7 best international destinations for vegetarian travellers

Travelling as a vegetarian can sometimes feel limiting, especially in countries where meat-heavy cuisine dominates. However, there are destinations around the world where vegetarians are not only accommodated but celebrated. From bustling cities with vegetarian-friendly street food to countries where plant-based diets are woven into the culture, these destinations are not only refreshing, but also provide unique culinary experiences. For Indian vegetarians or anyone following a plant-based lifestyle, these international destinations make it easy to explore and truly enjoy global flavours, proving that great food knows no borders.

In India, vegetarianism is deeply ingrained in many regions, shaped by cultural, religious, and historical traditions. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu offer a rich array of vegetarian cuisine that is not only flavorful but also unique to each region. Here’s a common misconception: while the northeastern part of India is often considered meat-centric, there are actually plenty of vegetarian options to explore. The cooking styles may differ from other regions, but vegetarian dishes are very much a part of the local food culture. The abundance of organic farming in the Northeast ensures a wide variety of fresh, mostly chemical-free vegetables, making vegetarian meals both healthy and diverse.

Italian cuisine is inherently vegetarian-friendly, especially in the northern regions. Staples such as pasta, risotto, pizza, and fresh salads are enjoyed throughout the country. Many traditional recipes are naturally meat-free, emphasizing ingredients like olive oil, aromatic herbs, seasonal vegetables, and cheeses such as mozzarella and ricotta. Even small trattorias and local cafés typically offer a variety of vegetarian dishes, ensuring that travellers can find satisfying options with ease.

Don’t let the social media images and videos of Thailand’s popular night markets convince you that this is no place for vegetarians. Thai cuisine offers an exciting combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury flavours, many of which are vegetarian-friendly. Dishes like pad Thai, green curry with tofu, vegetable stir-fries, and mango sticky rice are readily available. Many restaurants and street food vendors provide vegetarian or vegan options as well. The street food scene in Bangkok and Chiang Mai is impressive to say the least.

Did you know that Tel Aviv is also called the Vegan Capital of the World? You read that right. Israel is a hotspot for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, particularly in Tel Aviv. Here, the Mediterranean flavours dominate, and dishes like hummus, falafel, veg shakshuka, tabbouleh, and fresh salads make travellers fall in love with the place. Yes, believe it or not, food tends to make or break a destination. The abundance of fresh produce and plant-based protein sources makes vegetarian dining effortless.

In Japan, one finds a beautiful mix of traditional and modern vegetarian options. Buddhist cuisine, known as shojin ryori, has seasonal vegetables, tofu, rice, and seaweed as main ingredients. Major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto have vegetarian and vegan restaurants but here's a tip. If you are still unsure about what is getting served, just be specific about what you don’t want in your food. Even sushi bars offer vegetarian rolls! Convenience stores also stock vegetarian-friendly snacks, making travel simple and practical.

It’s easy to find vegetarian dishes in Greece because, here, Mediterranean cuisine is at its core. Greek food focuses on fresh vegetables, legumes, grains, and olive oil. Vegetarian travellers can enjoy dishes such as spanakopita, moussaka (vegetarian versions), stuffed vegetables, and Greek salads. Small tavernas provide fresh local ingredients and authentic recipes.

The UK has experienced a boom in vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining over recent years. Cities like London, Edinburgh, and Bristol feature restaurants with fully vegetarian menus, as well as pubs offering veggie pies, burgers, and hearty dishes. Supermarkets carry a wide range of plant-based products, and food festivals which often highlight local vegetarian specialties.