Best plant-based food destinations in Asia
Best plant-based food destinations in Asia
Ancient Buddhist culinary districts and street food markets across Asia
Asia might be the easiest continent in the world for plant based travel, since so many of its most famous cuisines already lean heavily on vegetables, tofu and legumes.
Southeast Asia offers some of the simplest vegan eating anywhere, with curries, noodle dishes and street food that are naturally plant based or easy to adapt with a quick request. East Asia adds a different strength, from centuries old Buddhist vegetarian cooking traditions to some of the most inventive modern vegan restaurant scenes found anywhere in the world. South Asia rounds things out well, since large parts of the region already eat largely plant based day to day, making a fully vegan trip easier here than almost anywhere else.
Language can occasionally be a hurdle outside major cities, though a few key phrases usually solve most menu confusion. The destinations on our list for Asia combine longtime vegan favorites with places where plant based eating has simply always been part of daily life.
Lists by region
City in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City
A chaotic blend of history and energy
Temperatures stay warm all year in this city, with a drier and more comfortable season from December to April. Vegetarian food is called chay in Vietnamese and is served in many small restaurants. Many people eat vegetarian on days 1 and 15 of the lunar month, so restaurants are busier then.
City in Israel
Tel Aviv
Vibrant Beaches and Nonstop Energy
Sunny and warm for most of the year, this Mediterranean city is pleasant for outdoor dining. Many restaurants are fully vegan and most others offer vegan menu items. Hummus, falafel and fresh salads are local staples that suit plant based eating. Carmel Market is a good place to buy fruit, tahini and fresh produce.
City in Taiwan
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
As the capital of Taiwan, this city has many vegetarian restaurants, from Buddhist buffets to modern cafes. Vegetarian buffets sell food by weight and are often found near temples and offices. Night markets also sell vegetarian stinky tofu and grilled mushrooms. Some Buddhist vegetarian restaurants do not use onion or garlic.
Town in India
Rishikesh
Yoga capital meets adventure haven
Pilgrims and sages have visited this town on the Ganges for centuries. The Beatles stayed at an ashram here in 1968. Most restaurants in the main tourist areas serve vegetarian food only. Cafes also offer vegan dishes, ayurvedic meals and fresh juices. Many visitors come for yoga classes and stay for the food.
City in India
Ahmedabad
Where heritage meets modern India
Set on the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, this city has a strong vegetarian tradition shaped by Jain and Hindu communities. Gujarati thali meals often include dhokla, khandvi, lentil dishes and sweets. Manek Chowk is a market square with a busy street food area after dark. Jain food is easy to find.
Town in Indonesia
Ubud
Bali's Cultural and Spiritual Heart
Each day Balinese families place small offerings of flowers and rice at shrines and doorways in this town. Vegetables, tempeh and tofu are common in local dishes such as gado gado and urab. Many cafes focus on vegan and raw food and some offer cooking classes.
City in India
Delhi
A Kaleidoscope of History and Culture
Large and busy, this capital has a food scene that suits vegetarians well. Paranthe Wali Gali in Old Delhi is a lane known for stuffed flatbreads with vegetable and paneer fillings. Chole bhature, a chickpea curry with fried bread, is a popular breakfast. Dal makhani and paneer dishes are on almost every menu.
Country
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
Clean and easy to explore, this city state has vegetarian food in hawker centres, Chinese restaurants and Little India. Little India has long running South Indian vegetarian restaurants serving banana leaf meals. Chinese vegetarian stalls sell dishes such as mock meat, bee hoon and economy rice.
City in India
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
Compared with other big cities, this one is known for vegetarian street snacks. Vada pav is a spiced potato fritter in a soft bun, sold at stalls and stations. Pav bhaji, a mashed vegetable curry with buttered bread, is a popular dinner. Chowpatty Beach has bhel puri stalls. Many Gujarati restaurants serve thalis.
City in China
Chengdu
Pandas, Hotpot and Laid-back Vibes
Buddhist monasteries in this city, such as Wenshu Monastery, have a long tradition of vegetarian cooking. Wenshu Monastery has a vegetarian restaurant and a teahouse. Sichuan cooking is built on bold chilli and numbing pepper flavours that suit tofu and vegetables. Ask for dishes without meat, since some vegetable dishes use pork.
City in Thailand
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
Relaxed and full of cafes, this northern Thai city has many vegetarian and vegan restaurants within the old walled centre. Khao soi, a curry noodle soup, is often made with tofu and vegetables instead of chicken. Look for yellow flags with red letters, which mark vegetarian food during the Jay festival.
Town in Thailand
Pai
Chilled Mountain Vibes and Natural Magic
Set in a mountain valley in northern Thailand, this small town is about three hours by road from Chiang Mai. Pai Walking Street, an evening market, has vegetarian and vegan stalls. Many cafes in the town serve vegetarian and vegan dishes for backpackers. Hot spring pools and waterfalls are close by.
City in India
Varanasi
India’s Timeless Spiritual Heartbeat
Like Rishikesh, this holy city on the Ganges has a mostly vegetarian food culture. Breakfast is often kachori with potato curry and jalebi near the ghats. Local favourites include tamatar chaat and lassi served in clay cups. In winter, vendors sell malaiyo, a light milk foam topped with nuts.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Shojin ryori is the vegetarian cooking of Zen Buddhist monks and is served at temples and restaurants in this city. Shigetsu at Tenryuji temple in Arashiyama is a well known place to try it. Yudofu, simmered tofu in hot broth, is a Kyoto speciality near Nanzenji temple. Book ahead for temple meals.
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