The Best International Cities for Vegetarians and Vegans
The Best International Cities for Vegetarians and Vegans
If you’re scouting destinations that align with your plant-based lifestyle, we’ve got the (non-dairy) scoop. We’ve rounded up the best cities for vegetarians and vegans to eat, sleep, and play. From sustainable housing to innovative cuisines, these options will meet your dietary needs and beyond. Let’s dig in!
Ubud, Indonesia
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If you’ve ever felt like an outsider for your plant based preferences, allow me to invite you to the herbivore insider club – Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. In Ubud, treat yourself to Medicinal Miso Soup or Zoodle Pasta Primavera at Alchemy, a well-loved hotspot. Or stroll down the street for desserts so decadent you’ll wonder why dairy was ever considered essential for baking.
Live like a local and grab your groceries at the neighborhood market. Local markets are often geared toward the conscious consumer with responsibly sourced, fresh products and produce. There’s also been a boom in eco-tourism in the area. And for nomads with a heart for sustainability beyond your plate, it’s now easier than ever to find short- to long-term housing.
➤ Learn more about moving to Indonesia
Phuket, Thailand
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Feeling festive? Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival happens every fall and celebrates the belief that abstaining from meat (and other indulgences) brings prosperity to the mind and body. During the festival, street stalls pop up across the island. Each one presents their own spin on traditional Thai dishes, sans meat.
If you can’t make it in the fall, no worries, prosperity is just around the corner. Plant-eaters have plenty of access all year long. While Phuket boasts over 30 veggie-friendly eateries, we suggest finding one with a water view – it is an island, after all. Grab a table at the water’s edge and enjoy knowing no animals were harmed in the making of your curry and prosperity.
➤ Learn more about moving to Thailand
Brighton, United Kingdom
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Residents of Brighton know the benefits of the popular “meatless Monday” trend and the city’s growing plant-based gastronomy scene is making sure it’s more than a passing fad. If you’re heading to the UK and don’t want to miss out on the area’s famous fish and chips, have no fear. Local pubs in Brighton proudly serve 100% vegan fish. But Brighton boasts more than that – vegan sushi, plant-based pizza, and non-dairy ice cream are just the start. The best part? These options are easy to find throughout the city, so you don’t have to spend your time abroad scouring menus.
Also noteworthy! Veganuary, a campaign to encourage people to try a vegan diet for the month of January, was started in the UK. Since its launch in 2014, it’s grown exponentially worldwide.
➤ Learn more about moving to the United Kingdom
Vancouver, Canada
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For Vancouver locals, making sustainable diet and lifestyle choices are becoming the norm, not the exception. Businesses are increasingly more conscious, forgoing unnecessary packaging and encouraging consumers to BYO (coffee mug, laundry soap container, reusable bags + more).
If you think that means there must be a pretty good plant-based food scene, you’re almost right. “Good” doesn’t quite illustrate what this city has to offer. Vancouver’s vegetarian options are on a mission to prove something and we’re pretty convinced! Local chefs are breaking barriers in the industry with innovative options to inspire your pallet. Vancouver is home to the 100% vegan fine dining oasis, Mila, with a black and bleu burger sure to make even a meat lover think twice. The focus on quality over quantity (although there are plenty to choose from!) is unparalleled throughout the city.
➤ Learn more about moving to Canada
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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There’s lots to love in Chiang Mai! While you might not find many 100%-plant-based restaurants, most menus offer an array of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Local chefs get creative with tofu, tempeh, and plant proteins to produce eastern- and western-inspired vegetarian cuisine.
Like Phuket, Chiang Mai also has an annual Vegetarian Festival where you can connect with like-minded locals and nomads. To fully immerse yourself in a world of sustainability, check out the plant-based hotel, Green Tiger House. They offer eco-friendly accommodations and an onsite restaurant with many ingredients sourced straight from their garden. They can also help you plan mindful activities, like vegan cooking classes, trekking adventures, or a visit to an ancient temple.
➤ Learn more about moving to Thailand
Berlin, Germany
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So you’ve made the swap to a plant-based diet, but still find yourself missing crispy bacon every now and then? It’s ok. We don’t judge, and neither will the folks of Berlin. In fact, Berlin has your back and your (vegan) bacon! Animal-free butchers have reimagined carnivore favorites into veggie-friendly wonders. With a reputation as the capital of veganism, the wonder doesn’t stop there. Veganz is a grocery stocked exclusively with animal-free products, so you can grab your goods and head “home” to one of the many vegan-friendly hotel options.
Still not convinced? Germany is actually paving the way for plant-based consumers far beyond accommodating menus. Over the past 10 years, Germany has become the largest producer of innovative vegan products like Beyond Meat and Daiya.
➤ Learn more about moving to Germany
Kyoto, Japan
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Japan is well known for placing a high value on culture and tradition, but tradition and innovation are not mutually exclusive. Especially when it comes to food! Kyoto has experienced a plant-based boom in recent years.
Looking for a taste of traditional Japanese dishes? Curb your cravings at Towzen Vegan Ramen with eggplant sushi or a creamy mushroom ramen. Don’t be surprised if your time in Kyoto leaves you feeling like a seaweed connoisseur. Sea vegetables like dulse, nori, or kombu are shockingly versatile and nutrient-rich. Sea vegetables commonly replace animal products to make flavorful, nourishing broths. Depending on how they’re cooked, they can take on different flavors and textures, too. But if you find yourself yearning for a little comfort food, you’ll have no problem finding vegan burgers and pizzas throughout the city.
➤ Learn more about moving to Japan
Chennai, India
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India is the birthplace of Ayurvedic Medicine, which translates to “the knowledge or science of life.” The practice, regarded by some as the oldest system of medicine in the world, focuses on living in harmony with nature. With a strong focus on the healing power of food, especially plants, herbs and spices, India’s population is no stranger to concocting delicious veggie-friendly dishes.
Chennai, in particular, is leading the way for veggie lovers. For a plant-friendly fine dining experience, grab a table at The Royal Vega and prepare to be amazed. If you prefer a more low-key vibe without sacrificing an ounce of flavor, you won’t have to look far. Chennai is quickly becoming a vegan hotspot with new options popping up all over the city. Many restaurants put as much emphasis on creating a soothing environment as they do preparing satisfying meals. At Amethyst, you can take a stroll in the garden or enjoy beautiful art while you wait for your meal. Or try a cup of homemade vegan ice cream at The Brew Room – best enjoyed outside in the gazebo!
Emilie Maynor is a freelance writer from Alabama currently living abroad in Baja Sur, Mexico. She has worked for over 15 years as an E-RYT 500 yoga instructor and certified wellness educator. During these entrepreneurial years, Emilie created and managed corporate wellness programs, retreats and even launched the first wellness festival in the south, Fearless Fest. Now, shifting back to her journalism and communications roots, Emilie enjoys learning and sharing about life abroad. She’s got a rich curiosity for the fabric of a culture – the people, food, and customs you find across the world.
