The best thing about going abroad? Food has got to be up there. A proper treat-yourself trip is all about tasting the local fare – Greek feta, French rabbit, Spanish chorizo. But imagine opening up the menu and all your options consist of is salad or chips. Welcome to veganism abroad. Plant-based food has a place in every culture, although some serve up more than others. Overall, though, it can be a little trickier to find. Even if you’re not a self-professed vegan – enter the flexis and pescis – most of us understand the importance of dabbling in plant-based food these days. So, why should this stop on holiday? Hold your lettuce and tomato and tuck into these top travel picks for vegans…
Majorca
Sun, sea and seriously good parties are usually what springs to mind when you first think of Majorca. But what you might not know is that it’s a growing destination for vegans. With fresh veg being the staple ingredient for most dishes, it’s no wonder the vegan-friendly menus are something to shout about.
Palma is one of the best plant-based places to visit in Majorca. There are heaps of cafés, tapas bars and Spanish restaurants to choose from here. Down Carrer dels Argenters you’ve got two conscious caterers. Shibui Ramen Bar is a must-visit for veggies and vegans and next-door neighbour, Kena Bowls are bang on trend with their smoothies and juices. Bowl food is in, so order your açai extra thick and pick from a number of toppings to add that extra crunch.
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Thailand
You’ll hit the vegan jackpot in Thailand. Did you know being vegan is deeply linked to the practise of Buddhism? This means it’s really easy to find vegan-friendly food in the land of smiles – winner. The base of most dishes are rice and noodles, with lots of vegetables, and absolutely no cheese, butter, or milk. Take your pick from vegetable spring rolls, tom yum mushroom soup, salads, pad thai and fried tofu. Meat is only a small part of Thai meals, too, so it can easily be removed withouttaking away from the taste of your supper.
They’ve got it all figured out over here. No more hunting online and delving into niche guidebooks, when you’re looking for places to eat just look out for a red-and-yellow sign that looks like the number 17 – it’s the national symbol for veganism. You’ll find it plastered outside restaurants, on street stalls and even on the food packaging in supermarkets.
If you’re ever in Pai, go to Ganita Café for their impressive range of buddha bowls, smoothies, traditional Thai dishes, even vegan ‘chicken’ burgers. Or, follow the main road down to Sairee Beach, you can make your healthy and wholesome order through a kiosk hatch at Vegetabowl. Their environmental efforts go way beyond their eats, using metal straws, serving filtered water by the glass and offering biodegradable takeaway packaging. One guilty pleasure is allowed though. For those mates in need of a bit of persuasion, a cheeky extra of dairy cheese is available to top any item on their otherwise 100% vegan menu.
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Vietnam
Being vegan in Vietnam is a breeze. Similar to Thailand, a lot of the Vietnamese locals are Buddhist, so vegan food isn’t hard to come by is just the day-to-day diet.
Most of the dishes here are packed with fresh herbs, spices and sauces that are completely plant-based. Pho – also known as noodle soup – is the most common meal here. You can eat it at any time of the day, and you can pick as many or as little toppings as you like. Tofu is really popular, too. Sweet or savoury? Try both. You might be surprised to learn that it’s used in custard and don’t pull that face, it’s actually delicious. Eggplant is another favourite in Vietnam. It usually comes garnished with toasted peanuts, soy sauce and garlic. But the French stick of it all is the Banh mi . This baguette-style sandwich is packed with loads of veggies, fried tofu and garlic sauce – oui, oui.
When you’re eating out in Vietnam, a street stall is your best bet for an unforgettable meal. They’re dotted on almost every street corner, plus you can sit with the locals on tiny chairs and tables. Or, to get in on the hype, Veggie Saigon is the highest rated vegan restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Bring your own Tupperware and the food tastes even better with a discount to reward your preparedness.
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Feeling peckish yet? Forget what they say about shopping on an empty stomach and fill up on a vegan-inspired getaway. Find your First Choice holiday..
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Author: Olivia Hunt and Lily Owen
Last updated: 16/06/2023
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