7 Countries That Are Most Vegan Friendly: An In-Depth Look

No matter if you are trying to move or simply planning your next vacation, choosing a destination that aligns with your dietary preferences can be quite a task.

Especially if you’re vegan, navigating the meat-centric food culture of our planet can seem daunting.

To help you out, we’ve compiled an enlightening list of seven countries where the plant-based lifestyle is not just tolerated but celebrated.

Welcome to an in-depth tour of the world’s most vegan-friendly nations! Let’s embark on this savory journey together and discover the global spots where your palate and principles can coexist harmoniously.

India

India is a remarkable destination to travel to once you switch to veganism. With 24% of its population identifying as vegan, the nation’s culinary scene, steeped in rich traditions, is an absolute delight for plant-based food enthusiasts.

You’ll discover that lentils, vegetables, fruits, grains, and spices are the cornerstones of Indian cuisine, making it naturally vegan-friendly.

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Let’s talk specifics. Try the ‘Masala Dosa‘, a crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter stuffed with a scrumptious potato filling. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and an absolute must-try.

Or perhaps the ‘Chole Bhature‘, a mouth-watering amalgamation of spicy chickpeas and deep-fried bread, strikes your fancy.

Venture into the streets of Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata, and you’ll be greeted with a plethora of vegan street foods. From ‘Pani Puri – crispy hollow balls filled with tangy tamarind water, to ‘Aloo Tikki’, fried potato patties served with tangy chutneys, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Don’t forget to visit South Indian restaurants for their ‘Sambhar‘, a spicy lentil soup served with rice. It’s a vegan heaven.

Israel

Next up on your vegan journey is Israel, a country that’s truly a paradise for plant-based eaters. 

Boasting one of the highest percentages of vegans globally, with an estimated 5% of the population adhering to the plant-based diet, it’s no surprise that vegan options are abundant here.

To give you a taste of what’s on offer, let’s delve into the top 3 vegan-friendly spots:

• Tel Aviv: Often dubbed the ‘vegan capital of the world’, this city is teeming with over 400 eateries that cater to your dietary preferences. From vegan pizza at Green Cat to a plant-based feast at Meshek Barzilay, you’re spoilt for choice.
• Jerusalem: Don’t miss Village Green, a well-established vegetarian and vegan buffet-style restaurant.
• Haifa: A visit to Fattoush is a must for their vegan-friendly Middle Eastern fare, as well as more global options like fried eggplant or dried tomato and pesto sandwiches.

United Kingdom

If you decide to visit the United Kingdom, you’ll discover a country with a vibrant and varied vegan scene, with new plant-based eateries sprouting up regularly.

In London, you’ll find an impressive array of vegan-friendly restaurants. Mildreds, for instance, offers an international menu in a stylish setting. For a more casual vibe, visit Temple of Seitan, renowned for its ‘vegan fried chicken’.

There’s also the 100% vegan pub, The Spread Eagle, where you can enjoy traditional pub food with a fully plant-based twist.

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Venture out of London, and you’ll discover gems like Bristol’s Cafe Kino, famous for its vegan burgers, and Brighton’s Terre à Terre, a gourmet vegetarian restaurant with many plant-based options, are also worth visiting.

The UK is also home to VegfestUK – one of the largest vegan festivals in Europe, and the Vegan Camp-Out, the world’s most impressive vegan camping festival.

With such an array of options, going to the UK is an absolute no-brainer!

Taiwan

Far from the rainy environment of the UK lies Taiwan, another nation that’s making strides in the vegan world.

This vibrant island country isn’t just about bubble tea and night markets – it’s also a paradise for those who’ve embraced a plant-based lifestyle.

• Taiwan holds the crown for having the highest percentage of self-identified plant-eaters in Asia. It’s estimated that as much as 13% of the population abstains from consuming meat. That’s 2.5 million vegans and vegetarians on a small island the size of Maryland state!
• The capital city of Taipei is remarkably vegan-friendly. It boasts over 1,000 registered vegetarian and vegan restaurants. You’ll find exquisite vegan options from traditional Taiwanese street food to gourmet plant-based dishes.
• The island celebrates a unique festival known as the ‘Vegetarian Festival‘, where temples serve free vegan food. Imagine a country that not only caters to your dietary choices but celebrates it!

Germany

Swinging over to Germany, you’ll find a rapidly growing vegan movement that’s hard to ignore.

Berlin, particularly, is often considered one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe. But it’s not just Berlin; cities like Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are also joining the movement.

You’ll find a plethora of vegan restaurants, cafes, and even vegan supermarkets. German supermarkets are well-stocked with vegan products, making it easy for you to maintain your vegan lifestyle while traveling.

Let’s take a quick look at the top vegan-friendly restaurants in Germany’s major cities:

City	Restaurant	Specialty
Berlin	Lucky Leek	Gourmet Vegan Cuisine
Munich	Max Pett	Vegan Bavarian Food
Hamburg	Froindlichst	Vegan Pizzas

Germany’s vegan scene is not just about food. You’ll find stores catering to vegan fashion and even vegan cosmetic brands. The country is dedicated to providing a vegan lifestyle, not just vegan food.

Canada

Now, let’s shift your attention to Canada, another vegan-friendly destination you should consider for your next trip. A vast country known for its diverse culture, Canada has a burgeoning vegan scene that’s hard to ignore, especially in its major cities.

• Toronto: Here, you’ll find Planta, a high-end vegan restaurant that’s making waves with its innovative dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a truffle mac n’ cheese or a coconut ceviche, they’ve got you covered.
• Montreal: If you’re a dessert lover, Montreal’s Sophie Sucré won’t disappoint. This all-vegan bakery tempts with their delicious pastries, cakes, and cookies.

United States

This list couldn’t be complete without the United States – a country teeming with vegan-friendly cities and an array of plant-based culinary delights.

From the bustling streets of New York City to the laid-back vibes of Portland, veganism isn’t just a trend but a lifestyle embraced by millions.

New York City, with its cosmopolitan flair, offers an eclectic mix of vegan restaurants. The iconic Orchard Grocer is a must-visit with its popular mock meat sandwiches and delicious vegan soft serve.

If you’re in Los Angeles, don’t miss the vegan sushi at Shojin or the Mexican-inspired dishes at Gracias Madre.

In the heartland, even Texas surprises with its vegan-friendly spots. Counter Culture in Austin serves comfort food with a vegan twist – something you probably wouldn’t express from such a meat-centric state.

Conclusion

The world is becoming increasingly accommodating to a vegan lifestyle. From the exotic streets of India and Taiwan to the cosmopolitan cities of the United Kingdom and the United States, there are abundant options for vegans seeking culinary adventures.

So whether you’re planning your next vacation or considering relocation, these seven countries stand out as incredibly vegan-friendly. They offer a harmonious blend of culture, tradition, innovation, and a shared love for plant-based cuisine.

It’s an exciting time to be a vegan or vegetarian – so pack your bags and set out on a journey where your dietary choices are not only understood but celebrated!

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