From vegoutmag.com
By AINURA KALAU
Travelling as a vegan used to mean packing protein bars and hoping for the best, but now there are entire cities where plant-based eating is celebrated
Last month, I travelled to Thailand with two of my girlfriends. One is fully vegan, the other vegetarian, and I eat everything. We'd spent weeks planning the trip, and honestly, I was a little worried about how we'd navigate meals together without anyone feeling left out or frustrated.
Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. Thailand made it ridiculously easy. Every restaurant had multiple plant-based options, street vendors knew exactly what we meant when we asked about fish sauce or eggs, and my vegan friend never once had to settle for a sad salad or plain rice. She ate like a queen the entire trip.
That experience got me thinking about how different it is to travel as a vegan depending on where you go. Some places make it effortless, while others can feel like a constant negotiation. If you're plant-based or traveling with someone who is, these seven countries will make your life so much easier.
1. Thailand
Thai cuisine is naturally full of plant-based dishes, and the Buddhist influence means vegetarian and vegan options are everywhere. You'll find the term "jay" on menus, which indicates food prepared without animal products, including things like garlic and onions.
Street food is where Thailand really shines. You can point to what you want, ask if it has fish sauce or eggs, and most vendors will either confirm or offer to make it without. Pad thai, green curry with tofu, mango sticky rice, fresh spring rolls. The list goes on, and it's all delicious.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands all have dedicated vegan restaurants too. But even in smaller towns, you won't struggle to find something good. The food culture here just gets it.
2. India
India might be the easiest country in the world for vegan travellers. A huge portion of the population is vegetarian for religious and cultural reasons, and many regional dishes are naturally vegan.
You'll find everything from dosas and idlis in the south to chana masala and aloo gobi in the north. Dairy is common, so you'll need to ask about ghee, paneer, or yogurt, but most cooks are happy to adjust. The concept of plant-based eating is so deeply embedded that it doesn't feel like a special request.
I have a friend who spent three months backpacking through India as a vegan, and she said it was the first time in her life she didn't have to explain herself. Restaurants list "veg" and "non-veg" right on the menu, and even street vendors understand what you're asking for. She still talks about the food like it was a religious experience.
3. Taiwan
Taiwan's Buddhist culture has created a massive vegetarian food scene, and much of it happens to be vegan. You'll see the word "su" on signs, which means vegetarian, and many of these places serve entirely plant-based meals.
Night markets are a goldmine. You can find everything from vegan dumplings to stinky tofu to fresh fruit smoothies. The variety is incredible, and the prices are low. I've heard from multiple people that Taiwan spoiled them for vegan travel because it set the bar so high.
Taipei alone has hundreds of vegetarian restaurants, and even in smaller cities, you'll have no trouble finding something. The food is flavourful, creative, and easy to access no matter where you are.
4. United Kingdom
London has become a major hub for plant-based eating. You'll find vegan options at nearly every restaurant, from high-end spots to casual chains. Pubs now serve vegan fish and chips, Indian takeaways have extensive vegan menus, and supermarkets stock more plant-based products than I've seen anywhere else.
The shift happened fast. Just five years ago, vegan options were limited to a few specialty spots. Now it's mainstream. Cities like Brighton, Bristol, and Manchester are also incredibly vegan-friendly, with entire neighbourhoods dedicated to plant-based food.
British culture has embraced this change in a way that feels permanent. It's not a trend anymore. It's just part of how people eat.
5. Germany
Berlin is often called the vegan capital of Europe, and for good reason. The city has hundreds of fully vegan restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. You can get vegan currywurst, doner kebabs, burgers, pastries, and even traditional German dishes like schnitzel and sausages, all plant-based.
What I love about Germany is how normalized it is. You don't get strange looks for asking about vegan options. Supermarkets have entire aisles dedicated to plant-based products, and even small towns have at least a few vegan-friendly spots.
HappyCow, a popular vegan restaurant guide, consistently ranks Berlin as one of the top cities in the world for plant-based dining. The infrastructure is there, and the quality is high.
6. Indonesia
Bali has become a paradise for vegan travellers. Ubud, in particular, is packed with plant-based cafes and restaurants serving everything from smoothie bowls to raw vegan desserts to traditional Indonesian food made without animal products.
Tempeh and tofu are staples in Indonesian cuisine, so you're already starting from a good place. Many dishes are naturally vegan or can easily be made that way. The food is fresh, colourful, and full of flavour.
Outside of Bali, Java and other islands also have strong vegetarian traditions tied to local customs and religions. You'll need to ask about fish sauce and shrimp paste, but once you do, most places are happy to accommodate.
7. United States (West Coast)
California, Oregon, and Washington have some of the best vegan food scenes in the world. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle all have thriving plant-based communities with restaurants that rival anything you'd find internationally.
The variety is what stands out. You can get vegan sushi, Mexican food, Italian, Ethiopian, soul food, bakeries, ice cream, you name it. These cities treat plant-based eating as completely normal, and the quality is consistently high.
I know the U.S. doesn't have the same reputation as some of these other countries, but if you stick to the West Coast, you'll eat incredibly well. The food is innovative, the portions are generous, and you'll never feel like you're missing out.
Final thoughts
Traveling as a vegan used to mean packing protein bars and hoping for the best. Now, there are entire cities and countries where plant-based eating is not only accepted but celebrated.
If you're planning a trip and want to make sure you'll eat well, these seven countries won't let you down. The food is good, the options are plentiful, and you won't spend half your vacation explaining what vegan means.
And if you're not vegan but you're traveling with someone who is, picking one of these destinations will make the trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Good food brings people together, and these places know how to do it right.
https://vegoutmag.com/travel/a-7-countries-where-vegan-travelers-are-treated-like-royalty/
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