and vegetarian travelers, ensuring that your dietary preferences enhance rather than limit your travel adventures.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chiang Mai is a haven for plant-based eaters, with its abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a thriving vegan and vegetarian scene. The city’s Buddhist culture means that many locals also observe a plant-based diet, particularly during religious periods, making widely available and varied vegan-friendly dishes. From street food stalls offering mango sticky rice and papaya salad to upscale restaurants serving innovative plant-based cuisine, Chiang Mai is where vegans and vegetarians are spoilt for choice.
Insider’s Tip
Visit during the Thai Vegetarian Festival (usually in October), when even more vegan and vegetarian options are available as the city celebrates with special menus and street food stalls.
2. Berlin, Germany
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Berlin has emerged as a leading city for vegan and vegetarian living, boasting an impressive array of plant-based eateries, from casual cafés to fine dining restaurants. The city’s progressive and eco-conscious ethos is reflected in its food scene, focusing on sustainability and organic ingredients. Berlin’s diverse culinary landscape means you can enjoy a range of cuisines, all adapted to meet vegan and vegetarian needs.
Insider’s Tip
Explore the vegan-friendly neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, where you’ll find everything from vegan doner kebabs to plant-based ice cream parlors.
3. Portland, Oregon, USA
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Portland is renowned for its inclusive and diverse culinary scene, making it a paradise for plant-based eaters. The city takes pride in its innovative vegan and vegetarian cuisine approach, with numerous eateries dedicated entirely to plant-based menus. Portland’s food carts, a staple of the city’s food culture, offer an eclectic mix of vegan options, showcasing the creativity and variety of plant-based cooking.
Insider’s Tip
Don’t miss the chance to visit one of Portland’s all-vegan grocery stores, where you can stock up on unique vegan products and locally made vegan treats.
4. Tel Aviv, Israel
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Tel Aviv’s vibrant food scene is a reflection of its diverse population and Mediterranean location. The city is a hotspot for vegan and vegetarian cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Traditional dishes such as hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush are naturally plant-based and available throughout the city, often with a modern twist.
Insider’s Tip
Join a vegan food tour to discover hidden gems and learn how traditional Israeli dishes are adapted to vegan diets.
5. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
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Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and a sanctuary for those seeking health and wellness, including plant-based eaters. The town is dotted with vegan and vegetarian restaurants that use fresh, organic ingredients to create dishes inspired by local flavors and international cuisines. Ubud’s relaxed atmosphere is complemented by its scenic beauty, making it the perfect place to enjoy nourishing plant-based meals.
Insider’s Tip
Look for cafes and restaurants that offer cooking classes, where you can learn how to prepare Balinese vegan dishes using local ingredients.
6. London, United Kingdom
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London’s dynamic and multicultural food scene includes a vast selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, and markets. The city caters to plant-based eaters with various options, from traditional British fare to global cuisines, all made vegan-friendly. London is also home to several annual vegan festivals celebrating plant-based living with food stalls, workshops, and talks.
Insider’s Tip
Visit one of London’s many food markets, such as Borough Market or Camden Market, where you’ll find a variety of vegan street food options.
7. Toronto, Canada
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Toronto’s diverse cultural makeup is mirrored in its food offerings, making it an exciting destination for vegan and vegetarian travelers. The city boasts an extensive selection of plant-based restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences. Toronto is also known for its vegan bakeries and dairy-free ice cream shops, ensuring that plant-based eaters don’t miss out on sweet treats.
Insider’s Tip
Explore the Kensington Market area for eclectic vegan-friendly cafes and grocery stores specializing in plant-based products.
8. Los Angeles, California, USA
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Los Angeles is at the forefront of the plant-based food movement, with an abundance of vegan restaurants, food trucks, and cafes. The city’s health-conscious lifestyle and culinary innovation mean that vegans and vegetarians have endless dining options. From gourmet plant-based restaurants to casual vegan taco stands, LA’s food scene is a testament to the versatility and appeal of plant-based eating.
Insider’s Tip
Attend the annual Vegan Street Fair in North Hollywood to sample a wide range of vegan dishes from local vendors.
9. Melbourne, Australia
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Melbourne is celebrated for its coffee culture and foodie scene, which includes a thriving community of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. The city’s emphasis on fresh, local produce and culinary creativity is evident in its plant-based offerings, which range from vegan brunch spots to vegetarian fine dining. Melbourne’s laneways and markets are also great places to discover vegan snacks and artisanal products.
Insider’s Tip
Check out the vegan options at Melbourne’s famous Queen Victoria Market, where you can enjoy a variety of plant-based foods while soaking up the local atmosphere.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
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Cape Town is a destination where natural beauty meets culinary delight, including for those following a plant-based diet. The city’s vegan and vegetarian scene is growing, with restaurants focusing on sustainable and ethical food practices. Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage influences its plant-based cuisine, offering a unique blend of flavors and dishes.
Insider’s Tip
Visit the Oranjezicht City Farm Market on a Saturday to sample vegan delicacies from local producers and enjoy the stunning views of Table Mountain.
The Bottom Line
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Traveling as a vegan or vegetarian no longer means having to settle for side dishes or salads. Cities around the world are embracing plant-based cuisine, offering dishes that are not only kind to the planet but also delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re exploring the vegan eateries of Berlin, enjoying plant-based Thai dishes in Chiang Mai, or sampling vegan street food in Portland, the world is full of culinary adventures waiting to be discovered. As you embark on your travels, remember that every meal is an opportunity to explore new flavors, learn about local cultures, and celebrate the diversity of plant-based cuisine.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.