As a vegan, traveling the world and exploring different cuisines can be both exciting and challenging. It’s exciting to discover new vegan dishes and ingredients, but it can also be challenging to find suitable options in certain parts of the world where meat and dairy dominate the food culture.
But fear not, fellow vegan travellers! With a bit of research and preparation, you can explore plant-based cuisine around the world and have a truly unforgettable experience.
Asia
Asia is a vegan paradise with a plethora of plant-based options. In India, vegetarianism is deeply rooted in the culture, so finding vegan food is a breeze. From dosas and samosas to chana masala and dal makhani, you’ll never run out of options.
In Japan, you can enjoy delicious vegan sushi made with avocado, cucumber, and pickled veggies. You can also try tofu dishes like agedashi tofu and yudofu. Korean cuisine also has many vegan options like bibimbap, kimchi, and japchae. Here are a couple of famous vegan dishes by country
| Country | Famous Vegan Dish | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| India | Chana Masala | A comforting dish made from chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato and onion sauce, spiced with garam masala. |
| Japan | Vegan Sushi | A delightful assortment of sushi rolls filled with a variety of fresh vegetables and served with soy sauce. |
| China | Buddha’s Delight | A medley of colorful vegetables, tofu, and sometimes glass noodles in a light soy-based sauce. |
| Thailand | Pad Thai | Rice noodles stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, tofu, and flavored with a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. |
| Vietnam | Vegan Pho | A deeply aromatic noodle soup, with rice noodles, tofu, and a medley of fresh herbs. |
| Malaysia | Vegan Nasi Lemak | A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, often served with a spicy sambal, cucumber slices, and vegan ‘anchovies’. |
| Indonesia | Gado-Gado | A traditional salad with mixed vegetables, tofu, and tempeh, drizzled with a rich peanut sauce. |
| South Korea | Bibimbap | A colorful mixed rice dish with assorted vegetables, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and usually topped with a fried egg (vegan versions exclude the egg). |
| Philippines | Laing | A spicy dish made from taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, often served with rice. |
| Singapore | Vegan Laksa | A spicy noodle soup consisting of rice noodles with tofu, beansprouts, and other vegetables in a fragrant coconut-based curry soup. |
North America
North America, a continent known for its cultural diversity and vibrant culinary scene, is a paradise for vegan food lovers. From the hearty dishes of the United States to the spicy cuisine of Mexico and the comfort foods of Canada, North America offers a rich array of plant-based dishes.
Each country has its unique take on vegan food, incorporating native ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and cultural influences into their dishes. Whether it’s a juicy vegan burger in the USA, a platter of vegan tacos in Mexico, or a comforting bowl of vegan poutine in Canada, there’s something for every vegan palate. Explore our curated selection of famous vegan dishes from different North American countries to expand your culinary horizons.
| Country | Famous Vegan Dish | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Vegan Burger | A plant-based version of the classic American burger, often made from beans, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes. |
| Mexico | Vegan Tacos | Soft or crunchy tortillas filled with a variety of plant-based fillings like beans, grilled vegetables, or vegan meat substitutes. |
| Canada | Vegan Poutine | A vegan take on the classic Canadian dish, with crispy fries, vegan cheese curds, and rich gravy. |
| Jamaica | Vegan Jerk Jackfruit | A vegan twist on jerk chicken, using jackfruit as a meat substitute. |
| Cuba | Vegan Ropa Vieja | A plant-based version of the traditional Cuban dish, usually made with jackfruit or similar meat substitute. |
| Dominican Republic | Vegan Sancocho | A hearty, savory soup typically made with a variety of vegetables and meat substitutes. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Vegan Doubles | A common street food made with two baras (flat fried bread) filled with channa (curried chickpeas). |
| Guatemala | Vegan Pepian | A rich and hearty stew typically made with a variety of vegetables and served with rice. |
| Costa Rica | Vegan Gallo Pinto | A traditional dish made with rice and black beans, often served with plantains and a salad. |
| Panama | Vegan Arroz con Guandu | A flavorful rice dish made with pigeon peas, often served with a side of plantains. |
South America
South America is home to many plant-based staples like beans, rice, and vegetables. In Peru, you can try lomo saltado made with soy meat, and in Brazil, you can enjoy feijoada made with black beans instead of meat.
In Mexico, you can indulge in delicious vegan tacos with a variety of fillings like grilled veggies, beans, and tofu. And in Argentina, you can enjoy empanadas filled with spinach and vegan cheese.
| Country | Famous Vegan Dish | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Vegan Feijoada | A hearty black bean stew, traditionally made with pork, but in this vegan version, it’s loaded with vegetables and plant-based sausage. |
| Argentina | Vegan Empanadas | Traditional pastries filled with a variety of plant-based fillings like sautéed vegetables or vegan cheese. |
| Peru | Vegan Ceviche | A fresh, citrusy dish typically made with raw fish, but in this vegan version, it’s made with hearts of palm or mushrooms. |
| Colombia | Vegan Arepas | Thick corn cakes that can be grilled, baked, or fried and filled with a variety of plant-based fillings. |
| Venezuela | Vegan Pabellón Criollo | A traditional dish consisting of black beans, rice, and shredded beef, but in this vegan version, it’s made with jackfruit or plant-based meat. |
| Chile | Vegan Pastel de Choclo | A traditional corn pie usually filled with meat, but in this vegan version, it’s filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and plant-based meat. |
| Uruguay | Vegan Chivito | Traditionally a steak sandwich, the vegan version uses seitan or another meat substitute, along with a variety of sandwich toppings. |
| Ecuador | Vegan Locro de Papa | A rich, hearty potato soup that’s made creamy with the addition of avocado. |
| Paraguay | Vegan Bori Bori | A hearty soup traditionally made with beef and cornmeal dumplings, but the vegan version uses a variety of vegetables and vegan dumplings. |
| Bolivia | Vegan Salteñas | A type of baked empanada usually filled with meat, but in this vegan version, it’s filled with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and plant-based meat. |
Europe
Europe may not be known for its vegan cuisine, but there are still plenty of options to explore. In Italy, you can enjoy vegan pizza with toppings like mushrooms, artichokes, and olives. You can also try pasta dishes with tomato sauce or aglio e olio.
In Spain, you can indulge in patatas bravas, gazpacho, and paella made with vegetables instead of meat. And in France, you can enjoy ratatouille, mushroom bourguignon, and vegan croissants.
| Country | Famous Vegan Dish | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Vegan Pasta Primavera | A colorful pasta dish loaded with fresh spring vegetables in a light tomato sauce. |
| Spain | Gazpacho | A chilled tomato-based soup filled with different vegetables, perfect for summer. |
| United Kingdom | Vegan Shepherd’s Pie | A comforting dish made with a base of cooked vegetables and lentils, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. |
| Greece | Vegan Moussaka | A layered dish typically made with eggplant, potatoes, and a flavorful tomato-lentil sauce, topped with a creamy vegan béchamel. |
| France | Ratatouille | A hearty stew made with a variety of summer vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. |
| Germany | Vegan Sauerbraten | A plant-based version of the classic German pot roast, usually made with seitan or a similar meat substitute. |
| Poland | Vegan Pierogi | Traditional Polish dumplings filled with a variety of fillings like sautéed mushrooms and onions, mashed potatoes, or spiced lentils. |
| Sweden | Vegan Swedish Meatballs | Plant-based meatballs, often made with a combination of lentils and mushrooms, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and vegan gravy. |
| Russia | Vegan Borscht | A warm, hearty soup made primarily from beets and served with a dollop of vegan sour cream. |
| Ireland | Vegan Irish Stew | A hearty stew made with chunky vegetables, stout beer, and hearty potatoes. |
Africa
African cuisine may not be as well-known as other cuisines, but it’s full of delicious vegan options. In Ethiopia, you can enjoy injera, a sourdough flatbread served with lentil and vegetable stews. In Egypt, you can try koshari, a dish made with rice, lentils, and pasta.
In Morocco, you can indulge in vegetable tagine and couscous. And in South Africa, you can enjoy bobotie, a dish made with lentils, spices, and topped with a vegan custard.
| Country | Famous Vegan Dish | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | Vegan Doro Wat | A rich, spicy stew traditionally made with chicken, but the vegan version uses seitan or tofu. |
| Morocco | Vegan Tagine | A slow-cooked stew brimming with flavorful vegetables and exotic spices. |
| Nigeria | Vegan Jollof Rice | A one-pot rice dish cooked in a tomato-based sauce, spiced with cayenne pepper and thyme. |
| Egypt | Vegan Koshari | A hearty dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce. |
| South Africa | Vegan Bobotie | A baked, spiced rice dish traditionally made with meat, but in this vegan version, it’s loaded with lentils and vegetables. |
| Kenya | Vegan Ugali and Sukuma Wiki | Ugali is a cornmeal porridge, served with Sukuma Wiki, a collard greens dish cooked with tomatoes and onions. |
| Tunisia | Vegan Lablabi | A comforting chickpea soup seasoned with cumin and harissa. |
| Ghana | Vegan Red Red | A hearty bean stew cooked with palm oil and ripe plantains. |
| Senegal | Vegan Thieboudienne | A traditional dish consisting of rice, fish, and vegetables, but in this vegan version, it uses a variety of vegetables and tofu. |
| Zimbabwe | Vegan Sadza and Muriwo Unedovi | Sadza is a cornmeal porridge, served with Muriwo Unedovi, a peanut butter spinach dish. |
Australia
| Country | Famous Vegan Dish | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Vegan BBQ | Australia is known for its BBQ culture. This would include a variety of grilled |
Traveling as a vegan may seem daunting, but with a bit of research and preparation, you can have a truly amazing culinary experience around the world. From Asian street food to South American staples and European classics, there’s something for every vegan traveler out there. So pack your bags and get ready to explore plant-based cuisine around the world!