7 of the best countries for vegetarian travellers

In National Vegetarian week Wanderlust founder Lyn Hughes reveals her top countries for vegetarians to visit...

5 mins

With meat and fish consumption going up around the world, it can sometimes feel harder than ever for vegetarians to eat well. However, the good news is that vegetarianism is on the rise too! Especially as awareness grows of a plant-based diet being better for the environment. But here are some countries where you really shouldn't struggle to find good food. 

Here are seven vegetarian-friendly destinations around the world...

1. India

A delicious masala dosa is an ideal meal for vegetarians visiting India (Shutterstock)

A delicious masala dosa is an ideal meal for vegetarians visiting India (Shutterstock)

Although meat consumption is going up, India is still a paradise for vegetarians, especially in the south where it can be the meat-eaters who are the odd ones out.

Tuck into masala dosa – pancake with onion and potato filling, accompanied by flavourful chutneys – thali, and a huge range of dhals.

Even in the north, paneer (cheese) dishes are widely available, as well as a host of vegetable dishes. Malai kofta is a popular dish of balls of potato, paneer and vegetables in a tasty tomato-based sauce. Note, however, that egg is considered “non-veg”.

2. Sri Lanka

Jackfruit texture makes it a popular vegetarian curry addition (Shutterstock)

Jackfruit texture makes it a popular vegetarian curry addition (Shutterstock)

If you like your food spicy hot, you will be in paradise in Sri Lanka. But the cuisine isn't just about chilis - expect fragrant mixes of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and fenugreek, Rice and curry is the typical dish, but this can involve a dozen or more veggie dishes. Look out for jackfruit curry; fast becoming a vegan favourite in the West, it has long been a staple here, and its meaty texture may fool you into not believing it is vegetable.

Other popular curried vegetables and fruit include aubergine (brinjal), okra, breadfruit, various gourds and pineapple. You will always find a good selection on menus. Try hoppers – a tasty bowl-shaped pancake, served with an egg in the middle, or other ingredients added. Not to be confused with string hoppers, which are steamed rice noodles. Kottu roti is a popular street food dish of chopped-up roti bread fried with a selection of vegetables and served with curry sauce The perfect fast food.  

3. Italy

There are plenty of meat-free pizza options all across Italy (Shutterstock)

There are plenty of meat-free pizza options all across Italy (Shutterstock)

Italian food is often the saviour of the vegetarian traveller wherever they are in the world, with pasta and pizza available in the most unlikely places.

However, in Italy itself, it can sometimes be surprisingly difficult sometimes to find obviously vegetarian food, especially outside of tourist centres. But don't despair, as it’s the respect given to vegetables that really impresses. They may not understand why you are a vegetarian, but a typical meal will often be dominated by seasonal vegetable dishes that are packed with flavour so it's a case of reading the menu with that in mind and asking about the dishes. 

The south of the country is easier for veggies than the north, but you can find incredible options everywhere. Indeed, it may be the best food of your life. Just be prepared to suggest what you can eat from a menu. 

4. Lebanon

The 'picky' element of mezze makes it easier for vegetarians to eat with non-veggie travel companions (Shutterstock)

The 'picky' element of mezze makes it easier for vegetarians to eat with non-veggie travel companions (Shutterstock)

Hurrah for mezze! While chicken and lamb may be the staples throughout the Middle East, and vegetarianism not really understood, there is a host of humble but tasty vegetable dishes that you can stuff on.

Lebanon (and Jordan) is particularly good for fresh produce. Falafel, hummus and tabouleh are all far tastier than you’ll have had at home, while various stuffed pastries, fresh cheeses, seasonal vegetables and salads mean that you’ll never go hungry. 

5. Indonesia

Sambal, a typical dish in Indonesia, is often vegetarian-friendly (Shutterstock)

Sambal, a typical dish in Indonesia, is often vegetarian-friendly (Shutterstock)

Indonesia is a foodie paradise, with its huge range of culinary influences from China, India, Malaysia, as well as restaurants and food courts featuring just about every world cuisine you can think of. With so much choice, vegetarian options are easy to find.

Seek out one of the many vegetarian restaurants that serve “mock” interpretations of fish and meat dishes, but all made with vegetable products. Indonesia classics such as Nasi Goreng, Gado Gado and Kare Sayur are usually vegetarian (do check). Or simply stick to meat-free satays and stir-fries, southern Indian thalis, and aromatic coconut-milk Nonya dishes. 

6. Taiwan

Stinky fermented tofu with hot sauce is a popular street food snack in Taiwan (Shutterstock)

Stinky fermented tofu with hot sauce is a popular street food snack in Taiwan (Shutterstock)

More than 10% of the Taiwanese are vegetarian, and many more stick to a vegetarian diet at least one day a week, or two days a month.

The government promotes eating vegetarian as a healthy choice, and regulates food labelling. So, not surprisingly, vegetarian food is very easy to find, and there are thousands of vegetarian restaurants – including very cheap vegetarian buffets which are perfect for filling up on. 

Expect lots of healthy vegetable and beancurd dishes, including mock meat dishes made of gluten or soya. 

7. United Kingdom

Meat-free burgers from Borough Market, London. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans (Shutterstock)

Meat-free burgers from Borough Market, London. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans (Shutterstock)

It has got easier and easier to be veggie in the UK, with menus having long moved on from just offering a plate of vegetables or an omelette.

There is still the occasional disappointment – restaurants that (despite offering imaginative meat dishes) serve a grossly overpriced veggie pasta dish that you could do better at home.

However, most pubs and restaurants now offer meat-free options that anyone would want to eat, whether they are veggie or not. With the revolution in plant-based eating many will offer a vegan dish or two; some may have a separate menu. 

The capital, London, in particular has fully embraced the 'vegan' scene, so vegetarians can enjoy meat-free burgers and other junk food delights across the city, while Brighton is even more advanced. Viva la revolution. 

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