By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Plant-based fare is no longer an unappetising stereotype of sad salads, bland beans and chewy textured tofu. Instead, it has evolved into a culinary phenomenon, celebrated for its diversity, sustainability and rich flavours influenced by cultural practices and produce around the globe.
Today, whether you're exploring vibrant cities or rural villages with a more relaxed vibe, vegan cuisine around the world is proof that it is possible to have your butter/egg/cream-free cake - and eat it too.
United States: Los Angeles, California
Alongside its beaches, boutique stores and star-studded boulevards, Los Angeles stands out as a plant-based-foodies paradise boasting a plethora of restaurants, cafes and food trucks dedicated to meat and dairy-free dishes. From the trendy neighbourhoods of Silver Lake to the bustling streets of Downtown LA, vegan options are abundant.
Indulge in gourmet burgers at Crossroads Kitchen, enjoy innovative sushi at Shojin or treat yourself to no-cream ice cream-esque delights at Van Leeuwen, revelling in the proof that it is possible to dine deliciously, without meat on the menu.
Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket
In the Buddhist-majority country that is Thailand, vegan cuisine thrives - with dishes like pad Thai and mango sticky rice often prepared without animal products to adhere to religious principles of non-harming. Whether you explore Bangkok’s trendy Ari district for plant-based cafes and eateries, or discover Phuket’s coastal commitment to fresh, local ingredients, vegan dining in Thailand will deliver you to foodie Nirvana.
United Kingdom: London, England
London has emerged as a vibrant hub for vegan dining, blending traditional British fare with globally inspired plant-based cuisine. East London's Broadway Market hosts a variety of vegan stalls offering Ethiopian specialties and indulgent vegan pastries.
Meanwhile, the Vegan Nights Market in Brick Lane is a must-visit for its eclectic street food vendors serving up plant-based versions of classic dishes like fried ‘chicken’ and jackfruit tacos. For upscale fine dining, Farmacy in Notting Hill offers organic, plant-based dishes in a stylish setting.
Japan: Kyoto and Tokyo
In Japan, where cultural traditions and religious practices intertwine, vegan cuisine thrives with a deep respect for nature and mindfulness in eating. Buddhist temples across Kyoto and Tokyo serve shojin ryori, a traditional vegan cuisine that emphasises simplicity, seasonality and balance.
These meals, often prepared with locally sourced ingredients, reflect Japan's culinary heritage and spiritual beliefs, offering vegan travellers a unique dining experience that nourishes both body and soul.
India: Mumbai and Chennai
India, with its deep-rooted cultural traditions of vegetarianism influenced by Hindu and Jain beliefs, offers a rich tapestry of vegan cuisine. Mumbai delights with street food gems like vada pav (spiced potato fritters in a bun) and pav bhaji (vegetable curry served with bread), while Chennai entices with tasty dosas (rice pancakes) and coconut-based curries.
Regardless of their route, vegan travellers in India can savour the diversity of regional dishes, each bursting with spices and aromas that reflect the country’s culinary heritage and commitment to plant-based eating.
Lebanon: Beirut
Like many Middle Eastern nations, Lebanese cuisine - particularly the kind found in its cosmopolitan capital, Beirut - naturally embraces a variety of plant-based ingredients, making it a haven for vegan travellers. Traditional mezze spreads include hummus (chickpea dip), baba ganoush (eggplant dip) and tabouli (traditional parsley salad), all of which are vegan and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavours.
For a hearty main course, skip the skewers of smoked kafta (minced meat) and instead indulge in mujadara, a dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelised onions, or enjoy falafel wraps with tahini sauce. Restaurants in Beirut, such as Tawlet and Em Sherif, offer authentic Lebanese vegan dishes in stylish settings, providing a perfect blend of taste and tradition.
Ethiopia: Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians have a significant influence on the country's vegan food culture, particularly during fasting periods when adherents abstain from animal products. This has led to the development of a rich array of vegan dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
Vegan travellers can indulge in injera, a sourdough flatbread, which serves as the centrepiece of Ethiopian meals, and is often accompanied by gomen (collard greens) and a variety of vegan-friendly stews known as wats. These wats feature lentils, chickpeas and vegetables simmered in spicy turmeric-based sauces, to offer a rich and robust dining experience.
Germany: Berlin
Finally, while it may surprise many who associate it with bratwurst, Berlin has earned acclaim as one of Europe's most vegan-friendly cities, with a thriving plant-based scene that includes cafes, restaurants and even meat-and-dairy-free supermarkets.
Embrace traditional German cuisine with a vegan twist at spots like Voner for vegan currywurst or Cafe Vux for decadent vegan desserts like pumpkin pie, brownies and creamy cheesecake. Otherwise, explore the city's markets like Markthalle Neun for casual street food offerings that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
