For vegetarian and vegan travellers, finding destinations with abundant plant‑based options can transform the travel experience. Fortunately, there are countries around the world where vegetarian and vegan food isn't just an afterthought – it's a celebrated tradition. From the vegetable‑rich cuisines of Southeast Asia to the innovative vegan scenes of European cities, these destinations make it easy to eat well, eat ethically, and enjoy the local culture.
This guide lists every country classified as "Veggie/vegan friendly" in the TravelCompass database. These destinations have a strong culture of plant‑based eating, with plenty of restaurants, markets, and local dishes that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Below, you'll find each country with a brief snapshot of what makes it special for plant‑based travel.
When travelling as a vegan or vegetarian, choose accommodation with kitchen facilities for self‑catering, join plant‑based food tours to discover hidden gems, and stay with locals who can guide you to the best veggie spots.
Why Choose a Veggie/Vegan‑Friendly Destination?
- Plentiful options: Restaurants, markets, and street food stalls with plant‑based choices.
- Cultural compatibility: Many cuisines are naturally plant‑based or have strong vegetarian traditions.
- Ease of travel: Language barriers are less daunting when ordering food.
- Health and ethics: Travel aligned with personal values.
- Delicious variety: Explore diverse flavours and cooking techniques without animal products.
15+ Veggie/Vegan‑Friendly Countries – Your Plant‑Based Options
Below is the complete list of countries classified as "Veggie/vegan friendly" in the TravelCompass database. Each entry includes a description of what makes its plant‑based cuisine special.
India is a paradise for vegetarians – with centuries of vegetarian traditions, from thalis and dosas to curries and street food, all without meat.
Indonesia's plant‑based options are abundant – from tempeh and tofu to vegetable‑rich dishes like gado‑gado and nasi campur.
Israel is a vegan hotspot, with Tel Aviv often called the vegan capital of the world, offering endless plant‑based cafes and restaurants.
Malaysia's diverse cuisine includes many plant‑based options – from vegetable curries to tofu and tempeh dishes, with a strong vegetarian culture.
Moroccan cuisine is naturally plant‑heavy – with couscous, vegetable tagines, and fresh salads, all easily made vegan.
Nepal offers a rich vegetarian culture, with dishes like dal bhat, vegetable momos, and curries that are naturally meat‑free.
Singapore has a strong vegan scene, with many hawker centres offering plant‑based versions of local favourites, plus dedicated vegan restaurants.
Thailand is incredibly vegan‑friendly – from tofu satay to green curry, and plenty of street food options without meat.
The UK has one of the most dynamic vegan scenes in Europe, with plant‑based restaurants, supermarkets, and festivals across the country.
The USA offers diverse vegan options, from dedicated restaurants to vegan versions of American classics, with a growing movement in all major cities.
Vietnam has a strong Buddhist tradition of vegetarian cooking, with delicious vegan pho, spring rolls, and banh mi.
Greek cuisine is naturally plant‑based with olive oil, vegetables, legumes, and herbs – plenty of vegan options like fasolada, dolmades, and salads.
Italy offers endless plant‑based options – pasta with tomato sauce, grilled vegetables, bruschetta, and a growing number of vegan restaurants.
Spain's tapas culture includes many vegan options – from patatas bravas to grilled vegetables, and modern vegan restaurants in major cities.
France is becoming increasingly vegan‑friendly, with plant‑based alternatives in supermarkets and dedicated vegan restaurants in Paris and beyond.
Germany has a vibrant vegan scene, especially in Berlin, with countless plant‑based restaurants and a strong culture of alternative eating.
The Netherlands is very vegan‑friendly, with plant‑based options in most restaurants and a high number of vegan supermarkets.
Tips for Veggie/Vegan Travel
- Learn key phrases: Know how to say "vegetarian" and "vegan" in the local language.
- Use apps: HappyCow and similar apps help find plant‑based restaurants.
- Street food: Look for fruit stalls, vegetable skewers, and dishes that are naturally plant‑based.
- Self‑cater: Book accommodation with a kitchen to prepare your own meals.
🌱 Essential gear for veggie/vegan travel
Our top picks for plant‑based travellers.
- LifeStraw Go Water Bottle with Filter Amazon – Stay hydrated and reduce plastic.
- Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag Amazon – Keep your essentials secure while exploring markets.
- Anker PowerCore 26800 Power Bank Amazon – Keep your phone charged for restaurant searches.
Ready for a plant‑based adventure?
From the thalis of India to the vegan burgers of Berlin, these 15+ countries offer some of the world's best plant‑based travel experiences. Enjoy delicious, ethical, and healthy food while exploring the world.
Refine your search with the Travel Matrix tool – combine cuisine with temperature, budget, and other preferences.