Going vegan was one of the biggest food trends of 2018. And with over 3.5 million vegans in the UK alone and rising, it seems the plant-based diet is here to stay. Not long ago, travelling or eating out would have been a frustrating experience for vegans. Luckily however, the number of vegan eateries around the world has grown to meet this demand. So whether you’re a fully-fledged vegan or just trying it out for Veganuary, check out these top destinations for vegan travel.
View this post on Instagram
Tel Aviv, Israel
Dubbed the ‘vegan capital of the world’, Tel Aviv boasts over 400 vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Making the city not only a popular destination for Israel’s 200,000 vegans, but for vegan travellers looking to explore the Holy Lands.
Staples food in Israel such as falafel and hummus are already vegan, but there’s plenty more to try. From vegan burgers and pizza to the latest addition of vegan shawarma, you won’t be going hungry. Check out all-vegan cafe Anastasia for their much-loved Israeli breakfasts and range of desserts. Or head to Michelangelo for quinoa omelettes, vegan shakshouka and more. Whatever you fancy, with it’s combination of vegan food and incredible attractions, Israel makes for a great Vegan travel destination.
View this post on Instagram
Chennai, India
An obvious choice for meat-free travellers, India is home to the highest number of vegetarians in the world and is by definition, a great vegan travel destination. It’s a statistic that is largely due to religious reasons, with around 80% of the population following Hinduism – a religion that promotes a vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian diet.
Whilst butter, paneer and cream are frequently used in Indian cuisine, this region of southern India is known for using fewer dairy products in favour of coconut milk. And fast becoming a vegan hotspot is the colourful city of Chennai on the southeast coast.
With plenty of vegan eateries to choose from, there’s something to suit all budgets. Whether you’re after a casual experience at Pumpkin Tales or to enjoy some fine dining at the Royal Vega.
View this post on Instagram
Warsaw, Poland
Often overlooked in favour of Krakow, Warsaw’s range of plant-based restaurants have delighted vegan travellers in recent years. With a total of 47 to choose from, it’s one of Happy Cow’s top 10 vegan cities in the world and a must-visit if travelling to Eastern Europe.
Warsaw’s vegan offerings are diverse, with Krowarzywa serving vegan burgers and hot dogs and Vege Bistro dishing up vegan versions of traditional foods such as pierogis (Polish dumplings). To top it off, prices are much lower than in Western Europe, so you can enjoy more for your money.
View this post on Instagram
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Southeast Asia is a destination loved by foodies – and a great vegan travel destination to boot! Situated in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to plenty of purely vegan restaurants, as well as lots of vegetarian restaurants with vegan options.
One of the best value eateries is Bee Vegan, offering everything from Thai curries to vegan cakes. Another great choice is the Free Bird Cafe, which not only serves delicious Thai, Burmese, Shan and international dishes but is also a social enterprise supporting the Thai Freedom House. If visiting be sure to try their smoothie bowls, which have found Instagram-fame.
View this post on Instagram
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil may be famous for its meat and barbeque dishes, but in Sao Paolo the vegan scene has exploded. Just a few years ago, there were few vegan products on store shelves. However, there are now over 50 vegan restaurants to choose from, making this charismatic Brazilian city a perfect vegan travel destination.
Top spots include vegan butcher Acougue, which sells vegan meats and sandwiches, and Pop Vegan Food, known for its delicious vegan pizzas. Although if you’re looking for vegan versions of Brazilian classics, Subte Vegan cafe is the place to go.
View this post on Instagram
Mexico City, Mexico
Easily the most vegan-friendly city in Mexico, this capital has proven that maintaining a plant-based diet in Central America is possible. And if you’re a lover of vegan street food, Mexico City doesn’t disappoint.
Taco stand Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria offers a selection of vegan meats and fresh tortillas, whereas affordable street stand Gatorta specialises in torta, a local favourite. And if you want vegan food delivered to your accommodation, the team of cyclists at Los Loosers can bring delicious vegan burgers, mushrooms tacos and vegan chilaquiles right to your door.
We visit many of these vegan travel destinations on our group tours. Take a look and find your next foodie adventure.
