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Being a vegan traveller is tricky. Animal-based diets such as steaks and seafood are the norm in several societies worldwide. But the rise of Veganuary and its health benefits, as well as documentaries on the realities of livestock farming and the ongoing climate crisis, have led more and more people to consider incorporating a plant-based diet in their life.
We have compiled a list of the top five cities around the world that are leading the way in plant-based meals that are nutritious and delicious. Eat your heart out, vegan globetrotters.
The capital of Israel offers several vegan eateries where visitors can treat themselves. Innumerable vegan and vegan-friendly eateries, bistros, and fast-food outlets line the streets if you stroll around in the city. Many eateries put their unique spin on regional specialities like vegan falafel and shawarma and the food scene is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Where to eat: Anastasia is well-known for its breakfast foods, salads, and cakes. Green Roll Sushi! was the first vegan sushi restaurant in the city when it opened in 2015 and they add their own plant-based twist to the traditional Japanese dish. Goodness is all about sumptuous burgers and fast food, while Dosa Bar is a one-stop-shop for vegan Indian food such as gluten-free dosas, malai kofta, and other snacks.
Taipei is often recognized for its plant-based menus, so much so that PETA Asia dubbed it it as "Asia's Most Vegan-Friendly City" in 2016. Buddhism is a cornerstone of Taiwanese society and its influence is one reason why the capital has developed into a refuge for vegan travellers. Many Taipei vegan groups on Facebook provide helpful advice and suggestions for visitors and residents hoping to try plant-based meals.
Where to eat: Hoshina 穗科 is a noodle house that serves udon and soba noodles, hot or cold. Vege Creek 蔬河 allows you to choose your ingredients such as vegetables, tofu, and faux meat for the staff to cook. If you are desperate to try (colorful) dumplings, look no further than Laixin Vegetarian Handmade Dumplings. Finally, Plants is a whole food restaurant that serves all-vegan items like chia pudding and bibimbap.
London, UK
Donald Watson coined the word 'vegan' in 1944 when he founded the Vegan Society in his native England. With over 350 fully vegan eateries, London was recently crowned 2024's #1 most vegan-friendly city in the world by plant-based restaurant aggregator HappyCow. There is even a vegan food tour that explores neighbourhoods through their food scene.
Where to eat: WAVE is a vegan cafe in Hackney that serves breakfast and brunch options and delicious salted coffee. Tofu Vegan is an all-vegan Sichuan restaurant that goes beyond tofu, such as sweet potato noodles and hot deep-fried asparagus. In Soho you will find Club Mexicana where they serve al pastor taco and jackfruit ribs. Purezza Camden has vegan pizzas galore and they make their own cheeses in-house.
Warsaw is a great location for vegan tourists and the vegan hub of the city is the Śródmieście Południowe (Southern Downtown) district. Every type of food is available in a vegan avatar, from vegan burgers to ramen. There are vegan bakeries too and the plant-based movement has strong ties to Poland's countercultural political activism.
Where to eat: Vege Miasto is known for its vegan Polish specialties and their desserts are renowned. Momencik offers dishes like burritos, nachos, soups, and salads. The Lokal Vegan Bistro is all things meat such as vegan tartare and BBQ ribs. Eter is a can’t-miss bakery offering a selection of cakes, pastries, and donuts.
Kyoto is known for its seafood but it has ample vegetarian and vegan offerings, too. Because of Japan's Buddhist traditions, vegetarianism is well-regarded in its culture. As a matter of fact, Shojin Ryori, or 'temple cuisine', is what Japanese Buddhist monks eat. Soy-based meals and tofu dishes such as yuba (tofu skin) are famous in Kyoto, but make sure you request the chef to not use fish stock or eggs just in case.
Where to eat: Ramen Towzen offers ramen, eggplant sushi, cakes for desserts, and complimentary tea. Tenryu-ji Temple Shigetsu epitomizes the authentic Shojin Ryori experience such as gomadofu (chilled sesame tofu) and miso-glazed eggplant. Itadakizen is a popular choice among patrons, offering an array of appetizers, Korean pancakes, and tofu steaks. Ain Soph.Journey serves plant-based fusion cuisine such as mushroom hayashi rice, taco rice, and green curry with brown rice.
