Many Indians like to travel in sizeable groups, whether it is multi-generational family trips, or with friends. With multiple people, a difference in preferences also comes into the picture, which may often not just be limited to activities one might want to indulge in during their vacation.
The varying dietary preferences might become an obstacle for Indians who wish to travel internationally, as the local cuisine of several countries is meat and seafood heavy. While certain countries like Greece, and Italy offer enough traditional options for vegetarians, others like Japan and Spain might be extremely limited. Ask any vegetarian or vegan traveller, and they will tell you about their different degrees of struggle while travelling abroad.
We got seasoned Indian travellers to share some of their favourite destinations which offer flavourful and inclusive culinary experiences for vegetarians as well as vegans.
Indonesia
If food is something you often worry about while traveling, Indonesia will put your mind at ease. A psychology student, and travel content creator, Reha Adani proclaims Indonesia to be a paradise for anyone looking to embrace a healthy lifestyle, good habits, and a positive mindset. She explains, “With its stunning natural beauty, yoga classes around every corner, and the rise of slow living, especially in Bali, veganism and vegetarianism have found a perfect home here.”
Adani highlights that she came across an abundance of plant-based options in Bali alongside Indian staples. She shares, “You’ll find that almost every cafe has vegan options, and many are fully plant-based. This makes Bali a dream destination for health-conscious travellers. Indian tourists will be especially pleased to find familiar favourites like Kailash Parbat and Sukh Sagar alongside plenty of other vegetarian-friendly spots.”
Fondly recalling her experience, the creator tells us that the ‘green vibe’ is not limited to the lush landscapes but is also deeply rooted in the food culture too. She adds, “Fresh, organic, and plant-based meals are easy to come by, whether you’re grabbing a quick smoothie bowl in Ubud or sitting down for a hearty meal of gado-gado or nasi campur made vegan. Even the most popular Kynd Cafe in Seminyak — visited by everyone on their trip here, is vegan.”
Even as many may have doubts, Adani gives vegetarians an assurance. She says, “If food is something you often worry about while traveling, Indonesia will put your mind at ease. Its vibrant vegan and vegetarian scene, along with its focus on wellness, makes it one of the most welcoming places for those who want to eat clean and feel good. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just someone looking for healthier options, Indonesia offers a rich and rewarding experience that nourishes both body and soul.”
Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Cape Town in South Africa
Monika Gulwani, a travel content creator and personal branding strategist, has been to many picturesque and delicious destinations on her year-long journey around the world. The nomad found Chiang Mai in Thailand to be an incredibly vegan-friendly destination. She recounts, “I really appreciate finding local cafes which offer sumptuous vegetarian fare. It`s amazing to see how incredibly knit the community is in Chiang Mai and the variety of vegetarian and vegan options available. The café culture here is extremely diverse, you can get all sorts of food: from samosas to vegan pizzas, and of course pad Thai.”
Gulwani’s travels took her to South Africa, where she was particularly impressed by Cape Town. “This country is so beautiful, you will be amazed by its purple sunsets, love for food, fashion and adventure. It`s hard to get a food order wrong here, and the coffee cafes are just top notch,” she shares. What surprised and delighted her the most was the vegan African Swahili food. She adds, “I didn`t expect much, but the Swahili food is really nice and can be largely vegetarian. I explored a lot of vegan African Swahili food in South Africa which overlaps with Indian cuisine. Also, there are lots of eateries where you can easily find vegetarian food, including safaris as well.”
Vietnam and Sri Lanka
Music curator Sagar Kari is an enthusiastic traveller who loves exploring nature, forests, and landscapes. Food is a crucial part of travel for the Mumbai resident. He animatedly shares, “When it comes to discovering new countries, the first thing I look for is the kind of food that country has. This helps me plan my trip so much better.” He believes his best travel memories always involve trying new cuisines and exploring unique cafes.
Kari visited Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ninh Binh on a trip to Vietnam in 2022. The 31-year-old says, “One country that completely blew my mind was Vietnam. I was told that the country is a big meat hub, but as I reached there, that wasn’t the case. There are tons of restaurants serving vegetarian and even vegan dishes. There are street vendors that sell healthy vegetarian food. Pho, which is a classic Vietnamese dish, is so healthy was my favourite throughout.”
Exploring the quaint towns of Colombo, Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya, Kari found himself quite taken by the diverse culinary offerings of Sri Lanka on a recent trip. He recalls, “I loved the food in Sri Lanka. The southern flavours and spices they use for each and every dish were distinctly special. I ordered a thali (meal set) at one of the local restaurants, and they served me rice with four different types of curry, all of it vegetarian. I still think about that meal sometimes.”
Southeast Asia and Georgia
Niharika Jain, a Delhi-based content creator, describes herself as a passionate traveller who loves exploring diverse cultures, cuisines, and connecting with people from all over the globe. “From the generosity of Vietnamese hosts to the accommodating chefs across South East Asia, my journeys have been enriched by the wonderful food cultures I’ve encountered. Traveling as a vegetarian might require some planning, but it also opens doors to exciting culinary adventures.”
Jain admits that finding vegetarian food while traveling internationally used to be a challenge but owing to the growing vegan culture and the presence of Indian restaurants, it has become easier to indulge in meals without compromising dietary preferences. She acknowledges the comfort of Indian cuisine abroad and balances it with her efforts to explore local cuisines, “Indian cuisine has been my comfort food during international trips, as the presence of Indian restaurants are now available almost everywhere. However, I always make an effort to try local dishes. I ensure they align with my vegetarian lifestyle by requesting chefs to skip meat-based oils or ingredients. For instance, during my trip to Thailand, I asked a chef to prepare a vegetarian Pad Thai with just vegetables and olive oil. A squeeze of lemon and a dash of extra spices later, it turned out to be one of the best noodles I’ve ever had.”
Concluding with a favourite culinary memory, she talks about an endearing cafe in Tbilisi, Georgia. “Kiwi Vegan Cafe is known for its community-oriented vibe, and offers an extensive menu including tofu shawarma, vegan burgers, and hearty soups. I enjoyed a meal while soaking in the charming ambiance outdoors, surrounded by adorable stray cats, a common and heartwarming sight in Tbilisi.”
