Travel is back, and we know you are itching to get out there to explore the world’s cuisines. But how do you choose where to go? We’ve got you covered – we enlisted the help of some of your favourite vegan travel bloggers and vegan foodie experts to uncover the best vegan-friendly cities, and spoiler alert, New York and London are not your only hot spots!
Get your passports ready as we take you for a delicious, plant- based trip around the world.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Kristin Lajeunesse, published author, founder of the award-winning website Will Travel for Vegan Food, travelled full-time for eight consecutive years, from Troy, NY.
Instagram @wtfveganfood | www.wtfveganfood.com
Amsterdam has always been known for being an open-minded, laid back and vibrant city, so it just makes sense that it is also a popular destination for vegan eats.
“With about eight vegan restaurants for every 100,000 residents, you can’t walk more than a block or two without stumbling upon a dedicated vegan establishment or a vegan-friendly one,” says Kristin Lajeunesse, who calls Amsterdam one of her favourite vegan-friendly cities in the world.
With so many vegan options on offer, it can be tough to choose where to go, but Lajeunesse’s can’t miss stop is Mr. & Mrs. Watson, an award-winning restaurant and vegan cheese shop. Your mouth will be watering just looking at the menu. With vegan cheese platters, fondue, pastas, sandwiches, desserts and more, this truly is a must-visit restaurant.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
Amélie Gagné, Mostly Amélie, vegan travel blogger, yoga enthusiast, based in Berlin, Germany.
Instagram @mostlyamelie | www.mostlyamelie.com
With a high population of vegetarians and vegans, Thailand is no stranger to plant-based diets, and the market in Thailand continues to grow an average of 25 per cent each year.
In Bangkok you’ll find fruit stands on every corner and fresh veggies in abundance. However, the only thing to be mindful of if you find yourself on a vegan adventure in countries like Thailand is that even if a dish appears vegan, it doesn’t mean there isn’t some sneaky fish sauce or shrimp paste in it. Just remember the simple word, “jay,” which translates similarly to the Thai word for vegan.
Now let’s talk vegan eats in Bangkok. Amélie Gagné recommends May Veggie Home, a popular vegan restaurant with traditional Thai cuisine. “Their Khao Soi is to die for,” she says. At May Veggie Home, enjoy fresh, homemade Thai food as well as vegan baked goods and vegan ice cream.
BERLIN, GERMANY
Amélie Gagné, Mostly Amélie, vegan travel blogger, yoga enthusiast, based in Berlin, Germany.
Instagram @mostlyamelie | www.mostlyamelie.com
Originally from Montreal, Amélie Gagné is now living as an expat in Berlin, which also happens to be her favourite vegan-friendly city.
Berlin is a fascinating place that truly has something for everyone. The German city has unique architecture, a thriving nightlife, museums, and a rich history. It’s also the vegan capital of Europe.
“You’ll find everything under the sun in a veganized version,” says Gagné. “It’s a quirky and free-spirited city, and this is reflected in the vegan scene.”
With such a vibrant vegan atmosphere, it’s hard to have just one favourite restaurant, since new vegan restaurants are popping up all the time. However, Gangé’s go-to for vegan eats in Berlin has to be li.ke, a fully-vegan Thai street food restaurant. You’ll find all the Thai classics in vegan form, including fried eggs.
CUSCO, PERU
Sarah Mackenzie, My Veggie Travels, blogger and digital marketing professional based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Instagram @sarahscotland | www.myveggietravels.com
Deep within the Andes Mountain range, this high-altitude locale is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Americas. Famous for being the main access point for Machu Picchu, Cusco is a great place to visit if you’re looking for adventure and vegan cuisine.
“Before heading to Peru, I was slightly pessimistic about what I’d find in the way of vegan eats in Cusco, but I couldn’t have been more wrong,” says Sarah Mackenzie. “For being a relatively small place way up in the middle of the mountains, there was loads to choose from with a heavy focus on veganized Peruvian and (oddly enough) Italian dishes.”
Mackenzie’s favourite restaurant in Peru? Chia Vegan Restaurant. Although, she also fondly remembers a local woman who made vegan dishes out of the back of her house, advertising her cooking with a cardboard sign.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Alysa Tarrant, Voyaging Herbivore, plant-based travel blogger moved to the U.K. from the U.S., based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Instagram @voyagingherbivore | www.voyagingherbivore.com
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a mix of medieval buildings, Georgian architecture and plentiful gardens. Hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat and admire the views of this 12th century city.
With such a rich history and incredible atmosphere, Alysa Tarrant is happy to not only call Edinburgh home but also one of her favourite vegan-friendly cities.
“Edinburgh is easily one of the best cities in the world for vegan options,” says Tarrant. “From quick to-go meals at grocery stores to five-star restaurants and every type of cuisine you can think of (even vegan haggis!), there really is something for everyone.”
Tarrant suggests a visit to David Bann, a highly-rated, popular, high-end restaurant with a great selection of vegan dishes.
LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES
Lauren Toyota, Hot for Food, one of IMPACT Magazine’s Top Vegan influencers, content producer and author based in Los Angeles, CA.
Instagram @hotforfood | www.hotforfoodblog.com
Las Vegas is known for its flashy lights, grand casinos and unparalleled entertainment. Take a ride on the world’s largest observation wheel, float down a canal on a Venetian gondola, and revel in the excitement of Fremont Street. But Vegas is more than an adult playground. It also happens to be Lauren Toyota’s favourite vegan-friendly city.
“It’s unexpected, but in a place that’s so abundant and extra, of course it can be a vegan’s paradise,” says Toyota.
Toyota is a huge fan of the Wynn Encore because all of its restaurants have vegan menus. However, it’s not just the Wynn Encore that has a fantastic selection of vegan options. Whether elsewhere on the strip or in old Las Vegas, Toyota says there are plenty of options and restaurants dedicated to vegan food including VegeNation, Crossroads Kitchen, Chef Kenny’s and Tacotarian.
MONTREAL, CANADA
Nina Bolders, Fly Me to the Vegan Buffet, vegan blogger and food photographer, flight attendant for 15 years, in Berlin, Germany.
Instagram @flymetotheveganbuffet | www.flymetotheveganbuffet.com
Canadians rejoice! The vegan food scene continues to expand in major cities across Canada, and Montreal is on the list of Nina Bolders’ favourite vegan-friendly cities.
As a flight attendant Bolders has travelled the world, getting familiar with some of the best vegan food available.
When Bolders first started visiting Montreal years ago, it was difficult for her to find vegan food. Nowadays, the options are endless. “I am by far not done. There are so many places I still have on my bucket list [to try],” she says.
Sophie Sucrée, LOV, and Leaves House are among Bolders’ favourite vegan restaurants in Montreal. However, she is excited to return and explore the vegan sushi restaurants that are getting such rave reviews.
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
Lauren Yakiwchuk, Justin Plus Lauren, full-time vegan travel blogger, from Toronto, ON.
Instagram @justinpluslauren | www.justinpluslauren.com
Go for the music, stay for the vegan food. Nashville may not be the first city that pops into your head when you think of vegan-friendly locales; however, this country-loving, honky-tonk city has taken a big step towards plant-based eats in recent years.
Just look at Lauren Yakiwchuk’s favourite Nashville stop for vegan food, The Southern V. “When I visited many years ago, they operated out of a small blue trailer. Nowadays, they have their own permanent restaurant,” she says.
The Southern V takes southern comfort food and spins it to have a vegan twist. You can’t go without trying their Nashville hot fried “chicken,” made with seitan. Also available: healthy smoothies and gluten-free options.
PARIS, FRANCE
Kristin Lajeunesse, Will Travel for Vegan Food, an award-winning website. Published author, travelled full-time for eight consecutive years, from Troy, NY.
Instagram @wtfveganfood | www.wtfveganfood.com
Ah, the city of love. Paris finds its way onto many people’s bucket lists thanks to the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, romantic vibes, charming cafés and patisseries. But it should be on your list for the scrumptious vegan eats available.
“Often underrated and overlooked when it comes to vegan fare, Paris is currently home to more than 85 fully-vegan restaurants,” says Kristin Lajeunesse, who calls Paris one of her favourite vegan-friendly cities. “In Paris, you’ll find vegan cuisine ranging from traditionally inspired Parisian dishes and baked goods (I’m looking at you, croissants) to fully-vegan coffee shops, upscale dining experiences, comfort food, and ‘yoga hotels’ with vegan restaurants located on-site.”
You’ve already booked your ticket, haven’t you? Well, before you go, you should know where to eat. Find your way to brEAThe Restaurant for Japanese/Asian fusion foods and a fine dining experience you won’t soon forget, says Lajeunesse.
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
Carolyn Scott-Hamilton, Healthy Voyager, billingual TV host and media spokesperson, holistic nutritionist, vegan chef, cookbook author, and speaker in Los Angeles, CA.
Instagram @healthyvoyager | www.healthyvoyager.com
Portland has been a dream destination for vegans for years. In 2007, the world’s first vegan mini-mall opened, hosting shops such as a bakery, a tattoo parlour and a vegan grocery store. And the mall was just the beginning. Today, you’ll find vegan food trucks, vegan food stalls, and countless vegan restaurants everywhere you go, which is why Portland is one of Carolyn Scott-Hamilton’s favourite vegan-friendly cities.
However, with such a vegan-friendly city comes an array of choices for where to eat. And with such an array of choices, it’s nearly impossible to have a favourite. “[There are] so many great places; it’s like asking a parent to choose a favorite child,” says Scott-Hamilton.
PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO
Lauren Yakiwchuk, Justin Plus Lauren, full-time vegan travel blogger, from Toronto, ON.
Instagram @justinpluslauren | www.justinpluslauren.com
As if we needed another reason to go to Mexico. But it’s not just the beautiful beaches, hot sun, palm trees and laid-back vibes that we have to love about the country. Our go-to southern getaway is becoming more popular with veganism, and vegans are noticing, which is why Puerto Vallarta is on Lauren Yakiwchuk’s list of favourite vegan-friendly cities.
If you find yourself in Puerto Vallarta, you can’t miss 100% Vegana Taqueria, says Yakiwchuk. “While the restaurant’s decor doesn’t have too many frills (the restaurant itself looks to be inside a little garage!), the food is outstanding.”
The highly-rated restaurant is authentic Mexican gone vegan, with tacos, salsas, sauces and traditional favourites made from beans and veggies.
“Everything was so fresh and delicious, so we couldn’t help but order seconds,” says Yakiwchuk.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
Caitlin Galer-Unti, The Vegan Word, vegan travel blogger and author, based in Barcelona, Spain.
Instagram @theveganword | www.theveganword.com
Taipei is the bustling capital of Taiwan. It’s a spectacular city home to impressive modern architecture and breathtaking temples, and it’s certainly a vegan’s wonderland.
“It’s one of the few cities I didn’t even have to use an app to locate vegan-friendly restaurants,” says Caitlin Galer-Unti. “I just wandered down the street spotting the restaurants.”
Due to its large population of Buddhists, many of whom choose to follow a plant-based diet, Taiwan has long been accommodating to veggie-lovers.
Although Galer-Unti says she had such an easy time finding vegan eats, it was the high-end restaurant Yu Shan Ge that tops her list of favourites. Yu Shan Ge serves delectable vegan and vegetarian Asian dishes. And although the restaurant is in the Michelin Guide, prices are very affordable compared to similar Canadian offerings.
TOKYO, JAPAN
Nina Bolders, Fly Me to the Vegan Buffet, vegan blogger and food photographer, flight attendant for 15 years, in Berlin, Germany.
Instagram @flymetotheveganbuffet | www.flymetotheveganbuffet.com
Tokyo is one of the most impressive cities in the world with an incredible mix of culture and technology, traditional temples and modern architecture. But in truth, the food alone is reason enough to book a ticket to Japan.
Nina Bolders considers Tokyo her favourite vegan city in the world, although it’s not the ease of being vegan but instead the quality of vegan food on offer that lands this metropolitan city on her list.
“It is not vegan-friendly in the sense of finding vegan options on the menu of any random restaurant you walk into; you do have to know where to go,” says Nina Bolders. “But the vegan and vegan-friendly places you can find on HappyCow are often outstanding!”
For delicious Japanese cuisine, Bolders recommends checking out T’s Tantan, which offers mouth-watering soy-based eats. Want to try something a little different? Bolders says Milan Nataraj has the best vegan Indian food she has ever had.
TORONTO, CANADA
Amanda Persi, founder of one of the world’s first vegan holiday experience companies, The Getaway Co. Spent 15 years in the music industry in Toronto, now in Zürich, Switzerland.
Instagram @thegetawayco | https://thegetawayco.com
Topping off our list is another Canadian city for travellers looking to take a little holiday in their own backyard.
Toronto’s multicultural atmosphere, towering skyscrapers and bustling vibes make it an appealing destination for many Canadians and international tourists alike. Being born and raised in Toronto, Amanda Persi got very familiar with the vegan food scene in the vibrant city.
Persi says there are many great places to choose from, but she recently discovered Tenon Vegan Sushi, serving authentic vegan Japanese cuisine and branching out into vegan Thai fusion dishes as well. Feeling like Italian? Persi recommends Osteria Du for their delicious selection of vegan Italian eats like pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more.
UBUD, INDONESIA
Amanda Persi, The Getaway Co., founder of one of the world’s first vegan holiday experience companies. Spent 15 years in the music industry in Toronto, now in Zürich, Switzerland.
Instagram @thegetawayco | www.thegetawayco.com
Yoga retreats and hip vegan eateries, Buddhist temples surrounded by lush rainforests, if the town of Ubud on the island of Bali isn’t on your list of places to visit, it should be. Just ask Amanda Persi.
Persi, who takes people from across the globe on vegan holiday experiences, considers the Balinese town her favourite vegan-friendly destination.
“There are just so many amazing vegan restaurant options with every type of food, vibe and views imaginable,” said Persi.
The food scene in Ubud is about more than just flavours on your palate. The atmosphere and views are incomparable, which is why Persi recommends the restaurant Moksa. “The restaurant is right in the middle of a rice field, has low lighting and is one of those places in Bali that when you’re sitting there, you feel like there’s magic in the air.”
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