These are the most vegan-friendly cities in the world

From cntraveller.in

London holds steady, Amsterdam slips, and Ho Chi Minh City rockets up the rankings in HappyCow’s latest list of vegan-friendly cities

Something about cardboard burgers or undressed salads, and you have yourself a perfectly serviceable vegan joke. But for plant-based eaters, travelling truly does come in tow with all those things, turning what was supposed to be a stress-free vacation into a tedious hunt for something (anything) to eat. In 1999, HappyCow began as a public service platform to assist vegans and vegetarians in finding real food on the road and now, with 25 years and 210 countries' worth of plant-based intel under its belt, it just released its annual list of the 25 most vegan-friendly cities.

The ranking goes beyond restaurants to include food trucks, cafés, bakeries, grocery shops, and B&Bs. Each city is evaluated for the number of these vegan establishments, their density per capita, the growth of listings since last year. These numbers go hand in hand with a qualitative assessment to consider how easy it is to eat vegan and how well it is understood locally. At a quick glance, though it is clear that the vegan restaurant count has dipped in some places, the broader picture shows a sharp uptick in cities offering vegan options that are far from the sad plate of lettuce that typically comes to mind.

London remains at the top of the list, smug as ever, with 154 fully vegan restaurants in the city centre alone, not to mention 3,620 total vegan-friendly listings across its sprawl. That’s more than enough to support an entire lifestyle of alt cheese and cashew aioli, plus a few vegan B&Bs for good measure. Veganism here is no longer subculture, it’s just lunch.

Further down in the top 10s, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Portland continue to hold their ground, even as some former favourites (Paris and Amsterdam among them) slid down the ranks. Amsterdam lost 21 vegan restaurants but remains in the conversation at 4th place unlike Paris which dropped out of the top 10 entirely. On the rise: Los Angeles clawed its way back into the top 3, shoring up its wellness-world credibility with 2515 vegan venues, while New York City and Mexico City broke into the top 10 this year, the latter for the first time ever.

Ho Chi Minh City, most notably, has arrived. The Vietnamese city made its first-ever appearance, landing in the top ten with the kind of numbers that suggest this isn’t a fluke: a 33% increase in fully vegan restaurants, and a 41% rise in vegan businesses overall. This makes it the fastest-growing vegan city of the moment, and the only Asian city to crack the top 10. However, others are not too far behind: Tokyo came in at 12, Bangkok at 14, Taipei at 18, and Singapore at 19, each with steadily growing options, even if the shift toward dedicated vegan venues is more incremental.

The most vegan-friendly cities, based on HappyCow’s data.

1. London, UK
2. Berlin, Germany
3. Los Angeles, USA
4. Portland, USA
5. Lisbon, Portugal
6. Barcelona, Spain
7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
8. Mexico City, Mexico
9. New York City, USA
10. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
11. Warsaw, Poland
12. Tokyo, Japan
13. Porto, Portugal
14. Bangkok, Thailand
15. Prague, Czech Republic
16. Paris, France
17. San Francisco, USA
18. Taipei, Taiwan
19. Singapore, Singapore
20. Copenhagen, Denmark
21. Hamburg, Germany
22. Madrid, Spain
23. Vienna, Austria
24. Sao Paulo, Brazil
25. Munich, Germany

https://www.cntraveller.in/story/these-are-the-most-vegan-friendly-cities-in-the-world/

Vegan wanderlust: Top 6 plant-based travel destinations to explore this holiday season

From hindustantimes.com

Beyond salads: From sushi to satay, indulge in the best vegan cuisines at these 6 top plant-based travel destinations 

Plant-based eating has surged in popularity worldwide, inspiring a wave of innovation in vegan cuisine. For vegan travellers who once struggled to find satisfying options abroad, the tides have turned—now you can explore the world with a range of delicious choices at your fingertips.

From vibrant city scenes to tranquil island retreats, vegan-friendly destinations now offer everything from fine dining to casual street food. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Rajeev Kale (President and Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited) and SD Nandakumar (President and Country Head, Leisure Travel and MICE at SOTC Travel Limited) suggested some top vegan-friendly travel spots to explore this holiday season -

1. Singapore

                                                                    Singapore travel diaries(Photo by Pixabay)

Renowned as a melting pot of cultures and culinary traditions, Singapore has emerged as a popular destination for vegan travellers in search of diverse, flavour-packed meals. Seamlessly blending Chinese, Malay and Indian influences, the city is also home to a vibrant café scene and a growing vegan movement. Visitors can easily find a wide range of plant-based options at iconic hawker centres, where local favourites like vegan laksa, satay and mock meats are readily available. Singapore’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its food scene as well, with local initiatives supporting urban farming and plant-based diets. With its rich culinary diversity and green initiatives, Singapore is the perfect destination for eco-conscious vegan travellers.

2. Berlin, Germany

                                                                                   Berlin travel diaries(Photo by Pixabay)

Berlin has firmly established itself as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, often dubbed the “Vegan Capital of Europe.” The German capital stands out as a prime destination for vegans and environmentally conscious travellers due to its inclusive vibe, where being vegan is seen as part of the local culture rather than a niche lifestyle. From trendy restaurants to casual cafés, the city offers a wide array of plant-based dining options spanning various cuisines. Travellers can also plan their trips around the many food festivals organised by Berlin’s thriving vegan community, where they can explore innovative plant-based creations. Berlin’s progressive attitude toward sustainability and veganism makes it a must-visit for plant-based food lovers.

3. Bali, Indonesia

                                                                                            The Bali swing (ADOBE STOCK)

Bali’s reputation as one of the wellness capitals of the world makes it a sanctuary for those seeking healthy, delicious plant-based food. As more health-conscious travellers from around the globe flock to the island, Bali has seen a rise in vegan-friendly restaurants and food offerings. Whether its smoothie bowls, raw desserts or tempeh dishes, the options are as nutritious as they are flavourful. Beyond the food, Bali offers an immersive vegan experience with wellness retreats, Yoga centres and eco-resorts that focus on plant-based living. For those who embrace the vegan lifestyle in all aspects of life, Bali is the perfect fit.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

                                                                          The Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen(istockphoto)

Known for its progressive dining scene and commitment to sustainability, Copenhagen is another great destination for vegan travellers. The Danish capital is home to an increasing number of vegan eateries, many of which embody sustainability with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you are looking for fine dining or to experience plant-based versions of local Danish eats, there is something for every vegan in Copenhagen. The city’s devotion to environmental sustainability means that many restaurants also cater to eco-conscious diners with a zero-waste philosophy. In addition to its vegan restaurants, Copenhagen also hosts the annual Copenhagen Vegan Festival, which brings together plant-based chefs and vendors from around the world. This city, with its multipronged approach to vegan and sustainable living, has earned its reputation as one of the top vegan-friendly cities in the world.

5. South Korea

Tourists, including some dressed in traditional Korean hanbok, walk through Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea.(Photo by REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon)

South Korea’s vegan scene has blossomed in recent years, where traditional dishes have been given a modern, plant-based twist. While the cuisine already comprises vegan dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and kimchi, up-and-coming restaurants in Seoul have ramped up their efforts to expand their vegan offerings. Traditional Korean Buddhist temple cuisine, which is inherently vegan, can be savoured at temples and specialised restaurants. The country’s embrace of plant-based living is rapidly evolving, making South Korea an exciting and culturally rich stop for vegan travellers.

6. Japan

This picture taken on November 14, 2023 shows Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji in the background between skyscrapers in Tokyo's Shinjuku area.(Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)

Japan’s plant-based offerings have flourished in recent years, with cities like Tokyo and Kyoto leading the way. Today, you can find a wide variety of vegan options across the country, from sushi and ramen to curries and desserts. Even local snacks and coffee culture have evolved to accommodate plant-based diets, making it easier and more enjoyable for vegan travellers to explore. Japan’s culinary creativity, combined with its respect for seasonal ingredients, makes it an unforgettable destination for those seeking delicious plant-based cuisine.

The rise of vegan-friendly destinations around the world shows just how far the plant-based movement has come. From Bali's wellness retreats to Berlin's vibrant food scene, each place offers unique flavours, cultures and sustainable living and this list is just the beginning as many more cities and hidden gems await vegan travellers.

As the world embraces plant-based living, the opportunities for eco-friendly culinary adventures continue to grow. The journey is just starting!

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/vegan-wanderlust-top-6-plant-based-travel-destinations-to-explore-this-holiday-season-101733316922252.html

Meet the duo behind Ark, the restaurant redefining vegan fine dining in Copenhagen

From nationalgeographic.com

At Ark, vegetables are always the stars of the show. Founder and forager Jason Renwick and executive chef Brett Lavender discuss the influences and ingredients behind their plant-based project 

Australian entrepreneur Jason Renwick came to Copenhagen in 2005, travelling in and out of the country before opening vegan cafe Souls in 2016. He then teamed up with British chef Brett Lavender, who had spent much of his career cooking in luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, to open Ark restaurant, in central Copenhagen, in 2020. The seasonal plant-based menu is a surprise for diners on the day, but might include signature dishes such as barbecued blue oyster mushrooms or deceptively complex combinations like turnip with apple and macadamia. 

The business grew and evolved, and today, Ark Collection comprises three plant-based restaurants — Ark, Bistro Lupa (both of which hold Michelin Green stars) and Beyla — as well as urban mushroom-growing operation Funga Farm, which supplies restaurants in the Danish capital.

How do you approach plant-based cooking?

Brett: How to get flavour, depth, umami out of very few ingredients was a massive learning curve for me. I started to approach it in the way I would cook a piece of meat: do I want to marinate, sous vide or let it rest? Vegan cooks don’t think like this. And I’m not a vegan. It’s about cooking vegetables in the best way possible and making sure they’re the star of the dish.

Where do you source ingredients?

Brett: We work with a number of farms [close to] Copenhagen, and also a little bit further afield. I’m not a magician, so some things come from Sweden and elsewhere in Northern Europe. In winter, nothing grows, but in summer we have an abundance, so we preserve and ferment. You might see elderflower that we’ve pickled or last season’s strawberry trimmings that we’ve turned into vinegar. 

Jason: Mushrooms are the most important ingredient by far. We were producing 250kg a week out of this tiny basement at Funga Farm, but in spring 2023 I invested, and we moved into in a bigger space. Now we can do about 1,500kg a week. All our reviews [of the restaurant] focus on the mushrooms, thanks to dishes like blue oyster mushroom cooked on the yakitori grill and brushed with sake and mirin. I also go foraging for 20 hours a week. Christina Rasmussen [previously a forager at Noma] came to us and taught me what to pick. It really changes with the seasons, but I pick rosehip, elderflower, meadowsweet, mulberry, blueberry and wild garlic in bulk. I try to gather enough of the flowers so that we can start to make aged vinegars.

Which Scandinavian ingredients do you enjoy most?

Brett: We always have the blue oyster mushroom on the menu. They have a great taste, great texture and the structure of the mushroom gives me the ability to play with it a lot in terms of cooking. Lion’s mane mushrooms also play a part; they can really resemble meat. This isn’t something I try to do intentionally — it’s just showing the mushroom at its best.

Jason: I’ve foraged Japanese knotweed — it’s an invasive species and sort of everywhere. The flavour is similar to rhubarb; it’s got a really nice tartness. That’s probably the coolest ingredient because no one else is using it.

Is there a dish you’re most proud of?

Brett: The turnip is such a humble, often-overlooked vegetable, so in terms of a breakthrough dish, it’s turnip: sake-brined, served with a sauce made from leftover brioche and cucumbers, a yuzu dressing and lemongrass oil. Plant-based food at that high level — the clever preparation, the balance of flavours — was really a sweet spot to hit. We’ve also got [a take on] chawanmushi, a traditional Japanese egg custard, on the menu. Eggs are always the biggest challenge to swap out in terms of consistency in dishes; you can’t replicate it. It took a lot of trail and error.

What are your key culinary influences?

Brett: A big influence has been my time spent in Japan. I went there because I wanted to pursue the level of perfection they’re known for. That worked out for me in plant-based cooking as Japanese cuisine doesn’t use animal fats to add flavour — it’s not like everything’s basted in butter or finished with cream. You’re thinking about umami, about fermentation.

Is running a vegan restaurant more challenging than a ‘regular’ restaurant?

Jason: It takes all these man hours, which, in Denmark, is super-expensive. Even for the restaurant, I have to find plant-based paint and chairs that don’t have [animal product-based] glue. We took a standpoint not to use avocados because of how bad they are for the planet and how much water they use. But it’s a normal restaurant doing plant-based food — a lot of people don’t realise that until they’re here.

How important is sustainability?  

Brett: We try to be as sustainable as we can. I think we’re very good at using the whole product — there’s very little that goes in the bin. When I took over, we had six bins in the kitchen; that went down to one. We like to say it’s conscious dining. If everybody ate plant-based one day a week, it would have a massive knock-on effect in terms of the pressure on the farming industry and the environment.

Three to try: meat-free restaurants in Copenhagen

1. VeVe
Housed within a former bread factory in Østerbro, VeVe (its name an abbreviation of a Danish phrase meaning ‘vegetarian world cuisine’) serves up creative veggie and vegan dishes featuring a fusion of international flavours. The seasonally driven, six-course menu begins with light snacks, such as satay cassava chips and beetroot ‘cotton candy’, followed by delicate dishes like snow-fungus with carrots and satay sauce. Set menu DKK850 (£98). 

2. Bistro Verde
This climate-conscious bistro offers a fully vegan menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a focus on open sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. Try a tempting summer salad of strawberries and asparagus or tasty gnocchi puttanesca. Mains from DKK80 (£9). 

3. Urten & Atlas Bar
This corner building in the Latin Quarter combines two vegan spots under one roof. Atlas Bar offers comforting classics including pasta and burgers, while upstairs, sister restaurant Urten focuses on a smaller, more sophisticated set menu, which changes monthly but might feature dishes like crispy cauliflower croquettes with chickpeas and tofu cream. Urten’s two-course set menu DKK305 (£35). 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/ark-restaurant-vegan-fine-dining-copenhagen