c
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
For decades, Portland, Oregon has been known as a mecca for vegans. Boasting dozens of all-vegan restaurants and surrounded by organic farms, the city has earned a reputation as the most vegan-friendly city in the United States. Vegan options embrace all types of cuisine here, from pizza and burgers to creative takes on tacos and rice bowls.
Among the city’s standout vegan establishments are Feral, a restaurant and bar best known for its exceptional comfort food, and Obon Shokudo, a Japanese restaurant that has impressed countless guests with delectable miso and noodle dishes. After a long day of sightseeing, be sure to stop by Kate’s Ice Cream for vegan desserts. Along with traditional ice cream cones, Kate’s has also made a name for itself with creamy cookie sandwiches and mouthwatering brownie sundaes.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Jaffa Old city Jaffa in Tel Aviv, Israel
Cities don’t get much more vegan-friendly than Tel Aviv, a place that relishes the title of the vegan capital of the world. Due to a combination of a strong commitment to a Kosher diet and easy access to farms that provide fresh produce, Tel Aviv has a very dynamic vegan culinary scene. In fact, over 400 vegan restaurants call the city home, with more popping up each week.
Looking for a great burger? Head over to Rainbow Burger for the restaurant’s famous mushroom and soy burger served with the establishment’s signature sauce. If café vibes are more your speed, be sure to check out Anastasia, a favorite stop for fresh food loving vegans that specializes in everything from breakfast sandwiches to pasta.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island
Regarded as the most vegan-friendly city in Europe, Berlin boasts an exceptional vegan scene that makes it a hot spot for foodies the world over. Home to close to 100 fully vegan restaurants, Germany’s capital embraces a wide range of vegan cooking, with some of the best establishments catering to Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine.
Start your day with a croissant at Frea Bakery before sitting down for lunch at Soy Berlin, a Vietnamese restaurant heralded for their impeccable rice bowls. Close out your culinary adventure with dinner at Emira Sushi, one of the city’s most popular Asian fusion restaurants.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai Old Wall, Chiangmai City
Long celebrated as a foodie paradise, Chiang Mai features local cooking that makes it an ideal stop for those following a vegan diet. Visitors to the city’s beautiful Old Town will find a deep reverence for vegan cooking that has its roots in traditional Thai cuisine and Chiang Mai’s strong devotion to the Buddhist faith. With vegan establishments on nearly every street corner, visitors to this city in Thailand will find an incredible selection of vegan cooking just waiting for them to try out.
Anchan tops the list of many vegan-friendly establishments in the city, serving up traditional Thai dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Likewise, Asa Vegan Kitchen prides itself on vegan takes on Western and international dishes and is best known for their sandwiches and burgers.
Los Angeles, California
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
For many vegans, the City of Angels represents plant-based cuisine at its finest and most creative. A destination renowned for its commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Los Angeles boasts a wide variety of community gardens and farmers’ markets, making it the perfect spot for vegan and plant-based restaurants.
Vegans hoping to partake in some of Los Angeles’ legendary Mexican cuisine should try a taco or burrito at El Cocinero Restaurant, a favorite of any lover of Latin American fare. Pizza lovers will also not want to miss Cruzer Pizza, one of Los Angeles’ most famous vegan pizzerias. Annual festivals also highlight Los Angeles’ incredible vegan scene, the most noteworthy being the Vegan Street Fair. Attracting hundreds of vendors each year, the Vegan Street Fair is held every April and features a prime selection of cuisine from the city’s best restaurants.
London, England
Victoria Embankment, London
A regular contender for the title of most vegan-friendly city in the world, London is a foodie’s dream. Here, veganism is one of the most mainstream diets and lifestyles. Over 400 vegan establishments dot the city’s streets, the largest number of plant-based establishments of any major city in the world. With so many restaurants, visitors sure have their pick of a variety of different vegan experiences.
Mildreds remains one of the city’s most popular vegan spots, having opened its doors in 1988. Boasting a menu that includes vegan takes on popular international favorites like kimchi and burgers, Mildreds sets the standard for London’s vegan restaurants. Likewise, visitors with high-end tastes will also want to try Gauthier Soho and its eight-course vegan tasting menu for a meal prepared by Michelin-starred chef Alexis Gauthier.
Ubud, Indonesia
Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud, in Indonesia might be small, but it remains a favorite travel destination for vegan-loving foodies. Among the city’s breathtaking temples and never-ending rice fields you will find a vegan scene that is second to none. This city of just over 70,000 is home to dozens of high-quality vegan restaurants that put an exclamation point on Indonesia’s long tradition of being a haven for health-conscious globetrotters.
Zest Ubud offers visitors an expansive menu that includes everything from pizza and burgers to sushi and avocado toast. If salad is more your speed, head to Alchemy to create your own leafy concoction at their salad bar or try one of their incredible house salads. Alchemy also offers an all-day breakfast menu that features terrific waffles.
You Might Also Enjoy: Eating Green On the Go – Navigating Vegan Options While Traveling
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne skyline, Australia
Melbourne has rightfully earned its reputation as the food capital of Australia. For decades, the city has been Down Under’s most progressive food paradise, attracting chefs who specialize in a multitude of different types of cuisine. The city has close to 160 vegan establishments setting up shop in the city.
Lovers of classic Italian cooking will adore Funghi e Tartufo for vegan takes on pasta dishes like gnocchi and spaghetti carbonara. Those hoping for a vegan take on Asian cooking should definitely head to Shu, one of the best Sichuan-style restaurants in the city. Shu takes guests on a culinary adventure through Sichuan cuisine with their signature ten-course meal that showcases all the classic flavors of Sichuan cooking.
FAQs:
A: Yes, most of these cities have vegan-friendly grocery stores and sections in major supermarkets. Specialty stores like Whole Foods in the U.S., Veganz in Berlin, and Planet Organic in London carry vegan essentials, making it easy to prepare meals yourself.
Q: Can I find vegan options in non-vegan restaurants?
A: Absolutely! Many non-vegan restaurants in these cities offer vegan menu items. Simply ask your server about vegan options or if specific dishes can be customized to be plant-based.
Q: Do these cities have vegan festivals or food fairs?
A: Yes, cities like Los Angeles, Berlin, and London host annual vegan festivals with local vendors, live cooking demos, and a wide variety of plant-based dishes. Check city event calendars for festival dates during your visit.
Q: How accessible are vegan options for breakfast?
A: Very accessible! Many cafes in these cities offer vegan breakfast items, like avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and pancakes. In some cities, dedicated vegan bakeries provide a variety of pastries, breads, and breakfast-friendly foods.
Q: Are vegan options generally affordable in these cities?
A: Vegan meals can range from affordable to upscale, depending on the restaurant. Cities like Chiang Mai and Ubud offer budget-friendly vegan meals, while cities like London and Melbourne have a mix of budget-friendly and high-end vegan options.
Q: Can I find vegan options in traditional street food?
A: Yes, especially in places like Chiang Mai and Tel Aviv. Many traditional street foods are naturally vegan or can be easily modified. Ask vendors about vegan ingredients or for minor substitutions to meet your dietary preferences.
Q: Is it necessary to make reservations at vegan restaurants?
A: Reservations are recommended, especially in popular cities like Portland, London, and Melbourne where vegan dining spots can be busy. However, many casual vegan eateries accept walk-ins and may have shorter wait times.
Leave a Reply