From temple cuisine in Taiwan to innovative dining scenes in Germany, these destinations make vegan travel feel less like a challenge and more like a celebration.
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When I left my finance career and started traveling more intentionally, I quickly learned that being vegan on the road could feel like a constant negotiation.
Explaining dietary restrictions in broken phrases, scanning menus for hidden dairy, watching fellow travelers dig into local specialties while I picked at a sad side salad. But then I discovered something that changed everything: some countries don't just accommodate plant-based eaters, they genuinely welcome us.
These eight destinations have transformed how I think about vegan travel.
Whether through deep-rooted cultural traditions, progressive food movements, or simply an abundance of naturally plant-based cuisine, they've shown me that eating well while exploring the world isn't just possible. It can be one of the best parts of the journey.
1. Taiwan: Where Buddhist traditions meet modern innovation
Taiwan might be the most underrated vegan destination on the planet.
With a strong Buddhist influence and a cultural respect for vegetarianism that spans generations, you'll find dedicated plant-based restaurants on nearly every block in cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung. The phrase "wo chi su" (I eat vegetarian) is widely understood and respected.
What sets Taiwan apart is the sophistication of its vegan cuisine. We're talking about mock meat preparations that have been perfected over decades, night market stalls with clearly labeled vegetarian options, and temple food that rivals fine dining.
Have you ever had a bowl of perfectly spiced dan dan noodles made entirely from plants? Taiwan delivers.
2. Germany: Europe's plant-based powerhouse
Germany has quietly become one of the most vegan-friendly countries in Europe. Berlin, in particular, has earned its reputation as a plant-based paradise, with more vegan restaurants per capita than almost any other city in the world. But the movement extends far beyond the capital.
What I appreciate about Germany is the practicality of it all. Supermarkets stock extensive vegan sections, restaurants clearly mark menu items, and even traditional beer halls are adapting their menus.
The country's strong environmental consciousness has accelerated this shift, making plant-based eating feel less like a niche choice and more like a mainstream option.
3. Israel: Mediterranean flavors, naturally plant-forward
Israel's culinary landscape is inherently welcoming to vegans. With an estimated five percent of the population identifying as vegan, the country has embraced plant-based eating with remarkable enthusiasm. Tel Aviv, in particular, has become a global destination for vegan food lovers.
The beauty of Israeli cuisine lies in its naturally plant-based foundations. Hummus, falafel, shakshuka (easily made vegan), fresh salads bursting with herbs, and warm pita bread form the backbone of daily eating. You're not asking for substitutions here. You're simply enjoying the food as it was meant to be eaten.
4. India: A vegetarian heritage spanning millennia
India offers something no other country can: a vegetarian tradition so deeply woven into the cultural fabric that plant-based eating feels completely normal. Entire regions, particularly in the south and west, have cuisines that are predominantly vegetarian, with vegan options abundant once you navigate dairy.
The key phrase to learn is "no ghee, no paneer, no curd." Once you've communicated this, a world of incredible flavors opens up. Dosas, idlis, vegetable curries, dal in countless variations, and street food that will make you question why you ever thought vegan travel was difficult.
What other country offers this kind of depth and variety in its plant-based traditions?
5. Thailand: Street food heaven with vegan roots
Thailand's Buddhist heritage means that vegetarian eating, called "jay" or "mang sa wirat," is a familiar concept throughout the country. During the annual Vegetarian Festival, entire cities transform their menus, but even outside this period, finding plant-based food is remarkably straightforward.
The challenge in Thailand is often fish sauce and oyster sauce, which appear in many dishes.
But once you learn to ask for "jay" food or seek out the yellow flags marking vegetarian vendors, you'll discover a cuisine that celebrates vegetables, tofu, and bold flavors. Pad thai without fish sauce, green curry with coconut milk, mango sticky rice. Thailand proves that vegan food can be vibrant and satisfying.
6. United Kingdom: A quiet revolution in plant-based dining
The UK has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What was once a land of meat pies and fish and chips has become a leader in plant-based innovation. London now boasts some of the world's most creative vegan restaurants, and even small towns offer dedicated options.
Supermarket chains have invested heavily in vegan product lines, making self-catering simple. Pubs serve plant-based Sunday roasts. High street chains offer clearly labeled vegan menus. The shift has been so significant that the UK now ranks among the top countries globally for vegan product launches.
For a country not traditionally associated with vegetable-forward cuisine, this evolution feels genuinely exciting.
7. Singapore: Where food culture embraces everyone
Singapore's hawker centers, those legendary open-air food courts, might seem intimidating for vegan travelers at first glance. But this tiny nation's diverse population means that vegetarian Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines are all represented and readily available.
The city-state has also embraced modern plant-based eating with enthusiasm. You'll find everything from traditional Buddhist vegetarian stalls to cutting-edge restaurants serving lab-grown proteins.
Singapore's food-obsessed culture means that even vegan options are held to high standards. Nobody here is content with mediocre food, regardless of dietary preference.
8. Portugal: The Mediterranean's emerging vegan star
Portugal might surprise you. This country, known for its seafood and meat-heavy traditional dishes, has developed a thriving vegan scene, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. The transformation has been rapid and genuine, driven by both local demand and the country's large expat community.
What makes Portugal special is the quality of its produce. Fresh vegetables, olive oil, crusty bread, and incredible wine create a foundation for satisfying plant-based meals. Many traditional dishes, like açorda (bread soup) and various bean stews, adapt beautifully to vegan versions.
The warmth of Portuguese hospitality extends to accommodating dietary needs with grace.
Final thoughts
Travel has a way of expanding how we see the world, and food is often at the center of that expansion. These eight countries have taught me that being vegan doesn't mean missing out on cultural experiences. It means discovering new ones.
The next time you're planning a trip, consider choosing a destination where your dietary choices are celebrated rather than merely tolerated. You might find, as I have, that some of the most memorable meals happen when you're not fighting for accommodation but simply enjoying what's already there.
Where will your next plant-based adventure take you?
