From Bali to Berlin: Discover the World’s Best Plant-Based Destinations

Your guide to some of the world’s top vegan-friendly destinations, each offering incredible flavours and unforgettable travel experiences.

You don’t have to be vegan to appreciate the creativity, colour, and nourishment of plant-based cuisine. Every November, World Vegan Month is the perfect time to discover how different countries explore food that’s kind to animals, the planet, and your wellbeing. Here’s a guide to some of the world’s top destinations for delicious (and nutritious!) vegan dining - paired with unforgettable travel experiences.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Nestled among the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is both a cultural and culinary gem. Known for its golden temples, wellness retreats, and laid-back pace, it’s also one of Asia’s most vegan-friendly cities. 

At the Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street Market, try Pad Thai Jay (stir-fried rice noodles with tofu, tamarind, and peanuts), Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad) or Khao Soi Jay, a rich coconut curry noodle soup. 

Between meals, explore the Old City’s ornate temples, browse art galleries, or unwind with a traditional Thai massage. Nature lovers can visit the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden or an ethical elephant sanctuary to complete the Chiang Mai experience. 

Bali, Indonesia

A tropical paradise of rice terraces, temples, and yoga retreats, Bali is a natural haven for plant-based foodies. Tofu and tempeh are both Indonesian staples and feature in many of the colourful, flavour-packed dishes.
 
In Ubud, Bali’s wellness capital, cafés like Alchemy and Sawobali Cake & Coffee Shop serve everything from raw vegan pizzas to smoothie bowls and kombucha. Don’t miss local favourites like gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce), tempeh satay, and nasi campur (red rice with coconut soup and spiced tempeh). 

Beyond food, explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, or the beaches of Canggu and Uluwatu for surfing, sunsets, and smoothie bowls by the sea!

Berlin, Germany

Creative, progressive, and effortlessly cool, Berlin has earned its title as Europe’s vegan capital. Once known mainly for nightlife, the city now leads in plant-based innovation, with over 100 vegan restaurants and cafés. 

Walk through Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg to find vegan bakeries, food trucks, and cafés at nearly every turn. Highlights include vegan doner kebabs from Vöner, plant-based currywurst, and treats from Brammibal’s Donuts, Europe’s first all-vegan donut chain. 

Between meals, soak up the city’s history at the Berlin Wall Memorial, wander Museum Island, or browse the weekend flea markets. For a quieter moment, relax in Tiergarten, Berlin’s green heart.

Sri Lanka

This tropical island in the Indian Ocean is famous for its beaches, tea plantations and ancient cities. Coconut milk, curry leaves, and fresh produce like jackfruit and lentils form the base of many dishes, meaning that many dishes are naturally vegan friendly. 

Popular vegan cafés and guesthouses can be found in Ella, Mirissa, Colombo, and Galle. Beyond food, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, take the scenic Kandy-to-Ella train, explore the colonial streets of Galle Fort, or relax on Tangalle’s golden beaches. Travellers can enjoy dhal curry, string hoppers (steamed rice flour noodles), and pol sambol, a fiery coconut relish.

Taipei, Taiwan

Where ancient tradition meets modern innovation, Taipei is fast becoming one of Asia’s most vegan-friendly cities. Its bustling night markets are a playground for adventurous eaters. 

At Shilin and Raohe Street Night Markets, try vegan versions of local favourites like Taiwanese-style dumplings, scallion pancakes, and stinky tofu. For something hearty, tuck into a comforting bowl of vegan beef noodle soup — a local staple reinvented for plant-based palates.

Between food stops, visit Longshan Temple, hike Elephant Mountain for panoramic skyline views, or unwind with a traditional tea ceremony in one of Taipei’s serene teahouses. 

Rishikesh, India 

Set in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World - a place where food, culture, and spirituality meet.

Indian cuisine is naturally abundant with vegan options, and Rishikesh showcases the best of Garhwali and Kumaoni cooking. Try Phaanu (a lentil stew with turmeric and coriander), Dubuk (a thick curry made from ground lentils), or Kafuli, a spinach and fenugreek curry — all best enjoyed with rice or roti.

Beyond the plate, find peace while meditating by the Ganges, wander through the Beatles Ashram — where the iconic band lived and wrote music in 1968 — or chase adventure with a thrilling white-water rafting experience!

This World Vegan Month, explore how tasty and creative plant-based eating can be. From tempeh in Bali to curry in Sri Lanka, every bite offers a mix of flavour, culture, and mindful choices — proving that sustainable food can be as exciting as it is delicious.