Explore the ultimate guide on how to find the best vegan restaurants while traveling. Discover tips, tricks, and recommended restaurants to make your travels more delicious!

Discover the Best Vegan Restaurants While Traveling

Satisfy Your Vegan Cravings on the Go

Introduction

Why Finding Vegan Restaurants While Traveling is Important

How to Use This Guide

Researching Vegan Restaurants Before Your Trip

Using Online Resources to Find Vegan Restaurants

Social Media as a Tool for Finding Vegan Restaurants

Contacting Local Vegan Groups and Organizations

Navigating Non-Vegan Menus

Communicating Your Dietary Needs to Restaurant Staff

Identifying Hidden Non-Vegan Ingredients

Top Vegan Restaurants Around the World

North America

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

Australia/Oceania

Eating Vegan in Non-Vegan-Friendly Destinations

Finding Vegan Options in Non-Vegan Restaurants

Cooking Your Own Vegan Meals

Conclusion

Recap of Main Points

Encouragement to Try New Vegan Restaurants

How to Find the Best Vegan Restaurants While Traveling

Traveling can be a challenge for those following a vegan diet. Many countries and cities do not have a lot of vegan options, and it can be difficult to find meals that fit your dietary restrictions.

The Difficulty of Finding Vegan Options

Despite the difficulty, seeking out vegan restaurants while traveling can have many benefits. Not only can you enjoy delicious and healthy vegan meals, but you can also support local vegan businesses and connect with like-minded individuals in the community.

The Benefits of Eating at Vegan Restaurants

This guide is designed to help vegan travelers find the best vegan restaurants around the world. It provides tips for researching vegan options before your trip, navigating non-vegan menus, and even cooking your own vegan meals in non-vegan-friendly destinations. It also includes a list of top vegan restaurants by region to help you plan your travels.

Overview of the Guide

By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you can make your travels as a vegan more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you're a seasoned vegan traveler or just starting out, this guide has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to discover delicious vegan cuisine around the world!

Applying the Guide to Your Travels

Happy Cow is a great resource for finding vegan restaurants in your destination. Simply enter the city or region you'll be visiting, and Happy Cow will provide a list of vegan-friendly restaurants, cafes, and shops, along with reviews and ratings from other users. Use the filters to narrow down your search by cuisine, price range, and whether the venue is fully vegan or not.

Happy Cow

Yelp is another useful tool for finding vegan restaurants while traveling. Search for vegan or vegetarian options in your destination and filter the results by rating, distance, and price. Yelp also provides user reviews and photos of the restaurant, which can help you get a better idea of what to expect.

Yelp

Google Maps is a convenient way to find vegan restaurants in your destination. Simply search for 'vegan restaurants' or 'vegan food' in your desired location, and Google Maps will provide a list of nearby options. You can also use the filters to narrow down your search by rating, price range, and type of cuisine.

Google Maps

One of the best ways to discover new vegan restaurants is by following vegan influencers on social media. They often share photos and reviews of their favorite vegan spots, along with tips and recommendations for plant-based eating in different cities. Some popular vegan influencers include @minimalistbaker, @thefirstmess, and @beamingbaker.

Following Vegan Influencers

Hashtags can also be a useful tool for finding vegan restaurants on social media. Search for hashtags like #vegantravel, #veganfoodie, and #plantbasedtravel to discover new vegan-friendly places. You can also use location-specific hashtags to find vegan options in your destination, such as #veganlondon or #vegansydney.

Using Hashtags

Joining vegan Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and get recommendations for vegan restaurants in your destination. Search for local vegan groups or travel-specific groups like Vegan Travel Club and Vegan Backpackers to find helpful resources and advice.

Facebook Groups

To find local vegan groups and organizations in your destination, search online for 'vegan groups' or 'vegan organizations' in the city or region you'll be visiting. You can also check out websites like Meetup.com and VegEvents.com, which list vegan events and groups in different locations.

Finding Local Vegan Groups

Connecting with local vegans can be a great way to get insider tips and recommendations for vegan restaurants in your destination. They can also provide valuable advice on navigating non-vegan menus and finding vegan options in unexpected places. Plus, meeting like-minded individuals can be a fun and rewarding part of your travels!

Benefits of Connecting with Local Vegans

When communicating your dietary needs to restaurant staff, it's important to be clear and specific. Use phrases such as 'I am vegan' or 'I cannot eat meat, dairy, or eggs' to ensure there is no confusion.

Be Clear and Specific

Ask the restaurant staff for recommendations on vegan dishes or modifications that can be made to existing dishes. They may have suggestions that you may not have thought of.

Ask for Recommendations

After ordering, double-check with the staff to ensure that the dish you ordered is vegan. Ask about ingredients such as sauces, dressings, or garnishes that may contain non-vegan ingredients.

Double-Check Ingredients

When ordering, read the menu carefully and look for any mentions of non-vegan ingredients such as meat, dairy, or eggs. Be sure to ask about any items that you are unsure of.

Read the Menu Carefully

Ask about how the dish is prepared and cooked. Some cooking methods such as grilling or frying may involve the use of animal products such as butter or lard.

Ask About Preparation Methods

Common non-vegan ingredients to watch out for include cheese, cream, honey, gelatin, and fish sauce. If in doubt, ask the restaurant staff about the ingredients in a particular dish.

Watch Out for Common Non-Vegan Ingredients

Gracias Madre is an all-vegan Mexican restaurant with a focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features dishes such as jackfruit carnitas and butternut squash quesadillas. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and tequilas. It's a must-visit for vegan travelers in LA.

Gracias Madre, Los Angeles, California, USA

Plant Food + Wine is a fine-dining vegan restaurant that offers a unique dining experience for vegans and non-vegans alike. Their menu features creative dishes such as eggplant bacon and cashew cheese, and their wine list is extensive. The restaurant is located in a beautiful garden setting in Miami Beach.

Plant Food + Wine, Miami, Florida, USA

Candle 79 is a well-known vegan restaurant in New York City that offers upscale, organic cuisine. Their menu features dishes such as seitan piccata and portobello steak frites. The restaurant also has a great selection of organic wines and cocktails. It's a must-visit for vegan travelers in NYC.

Candle 79, New York City, New York, USA

Vegan Junk Food Bar is a popular vegan fast food chain in the Netherlands that offers vegan versions of classic fast food dishes such as burgers, fries, and hot dogs. Their menu features creative twists such as the 'Notorious Sumo' burger with a vegan beef patty, vegan cheese, and fried onion rings. It's a must-visit for vegans looking for a quick and tasty meal in Amsterdam.

Vegan Junk Food Bar, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain that offers a wide variety of vegan dishes such as pho, sushi, and burgers. The Paris location is particularly charming, with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. It's a must-visit for vegans looking for a casual dining experience in Paris.

The Loving Hut, Paris, France

Veganópolis is a vegan restaurant in Barcelona that offers a creative, plant-based twist on traditional Spanish cuisine. Their menu features dishes such as vegan paella and vegan croquettes. The restaurant also has a great selection of vegan wines and craft beers. It's a must-visit for vegan travelers in Barcelona.

Veganópolis, Barcelona, Spain

Gonpachi is a Japanese restaurant in Tokyo that gained fame after being featured in the movie 'Kill Bill'. They offer a variety of vegan options such as vegetable tempura and vegan sushi rolls. The restaurant has a traditional Japanese atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Tokyo.

Gonpachi, Tokyo, Japan

Dirt Candy is a vegetarian restaurant in Seoul that offers creative, vegetable-focused dishes. Their menu features dishes such as 'carrot' mousse and mushroom 'coffee'. The restaurant has a fun, quirky atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Seoul.

Dirt Candy, Seoul, South Korea

The Vegetarian is a vegan restaurant in Chiang Mai that offers a wide variety of Thai dishes such as green curry and pad thai, all made without any animal products. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Chiang Mai.

The Vegetarian, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Burguer de Papa is a vegan fast food chain in Peru that offers vegan versions of classic fast food dishes such as burgers, fries, and hot dogs. Their menu features creative twists such as the 'BBQ Bacon' burger with vegan bacon and BBQ sauce. It's a must-visit for vegans looking for a quick and tasty meal in Lima.

Burguer de Papa, Lima, Peru

La Verde is a vegan restaurant in Rio de Janeiro that offers a wide variety of vegan dishes such as burgers, salads, and smoothie bowls. Their menu features creative twists such as the 'Cheeseburger' made with a vegan patty, vegan cheese, and vegan bacon. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Rio de Janeiro.

La Verde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Vegan Bunker is a vegan restaurant in Buenos Aires that offers a creative twist on traditional Argentine cuisine. Their menu features dishes such as vegan empanadas and vegan milanesa. The restaurant has a fun, quirky atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Buenos Aires.

Vegan Bunker, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Addis in Cape is an Ethiopian restaurant in Cape Town that offers a variety of vegan dishes such as lentil stews and vegetable curries. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Cape Town.

Addis in Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain that has a location in Cairo. Their menu features a variety of vegan dishes such as pho and vegan shawarma. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Cairo.

Loving Hut, Cairo, Egypt

Seed & Circus is a vegan restaurant in Nairobi that offers a creative, plant-based twist on traditional Kenyan cuisine. Their menu features dishes such as vegan samosas and vegan chapati. The restaurant has a fun, colorful atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Nairobi.

Seed & Circus, Nairobi, Kenya

Soul Burger is a vegan fast food chain in Australia that offers vegan versions of classic fast food dishes such as burgers, fries, and onion rings. Their menu features creative twists such as the 'Holy Shiitake' burger with a vegan patty, vegan cheese, and shiitake mushrooms. It's a must-visit for vegans looking for a quick and tasty meal in Sydney.

Soul Burger, Sydney, Australia

Lord of the Fries is a vegan fast food chain in New Zealand that offers vegan versions of classic fast food dishes such as burgers, fries, and hot dogs. Their menu features creative twists such as the 'Parma Burger' with a vegan schnitzel patty, vegan cheese, and marinara sauce. It's a must-visit for vegans looking for a quick and tasty meal in Auckland.

Lord of the Fries, Auckland, New Zealand

Greenhouse Canteen is a vegan restaurant in Gold Coast that offers a creative, plant-based twist on classic Australian cuisine. Their menu features dishes such as vegan meat pies and vegan 'fish' and chips. The restaurant has a fun, laid-back atmosphere and is a must-visit for vegan travelers in Gold Coast.

Greenhouse Canteen, Gold Coast, Australia

If you know you'll be dining at a non-vegan restaurant, research the menu ahead of time to see if there are any vegan options available. Many restaurants will have at least a few dishes that can be made vegan with modifications.

Research the Menu Ahead of Time

When you arrive at the restaurant, let your server know that you're vegan and ask if there are any dishes that can be made vegan. Be polite and patient, and don't be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients or preparation methods.

Communicate with Your Server

If there are no vegan dishes on the menu, ask if any of the vegetarian dishes can be made vegan by leaving off cheese or other animal products. You can also ask for substitutions, such as swapping tofu for meat in a stir-fry.

Ask for Modifications

If there are no vegan entrees available, look for sides and appetizers that are vegan or can be made vegan. For example, a salad without cheese or a side of sautéed vegetables.

Look for Sides and Appetizers

If you're traveling to a non-vegan-friendly destination, it can be helpful to find a grocery store where you can stock up on vegan staples like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Look for health food stores or supermarkets with a good selection of fresh produce.

Find a Grocery Store

Consider booking accommodations with kitchens, such as Airbnbs or apartment rentals. This will give you the freedom to cook your own meals and ensure that you're able to stick to your vegan diet.

Book Accommodations with Kitchens

If you're going to be out and about all day, pack some portable vegan snacks to keep you fueled. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, energy bars, and fresh fruit are all great options.

Pack Portable Snacks

Traveling as a vegan can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. By researching vegan restaurants before your trip, navigating non-vegan menus, and being open to trying new places, you can find delicious and satisfying vegan meals all around the world. Some of the top vegan restaurants in different regions were highlighted in this article, but there are many more out there waiting to be discovered.

Remember to communicate your dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff, and to be respectful and patient when doing so. Supporting vegan businesses not only benefits the animals and the planet, but also contributes to the growth of the vegan movement and the availability of vegan options in the future.

Traveling is all about exploring new places, cultures, and flavors. As a vegan, you have the opportunity to discover a whole world of delicious plant-based cuisine. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new vegan restaurants and dishes. You might be surprised by what you find and fall in love with a new type of cuisine.

So next time you travel, make it a priority to seek out and support vegan restaurants. By doing so, you're not only satisfying your taste buds, but also making a positive impact on the world. Bon appétit!

Discover the ultimate guide for dining out as a vegan in non-vegan restaurants. Learn tips on how to find vegan options, communicate with the staff, and enjoy your meal!