The Best Destinations for Vegetarian Travellers

For some, the biggest challenge when travelling is the language barrier. For others, it’s finding something to eat without explaining that they don’t eat meat at every meal. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply curious about exploring a more plant-based cuisine, good news: there are quite a few destinations that will be a true haven for you!

While some cities are famous for their picture-perfect beaches and others for their fascinating museums, there are places where eating vegetarian is pure bliss. Here are eight top destinations where you can feast without any hassle!

1. Sri Lanka

Often compared to India, this island has a culinary identity of its own! You’ll be amazed by the incredible variety of curries: lentils, eggplant, potatoes, coconut… all served with fragrant rice and crispy papadum.

In the morning, treat yourself to an egg hopper, a crispy rice crepe with an egg in the centre, served with coconut sambal, a spicy coconut-based condiment. Have you heard of jackfruit? You’ll be won over by this magical fruit, also known as the king of fruits. When cooked, it takes on the texture of pulled pork and is a staple in many vegetarian dishes.

2. Ubud (Bali), Indonesia

Surrounded by rice paddies and lush jungle, Ubud is not only the wellness hub of Bali, but this holistic vibe even extends to its food. Every restaurant in Ubud competes to offer the most colourful bowls, the most balanced Ayurvedic dishes, and the most photogenic smoothies. Everything tastes fresher, and it costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a vegetarian restaurant back home!

Don’t miss this Bali essential: tempeh! This fermented soybean product, rich in protein with a light nutty flavour, pairs perfectly with nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (stir-fried noodles), or nasi campur (a Balinese rice dish with assorted sides). It’s impossible not to love it!

3. Greece

Greek cuisine is a dream come true for vegetarians. From mezze (Greek-style tapas) like tzatziki, grilled eggplant, and dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), to cheeses like feta and halloumi, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

In summer, even meat lovers will be tempted by a fresh Greek salad or a plate of roasted vegetables in olive oil. Add a glass of ouzo or a frappé coffee, and you’ve got pure bliss!

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

If Bangkok is an explosion of flavours, Chiang Mai is its zen equivalent and an ultra-friendly destination for vegetarians. The night markets are filled with vegetarian options: coconut milk vegetable curries, fried tofu with basil and chili, fragrant noodle soups… Just be sure to specify “no fish sauce” (mai sai nam pla in Thai) when ordering to ensure your dish is 100% vegetarian.

With its abundance of tropical fruits (mangoes, papayas, dragon fruit) and refreshing shakes, Chiang Mai is a top destination to eat vegetarian without breaking the bank.

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5. Berlin, Germany

Forget the clichés about German sausages! Berlin is the vegan capital of Europe. Head to the Neukölln district to explore restaurants and cafés serving dishes completely free of animal products, where you can try plant-based versions of traditional German meals.

Don’t miss the famous Markthalle Neun, an indoor market blending global flavours with vegetarian culinary innovation. Berlin might be known for its bratwursts, but wait until you try a vegetarian döner kebab made with seitan… You’ll be hooked!

6. Italy

For vegetarians, Margherita pizza or pasta with tomato sauce are classics, but Italy has so much more to offer: pasta Alla Norma (eggplant and ricotta), eggplant parmigiana, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, and of course, mozzarella di bufala drizzled with olive oil. Simple, yet irresistible!

Local markets are filled with artisanal cheeses, grilled vegetables, and soft focaccia. And let’s not forget gelato to end your vegetarian culinary journey on a sweet note!

7. Mexico

Think Mexican food is all about meat? Not at all! Mexico is also a vegetarian foodie’s paradise! From bean tacos and cheese quesadillas to freshly made guacamole and vegetarian tamales, Mexican cuisine is bursting with flavour without relying on meat.

In Mexico City, especially in the Condesa district, you’ll find innovative vegetarian restaurants reinventing classic Mexican dishes with 100% plant-based ingredients. If you’re visiting Tulum, the chic hippie paradise, be sure to check out spots like Raw Love and La Hoja Verde, both hugely popular among vegetarian foodies.

8. London, United Kingdom

London is the city where veganism has gone mainstream. It’s so advanced in this area that not eating meat almost feels like the norm. HappyCow, the global directory of vegetarian restaurants, ranks London as the number one city for vegetarian and vegan options.

Vegetarian pizzerias, bakeries with butter-free croissants, Michelin-starred restaurants offering 100% plant-based menus… In London, anything is possible! Thanks to its rich mix of cultures, you can sample vegetarian specialties from around the world in a single trip.

Explore the World, One Bite at a Time!

Beyond choosing the right destination, a few tips can make all the difference in enjoying your trip without worrying about what you’ll eat.

Bring snacks like dried fruit, granola bars, or nuts to save you in tricky situations. Learn how to say “vegetarian” in the local language or write it down on a card to avoid misunderstandings.

If you love cooking, rent a place with a kitchen and explore local markets for a different take on the culinary scene. Finally, the HappyCow app will be your best friend for finding nearby vegetarian restaurants.

And most importantly, don’t forget your travel insurance! Get a quick online quote with soNomad in just a few clicks.

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