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To travel is to taste the world, and for the plant-based explorer, this journey is more exciting than ever. Gone are the days of surviving on side dishes. Today, some of the world’s most vibrant cities are also havens for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, where traditional plant-forward dishes have been perfected over centuries and innovative chefs are redefining meatless cooking. These are the destinations where you won’t just find a meal; you’ll discover a feast for the senses and a deep connection to a place through its food.
1. Tel Aviv, Israel
The cuisine of Tel Aviv is a sun-drenched celebration of fresh vegetables and bold flavors. This is the land of creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and crispy, herb-filled falafel. You can assemble a magnificent meal from the endless array of colorful salads, or “salatim,” that accompany every dish. The city’s modern, health-conscious vibe means you’ll also find a thriving scene of dedicated vegan restaurants putting creative spins on Mediterranean classics.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
While Thai cuisine is famous worldwide, the northern city of Chiang Mai is a particular paradise for plant-based travelers. The city is full of “jay” restaurants, which adhere to Buddhist vegetarian principles, serving up incredible meatless versions of classic dishes. Don’t miss trying khao soi, a rich and fragrant coconut curry noodle soup, made here with tofu or mushrooms. The city’s vibrant night markets also offer a huge variety of fresh fruit, juices, and veggie-friendly snacks.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s beautiful capital is undergoing a green revolution. While still cherishing its seafood traditions, Lisbon has embraced plant-based dining with incredible passion. You’ll find stylish vegan cafes serving brunch, traditional tascas offering delicious vegetable-based “petiscos” (small plates), and even dedicated vegan pastelarias for a plant-based version of the famous custard tart. It’s a city where historic charm meets a fresh, modern culinary outlook.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
Beneath the surface of this meat-loving metropolis is a deep-rooted tradition of plant-based cooking. The city’s markets are a treasure trove of incredible produce, from countless varieties of corn and beans to exotic fruits and chiles. You can find tacos filled with hibiscus flowers or savory mushrooms, and tlacoyos made from blue corn masa and fava beans. The city’s forward-thinking chefs are also opening incredible vegan restaurants that honor these rich traditions.
5. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is arguably the vegan capital of Europe. The city’s creative, counter-cultural spirit has fueled an explosion of plant-based innovation. You can find everything here, from vegan versions of traditional German currywurst to upscale, multi-course tasting menus that will challenge everything you thought you knew about vegan food. The Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighborhoods, in particular, are packed with an incredible density of delicious and affordable vegan options.
6. Bengaluru, India
While all of India is a vegetarian paradise, the southern city of Bengaluru (Bangalore) stands out. As a major tech hub, it has a modern, cosmopolitan dining scene, but its heart lies in traditional South Indian cuisine, which is naturally vegetarian. Start your day with a crispy dosa served with savory sambar and coconut chutney, or enjoy a thali, a platter of various small, flavorful dishes served with rice. The food is complex, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
7. New York City, USA
New York is a melting pot of cultures, and its plant-based food scene is a reflection of that incredible diversity. You can find world-class vegan food from every tradition imaginable, from upscale tasting menus in the West Village to cozy vegan soul food spots in Harlem and incredible Ethiopian platters in Brooklyn. The city is a playground for veggie foodies, with endless options at every price point, proving that you can find a delicious plant-based meal on any corner.
8. Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan has a long and rich history of vegetarian cooking, deeply connected to Buddhist traditions. In Taipei, you can explore bustling “vegetarian buffets” where you pay by weight, choosing from dozens of beautifully prepared, flavorful dishes. The city’s famous night markets also offer a surprising number of veggie-friendly treats. It’s a place where plant-based eating is not a trend, but a deeply integrated and respected part of the culture.
9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopian cuisine is a gift to plant-based travelers. The foundation of every meal is injera, a spongy, slightly sour flatbread that doubles as your plate and utensil. During fasting periods observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, a huge variety of incredibly flavorful vegan stews, or “wats,” are widely available. You’ll feast on spicy red lentils, savory collard greens, and fragrant split pea stews, a true communal and sensory delight.