The 21 best countries for vegetarian travelers

In general, Southeast Asia is very veggie-friendly, with many staples involving fresh veggies, noodles, rice, and tofu. Pad Thai, perhaps the most famous dish from this region, is often made with just tofu and perhaps a bit of egg. However, that’s far from the only option for visitors; any restaurant, market stall, or cafe in Thailand will have plenty to offer.

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, you name it, there’s a veggie option. Beyond that, a lot of Mexican staples, such as salsa, guacamole, and queso, are inherently meat-free. And don’t worry, you won’t be stuck with just beans; one of the most popular fillings is nopales, or cactuses, a delicious alternative to chicken or beef!

Sure, sushi is off the table, but that’s not all Japan has to offer on the culinary front! Vegan and vegetarian ramen are becoming increasingly common (just make sure to clarify the stock is vegetable), as are rice-based meals and, of course, delicious coffee and dessert shops. 

Our neighbor to the north has an amazing dining scene in cities like Montreal and Vancouver, and smaller locales such as Winnipeg and Halifax. And just like the veggie options are ever-growing back home, they are also in Canada, often with a maple or cheesy twist!

India has long been known as an ultimate destination for vegetarians, with a large percentage of the population abstaining from meat consumption. That means instead of worrying about having options, many dishes are made with a veggie diet in mind! You'll never go hungry from dals to paneers and everything in between!

The land of fresh tomatoes, olives, and feta — and no, you aren’t limited to Greek salads here! The Mediterranean nation is full of fresh fruit and vegetables, often served with rice, fresh bread, grilled, or a falafel gyro!

If there’s one thing the southern hemisphere has over the north, it’s fresh produce such as mangoes, bananas, dragon fruit, and anything else that we pay a pretty penny for. Thus, countries such as Australia have had fantastic veggie menus and restaurants for a while, in addition to the stellar coffee scene.

Another SE favorite when it comes to food, Vietnam serves up great options. From tofu banh mi to veggie noodle dishes and pho, all paired with deliciously strong Vietnamese coffee!

The land of spreads such as hummus, mutabel, and zaatar tzatziki is a vegetarian’s dream. The beautiful country also has some of the best juice on the planet, as well as delicious nut-based treats and baked goods.

Pasta and pizza are easy to make vegetarian-friendly, so don’t cross off an Italian getaway just yet! Additionally, cannoli, gelato, and espresso are all meat-free.

Peru has long been recognized as South America’s culinary queen, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a major ceviche enthusiast to enjoy it. Many of the dishes revolve around lentils, rice, and potatoes, and cities like Cusco and Lima will have numerous veg-only restaurants.

Often overlooked in favor of its neighbors, don’t sleep on Malaysia. This amazing spot doesn’t suffer from as much over-tourism and has an amazing food scene, especially in Kuala Lumpur. Don’t miss coconut rice and all the stir-fries!

Ethiopian cuisine is very vegetarian-friendly. Staple dishes include lentil stews, leafy greens, injera (local bread), and mushrooms.

Sure, a lot of Brazilian food, like barbecue and sandwiches, often contains meat. But the fresh juice, acai, and cheesy bread don’t! And of course, Coxinha, everyone’s beloved snack, can be made with just cheese.

Typically thought of as a “meat and potatoes” country, Germany offers much more! Bread is a staple, but you can have it with local cheese, fruit, and vegetables. Additionally, large cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne have many vegan and vegetarian restaurants. 

Similar to its neighbors, many Turkish staples are vegetarian, such as chickpeas, eggplant, and bread. Whether you’re enjoying falafel, baba ganoush, or strong Turkish coffee, you don’t need to worry about not eating meat here! Make sure to have a famous Turkish breakfast while you’re visiting.

The Balkans aren’t usually your best bet as a non-meat/seafood-eating traveler. However, Slovenia is starting to change that narrative a bit with increasing variety, particularly in the capital, Ljubljana. Additionally, farm-to-table is huge in the country, as is the local wine.

Tagine typically includes a meat component, along with all the fresh veggies. But you can just remove that piece and add more produce to enjoy this Moroccan staple. Other favorites, such as couscous, stews, and soups, are all easily made sans animal products.

And no, not just expat-heavy Bali! Indonesian cuisine is, like much of the region, heavy in tofu, rice, and produce, a vegetarian's ideal diet!

The Baltics are famously fish- and seafood-heavy nations. However, Estonia, especially Tallinn, has recently been upping its game with vegetarian offerings. Thanks to root veggies such as beets and carrots, as well as fresh herbs and potatoes, grown in the country, chefs in its largest city have been experimenting to the delight of many a tastebud!

This small but diverse country also has great food. Luckily for vegetarians, a bunch of the traditional dishes are 100% plant-based!