Travel the World Vegan-Style: Top Foodie Destinations

As a vegan traveler who’s explored over 30 countries in the past five years, I’ve noticed how plant-based eating has gone from being a challenge to becoming easier than ever before. During my recent stay in Berlin, I was amazed to find myself choosing between dozens of all-vegan cafes for my morning coffee run – a far cry from the days of carrying emergency granola bars in my backpack.

The world is quickly catching up with plant-based living, and cities across the globe are embracing vegan cuisine in their own unique ways. From traditional meat-free Buddhist temples in Seoul to modern food trucks serving jackfruit tacos in Mexico City, vegan options now extend far beyond basic salads and steamed vegetables.

To help fellow plant-based wanderers plan their next adventure, I’ve combined my personal experiences with insights from other vegan travelers to create this list of destinations where you won’t have to worry about going hungry.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv has quickly become one of the world’s top spots for vegan food, and I can personally vouch for its plant-based paradise status. This Mediterranean city serves up falafel and hummus on practically every corner, but it’s the innovative vegan scene that really sets it apart. Walking through the Carmel Market or along Dizengoff Street, you’ll find everything from vegan versions of traditional Middle Eastern dishes to creative plant-based sushi and pizza. What makes Tel Aviv even more special is how normalized vegan eating has become – nearly 1 in 10 residents follows a vegan diet, making it incredibly easy to find options everywhere you go, from casual street food spots to high-end restaurants.

Portland, Oregon, USA

Ever wondered where you could find a vegan food cart on every corner? Welcome to Portland, where even the most dedicated plant-based eaters feel right at home. This Pacific Northwest city is packed with over 40 all-vegan restaurants and countless veggie-friendly spots, from food cart pods to upscale dining. You can start your day with dairy-free coffee and pastries at Back to Eden Bakery, grab a quick lunch at the famous Vtopia cheese shop, and end with creative dishes at Farm Spirit. Beyond the food scene, Portland’s bike-friendly streets and lush parks make it easy to work up an appetite between meals, while the nearby Columbia River Gorge offers beautiful hiking trails just 30 minutes from downtown.

Berlin, Germany

When it comes to plant-based eating in Europe, Berlin stands tall as the continent’s vegan capital. This German city has evolved into a paradise for those seeking meat-free cuisine, with over 600 restaurants offering vegan options and dozens of fully vegan establishments dotting its neighborhoods. From cozy cafes serving up traditional German comfort food reimagined without animal products to modern eateries dishing out creative international fare, Berlin makes it remarkably easy to eat well while sticking to your values. It’s not just about dedicated vegan spots either – even traditional beer gardens and street food vendors have embraced the movement, ensuring you’ll never struggle to find a satisfying meal while exploring the city’s rich history and culture.

London, UK

Ever spotted a double-decker bus packed with plant-based foodies? That’s just another day in London, where vegan culture has taken the city by storm. The British capital has evolved far beyond its reputation for fish and chips, now boasting over 200 fully vegan restaurants and countless veggie-friendly spots. From Camden Market’s mushroom “fish” and chips to Shoreditch’s jackfruit curry houses, you’ll find plant-based versions of both British classics and global cuisine. You can even join vegan food tours through Borough Market, where local guides share the city’s best meat-free secrets while you sample innovative dishes from eco-conscious vendors.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai has earned its spot as Thailand’s unofficial vegan capital, and it’s easy to see why. This laid-back northern city serves up an impressive mix of traditional Thai food made vegan-friendly and creative plant-based takes on international dishes. You’ll find everything from meat-free khao soi (coconut curry noodles) to veggie versions of pad thai at the countless street food stalls and casual eateries. The city’s Buddhist influence means many locals already follow plant-based diets during certain times of the year, making it incredibly easy to find vegan options. Beyond the food scene, you can spend your days exploring ancient temples, taking cooking classes, or wandering through the famous Sunday night market – all while knowing your next great vegan meal is just around the corner.

Los Angeles, California, USA

Many travelers come to Los Angeles for the glitzy Hollywood scene, but the city has become a true paradise for vegan food lovers. The sprawling metropolis offers hundreds of plant-based restaurants – from casual food trucks to high-end dining experiences. Areas like Silver Lake and Venice Beach are packed with innovative vegan eateries serving everything from meat-free versions of Korean BBQ to dairy-free ice cream shops. While the vegan scene thrives year-round, the city comes alive during VegFest LA, an annual celebration of plant-based living, but you’ll find plenty of animal-free dining options no matter when you visit.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has been at the forefront of Australia’s vegan movement since the early 2000s, with plant-based eateries sprouting up across its tree-lined streets and hidden laneways. This food-obsessed city houses over 200 completely vegan restaurants, from casual cafes in Fitzroy to upscale dining spots in South Yarra. Smith & Daughters leads the pack with its creative Latin-inspired menu, while Matcha Mylkbar draws crowds for its colorful superfood-packed bowls and mushroom lattes. Beyond the food scene, Melbourne’s markets overflow with local produce, and even traditional Aussie bakeries now offer meat-free versions of classic sausage rolls and meat pies. The city’s coffee culture has embraced plant-based milk alternatives too, making it simple to find an perfect oat milk flat white at nearly any corner cafe.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto has become a paradise for plant-based eaters in recent years, with vegan options popping up across every neighborhood in this multicultural city. Like many major North American cities, Toronto has its collection of trendy cafes, food markets, and diverse restaurants. But unlike others, it offers an unusually rich selection of plant-based ethnic cuisines, from Ethiopian to Korean. Just walk through the bustling Kensington Market area, where the smell of fresh vegan pastries and international dishes fills the air, and you’ll see what I mean. Thanks to Toronto’s large immigrant population and growing interest in plant-based eating, the city has developed one of the most varied vegan food scenes in North America, and you’ll find creative meat-free options in almost every corner of the city.

Taipei, Taiwan

Ever wondered what vegan heaven looks like? You’ll find it in Taipei, where Buddhist traditions meet modern food innovation to create one of Asia’s most vegan-friendly cities. The narrow lanes of night markets overflow with plant-based versions of traditional Taiwanese snacks, from mushroom “pork” buns to taro milk tea made with soy. Local temples like Longshan operate vegetarian kitchens that have been serving meat-free dishes for centuries, while trendy neighborhoods like Da’an are packed with new-wave vegan cafes serving everything from dairy-free bubble tea to meat-free versions of local favorites like beef noodle soup. Even convenience stores here stock an impressive array of clearly marked vegan options, making it easy to grab quick snacks on the go.

Prague, Czech Republic

While most travelers know Prague for its Gothic architecture and famous beer culture, the Czech capital has quietly become one of Europe’s most exciting spots for vegan dining. Away from the tourist-packed Old Town Square, neighborhoods like Vinohrady and Karlin are home to dozens of plant-based restaurants serving up traditional Czech comfort foods – think seitan goulash and meat-free svíčková. Many of the city’s historic beer halls now offer vegan versions of pub classics, proving that giving up animal products doesn’t mean missing out on authentic Czech experiences. Thanks to a growing community of eco-conscious locals, you’ll find vegan food shops and cafes tucked into cobblestone streets, serving everything from raw cakes to dairy-free versions of traditional trdelník pastries.

Brighton, UK

Brighton is a place I instantly recommend to vegan travelers heading to the UK. This laid-back seaside city is home to one of Britain’s most active vegan communities, with over 200 restaurants offering plant-based options. From casual cafes serving vegan fish and chips to cozy pubs dishing out meat-free Sunday roasts, you’ll find plant-based versions of all the British classics here.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Take your plant-based lifestyle to the next level in Copenhagen, where vegan restaurants and cafes dot every neighborhood. The Danish capital has emerged as a leader in sustainable dining, with spots like SimpleRAW and Souls serving up colorful Buddha bowls and creative plant-based versions of Danish classics. Head to Kødbyens Mad & Marked food market, where you’ll find multiple vegan vendors dishing out everything from tempeh sandwiches to dairy-free pastries. For a special evening out, book a table at Ark, the city’s first high-end vegan restaurant, where local ingredients shine in innovative seven-course tasting menus.

Bali, Indonesia

Let your taste buds explore Indonesia’s most vegan-friendly island, where plant-based eating is deeply woven into the local culture. You’ll find traditional warung cafes and modern eateries serving up colorful plates of nasi campur (mixed rice dishes) made with tempeh, tofu, and fresh tropical vegetables. Head to Ubud’s main street, where you can sample raw vegan desserts, fresh coconut smoothie bowls, and jackfruit curries at spots like Clear Cafe and Sage. For a true local experience, visit the morning markets in Canggu, where you can pick up fresh mangoes, dragonfruit, and locally grown herbs to create your own plant-based feast.

Vancouver, Canada

Looking for vegan food in Vancouver? You’ll find plant-based options on practically every corner of this Pacific Northwest city. Between the fresh farmers markets on Granville Island and the countless vegetarian restaurants in neighborhoods like Kitsilano and Commercial Drive, vegans never go hungry here. The city’s large Asian population means you’ll discover amazing meat-free sushi, dim sum, and Korean dishes throughout town. When you’re not eating your way through Vancouver’s vegan scene, you can bike the seawall around Stanley Park or hike the nearby mountains – just pack some locally-made vegan energy bars for the journey. With dedicated vegan festivals, food trucks, and even plant-based fine dining, Vancouver proves that Canadian cuisine goes way beyond poutine.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam might surprise you with its impressive vegan food scene – it’s not all cheese shops and herring stands here. The Dutch capital has embraced plant-based eating with the same enthusiasm it shows for cycling and canal life. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll find vegan versions of traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen at spots like Vegan Junk Food Bar, alongside cozy cafes serving tempeh sandwiches and dairy-free apple pie. Beyond restaurants, the city’s markets overflow with fresh produce, and even conventional supermarkets stock plenty of plant-based options. It’s the kind of place where being vegan doesn’t mean missing out – you can still experience Dutch food culture while sticking to your values.

Glasgow, Scotland

I always tell vegan friends heading to Scotland that Glasgow is their best bet for plant-based eats. The city has embraced vegan culture with open arms, boasting over 50 fully vegan restaurants and cafes spread across neighborhoods like the West End and Finnieston. From Mono’s comfort food and live music venue to the Flying Duck’s late-night vegan pub grub, Glasgow proves that Scottish cuisine isn’t all about haggis and meat pies.

Chennai, India

Chennai, a bustling city on India’s southeastern coast, is quietly becoming a haven for plant-based eaters. Like many South Indian cities, Chennai has a strong tradition of vegetarian cooking, but what sets it apart is how deeply rooted meat-free dining is in its culture. Just walk through any neighborhood, and you’ll find small restaurants serving dosas, idlis, and other naturally vegan dishes that locals have enjoyed for generations. Because Tamil cuisine relies heavily on lentils, rice, and fresh vegetables, finding vegan food here isn’t just easy – it’s practically unavoidable. Thanks to Chennai’s large Hindu population and their practice of vegetarianism, the city boasts countless meat-free eateries, from simple street-side stalls to modern cafes serving creative plant-based versions of traditional Tamil dishes.

Austin, Texas, USA

Austin may be deep in the heart of Texas, but this laid-back city breaks from traditional Lone Star State food culture with its impressive vegan scene. Like many progressive cities across America, Austin has food trucks and restaurants on nearly every corner. But unlike the others, it manages to combine Southern comfort food with plant-based innovation. Just walk down South Congress or East 6th Street, where the aroma of vegan BBQ and dairy-free queso fills the air, and you’ll see what I mean. Thanks to Austin’s reputation as a hub for creative types and tech workers, many innovative vegan chefs have made this Texas capital their home, and you’ll find plant-based versions of everything from breakfast tacos to brisket scattered across the city.