I have been travelling full-time as a vegan since 2018. During this time I have visited many destinations across the globe. I’ve been to some pretty dreadful places where I have had to live off plain rice and plantain (points if you guessed Cuba), but I have also had the opportunity to eat some incredible food.
I’m going to share with you my favourite places that I have travelled to as a vegan. Not only because of the quantity of vegan food they have to offer but also the quality. So, before you make any travel plans, make sure to check out my top vegan travel destinations.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vegan establishments: 131
- Must try: Kashew Cheese
I’m surprised Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) doesn’t get talked about more in vegan travel guides. It is quite easily the vegan capital of Asia (and the most vegan-friendly city in Vietnam).
The vegan scene is constantly evolving here and the variety of food on offer will stop you from ever getting bored.
It is home to the best vegan cheese (from Kashew Cheese) I’ve ever had, great vegan desserts, delicious and cheap local food, as well as a few more upmarket spots.
Whilst the city is less touristy than the capital city, Hanoi, it is well worth a visit for the food alone. It is actually my favourite place to stay for long periods of time while in Vietnam.
London, UK
- Vegan establishments: 177
- Must try: Alter
Okay, so I may be a little biased in adding London to this list, but it truly is a haven for vegans. I’d go as far as to say that it is the vegan capital of the world.
Not only does it have over 170 fully vegan establishments, but you can expect to eat anything from buttery vegan croissants and gluten-free bakes, to fully vegan pizzerias and vegan fine dining. The variation is insane.
Even if you choose to visit a chain restaurant you’ll find a plethora of vegan options. Moreover, every coffee shop you’ll go to will have multiple milk options for you to choose from.
If you’re planning a foodie holiday, gorging on vegan grub 24/7, then London has got to be the answer.
Mexico City, Mexico
- Vegan establishments: 110
- Must try: LOS LOOSERS
Some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had has come from Mexico City. They have a great range of vegan Mexican spots where you can eat for cheap, as well as some finer establishments.
Many people will recommend visiting Playa del Carmen for vegan food options, but I actually found it was lacking. It only has 15 vegan establishments, only a few of which I actually enjoyed. If you like beach cities, then you’d be better off going to Da Nang in Vietnam.
Especially when you compare it to Mexico City, which in comparison, is a real vegan haven. Moreover, the quality of the plant-based food in Mexico City is miles ahead of that in Playa del Carmen.
The city itself also has a great vibe with plenty of trendy bars to hang out in. I would recommend staying in the La Condesa area, it is like the Berlin of Latin America.
Berlin, Germany
- Vegan establishments: 124
- Must try: Kopps
Pre-2017, before veganism had its glow-up in London, Berlin used to be one of the best vegan hot spots in Europe. That’s not to say that it still isn’t, but it couldn’t quite keep up with London!
Berlin is home to my favourite vegan fine dining restaurant, Kopps. The food here is insane. But if you are on a budget, don’t worry, because there is so much more here for you to enjoy.
Expect plenty of vegan kebabs, Vietnamese food, and loads of great cafes with pastries and cake. They also have a fully vegan doughnut chain called Brammibal’s that is an absolute must-visit!
Berlin is a very trendy city to hang out in with plenty of tourist attractions. Definitely check out the wall and hit up a few museums whilst you’re there (my favourite is the spy museum).
Taipei, Taiwan
- Vegan establishments: 129
- Must try: BaganHood
I was absolutely amazed by how much vegan food there was in Taipei the first time I visited there. I had no idea that there was quite so much, mostly because no one talks about how great it is there.
They have a few vegan Taiwanese food spots where you can eat like the locals, some junk food spots, and quite a few awesome vegan bakeries selling the most amazing looking cakes.
On top of this, they have a few vegan drink stalls dotted around the city where you can try out bubble tea and milk tea made using nut milk.
There is a lot going on in this city. Make sure to find some of the awesome speakeasies across the city, as well as the gay bars which are full of friendly locals!
Los Angeles, USA
- Vegan establishments: 91
- Must try: Ramen Hood
If you’re looking for a vibrant city with a chilled out beach vibe, then you should check out Los Angeles (LA). Whilst there were some areas of LA I didn’t enjoy, like Hollywood, I loved the Arts District and Venice Beach.
There are loads of awesome vegan restaurants dotted throughout the city. Expect plenty of vegan Mexican food, as well as plenty of health foods spots. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of decadent food there too, with vegan ramen spots and even an upmarket restaurant with a runny vegan egg yolk.
There may not be as many fully vegan establishments as there are in New York, but I did enjoy the food in LA a lot more. Maybe it was because of the heavy Mexican influence, or maybe it was just because I was next to the beach and the sea always makes me 10x happier!
Lisbon, Portugal
- Vegan establishments: 44
- Must try: Vegannata
Lisbon is a very fun, vibrant and colourful city with plenty of awesome vegan food on offer.
I’d go there just to eat the amazing vegan Pastel de Nata from Vegannata again. They were so delicious that I kept going back for more every day.
The great vegan food doesn’t stop there, you will also find loads of other vegan food establishments offering up a mix of vegan junk food, pizzas and a few upmarket spots worthy of a date night.
I really enjoy the café culture in Lisbon, where everyone hangs out on the streets drinking coffee, port or wine. It is a lot of fun to join in!
Ubud (Bali), Indonesia
- Vegan establishments: 25
- Must try: Zest
Ubud in Bali is known as a bit of a chilled out destination full of yogis and plant-based food. Whilst there isn’t a huge variety of vegan establishments, the ones that do exist are very popular and do create some pretty tasty food!
I recommend finding an Airbnb or hotel away from the centre because it can get a little busy there. Plus there are plenty of beautiful villas with jungle vibes a bit further out.
You’ll find a mix of tasty food, including some local spots where you can try out vegan takes on local dishes (like satay), as well as some health food spots and even a vegan pizzeria!
There are plenty of beautiful places to see nearby Ubud, including rice paddies and temples, so I’d definitely recommend going here if you plan to visit Bali.
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