Savoring the Journey: A Guide to Vegan Dining Abroad
There’s a special kind of excitement that accompanies traveling to a new destination, especially for those of us who weave ethical and culinary preferences into our wanderlust. Take it from me: I’ve logged countless miles hopping between cities on Oneworld carriers—British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, and Alaska Airlines—to discover places brimming with local flavors and intriguing cultures. Yet, when you’re committed to a plant-based lifestyle, stepping off a plane into unfamiliar territory can feel as though you’ve embarked on a mouthwatering treasure hunt. You might be wondering if you’ll unearth vibrant vegan feasts or face a culinary desert. Will language barriers hamper your hunt for meatless meals, or will curiosity and an open mind carry you from hidden gem to hidden gem?
Over time, I’ve learned that there’s no need for apprehension: the global vegan scene has grown, and with some planning, you can find or create delicious plant-based dishes wherever your travels take you. On top of that, immersing yourself in local cuisine is an incredible way to learn about a region’s customs, seasonal ingredients, and cherished traditions. That’s the heart of what I call “vegan travel dining”: you’re not just placing an order; you’re forging a deeper connection with the culture on your plate.
In this long-form guide, I’ll delve into our tried-and-true strategies for enjoying vegan dining across the globe, gleaned from countless trips, missed flights, accidental layovers in random airports, and last-minute re-routing courtesy of points and miles. We’ll look at the importance of advanced research (thank you, HappyCow!), learning key phrases, being open to local flavors, and packing a few “safety net” snacks for unexpected food deserts. Most importantly, we’ll showcase how an intrepid spirit—blended with courtesy and a willingness to engage—can transform your vegan dining adventures into treasured highlights.
If you’ve ever felt the thrill of discovering a vegan croissant in a quaint European bakery, or tried to communicate “no fish sauce” in a bustling Southeast Asian street stall, you’re in the right place. Let’s unravel all the tips that can help you plan, explore, and savor every bite of your vegan adventures abroad.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Vegan Travel As A Culinary Quest
Why Plant-Based Dining Enriches Your Journeys
Key Preparations Before Departure
Navigating Language Barriers & Cultural Nuances
Embracing Local Cuisine Through A Vegan Lens
Practical Tips For Dining Out
Creating A Safety Net: Snacks & Food On The Go
Stories From The Road: Memorable Meals & Unforgettable Moments
Maximizing Oneworld Benefits For Vegan Travel
Carrying The Essentials: A Peek Into Our Luggage
Conclusion: Savoring Every Bite & Moment On The Road
Vegan Travel As A Culinary Quest
Think back to the last memorable meal you enjoyed while traveling. Maybe it was a cozy, local café in a bustling district that served a surprising plant-based twist on a classic dish. Or perhaps it was a street vendor who recognized you were vegan and enthusiastically presented an off-menu specialty.
For me, traveling as a vegan has evolved beyond “Where can I find a meal I can eat?” to “Which unique flavors and cultural traditions can I discover today?” Instead of viewing dietary preferences as a limitation, I’ve come to see them as an invitation to explore hidden corners of a city’s gastronomic identity. Searching for vegan-friendly spots often propels me off the beaten path, opening doors to unexpected encounters—like stumbling into a farmers’ market in Lisbon or forging a new friendship in a Tokyo eatery.
This perspective makes every trip a culinary scavenger hunt, where you chase down delicious leads, experiment with new ingredients, and forge personal bonds with locals who help you navigate their cuisine. If you approach vegan dining abroad with enthusiasm and humility, you’ll be rewarded with experiences that broaden your horizons and leave you with delicious stories to share once you’re back home.
Why Plant-Based Dining Enriches Your Journeys
Travel is about more than seeing monuments or snapping postcard-worthy photos. At its core, exploring new destinations is about engaging with different cultures: from language and architecture to local celebrations and traditions. And food, in many cultures, is an unspoken language that communicates heritage, beliefs, and values.
For a vegan, intentionally choosing plant-based meals in new places adds layers of meaning:
Cultural Immersion: Ordering a vegan version of a local specialty might encourage deeper conversations with chefs or servers, who are curious to understand and accommodate your needs. You’ll gain insight into how the region’s dishes are typically prepared and the culinary significance of certain ingredients.
Environmental Considerations: Many travelers opt for plant-based eating because it aligns with their eco-conscious mindset. Reducing reliance on animal products can lower your carbon footprint, so you’re exploring the world while trying to preserve it.
Health Benefits: Vegan diets, when balanced, can help maintain energy levels and keep you feeling good—important when you’re trekking across continents, exploring new terrains, or attending multiple tours in a single day.
Connection With Local Farmers & Producers: In regions where small-scale agriculture is common, your interest in fresh vegetables or unique grains can forge wonderful connections with local farmers’ markets or produce stands.
Overall, seeking vegan cuisine isn’t just a novelty. It’s a gateway to a more authentic, conscientious, and flavorful travel experience.
Key Preparations Before Departure
Research Tools & Apps (Featuring HappyCow)
I remember when finding vegan restaurants abroad felt like a wild goose chase. That changed drastically the day I discovered HappyCow. If you’re unfamiliar, think of HappyCow as a global directory that catalogues vegan and vegetarian restaurants, as well as veg-friendly eateries. It’s a lifesaver for scouting local dining scenes before your plane even touches the runway.
Here’s how I use it:
Initial Scouting: A few weeks before leaving, I’ll open HappyCow and type in the name of my destination. The search results highlight not just strictly vegan spots but vegetarian and veg-friendly places, too.
Filtering & Reading Reviews: I’ll skim the listings, paying attention to user reviews and photos. Photos are crucial because a picture of an actual plate helps you decide whether the food resonates with your tastes.
Saving Favorites: On the app, I’ll bookmark restaurants that pique my interest, marking each with notes about price range, location, or must-try menu items. This personal “shortlist” becomes my go-to reference upon arrival.
Offline Planning: Because Wi-Fi can be scarce, I’ll often screenshot addresses, directions, and any relevant tips from reviewers.
Apart from HappyCow, I might also check local vegan Facebook groups or Instagram hashtags (like #veganin[cityname]) for timely updates. Sometimes, smaller pop-up kitchens or food trucks aren’t on official directories but are well-loved within local communities.
Understanding Local Food Culture & Ingredients
While resources like HappyCow are invaluable, it’s wise to gain a general understanding of the local cuisine. Different regions have their own base ingredients, cooking fats, and seasonings. For instance, in many Asian countries, fish sauce is a common flavor component even in vegetable-based dishes. In parts of Europe, cheese or butter might be considered essential for finishing a dish.
Knowing these specifics helps you anticipate potential pitfalls and ask the right questions once you’re on the ground. For example:
Italy: Butter can often sneak into pasta sauces, and cheese might top dishes by default. However, many tomato-based sauces and simple pastas are naturally vegan if you skip the cheese.
Japan: Dashi (a stock made from fish flakes) is a frequent culprit in soups and sauces. But sushi can easily be made with veggies or tofu, and many restaurants have become more open to offering an alternate dashi.
India: Clarified butter (ghee) is prevalent, though many vegetarian dishes can be adapted to exclude dairy.
Creating A Travel Food Map
If you’re a meticulous planner, building a personal “food map” can be fun. Pin your must-visit spots on Google Maps or a similar app. Color-code them by type: coffee shops, casual lunch stops, fancy restaurants for dinners, etc. Add vegan-friendly grocery stores and bakeries. This approach not only saves time but might help you notice clusters of vegan spots in certain neighborhoods—perfect for a day dedicated to exploring local markets and hidden cafés.
Navigating Language Barriers & Cultural Nuances
Learning Vital Phrases
There’s no better way to show respect in a foreign land than attempting to speak the local language, even if your accent is far from perfect. When it comes to vegan requests, a few key terms can be transformative. Simple phrases like “I’m vegan” or “No meat, no fish, please” in the local language open up conversation with waitstaff and chefs.
Italian: “Sono vegano. Senza carne, pesce, né formaggio, per favore.” (I’m vegan. No meat, fish, or cheese, please.)
Spanish: “Soy vegano. ¿Puede prepararlo sin carne, sin lácteos, por favor?” (I’m vegan. Can you make it without meat and dairy, please?)
Japanese: “Watashi wa bejitarian desu, niku to sakana wa tabemasen.” (I’m vegetarian; I do not eat meat or fish.) For fully vegan, you might add “dairy and eggs,” though it can be trickier.
If you have the time, consider printing or writing down these phrases on a small card. You can show it to restaurant staff if your pronunciation isn’t up to snuff. As a bonus, many locals appreciate the effort you put in—sometimes going the extra mile to cater to your needs.
The Power Of Politeness & Cultural Respect
Politeness and genuine curiosity carry enormous weight, especially in cultures where dietary restrictions aren’t as mainstream. Approach your requests with a friendly smile and an appreciative tone. If a dish arrives with a non-vegan garnish, maintain that respectful approach when explaining the oversight. You might be surprised how frequently staff will rectify the situation or suggest something even better on the menu.
In some places, explaining that you have allergies or intolerances (if that’s true) can be easier for locals to grasp. The concept of “vegan” might be less familiar, but allergies often prompt more careful ingredient checks.
Locating Veg-Friendly Markets & Grocery Stores
Sometimes, the best vegan meal you’ll have is the one you prepare yourself—particularly if you’re staying in an Airbnb or apartment with a kitchen. Spending a morning at a local market can be a highlight of your trip: fresh produce, homemade sauces, and local breads or grains are all prime for culinary experimentation.
If you’re only in a hotel, you can still utilize these stores to stock up on fresh fruit, snackable vegetables, or small plant-based bites that tide you over until dinner. In major cities, dedicated health-food stores or supermarkets often carry tofu, plant milks, vegan cheeses, and a variety of staples. It’s a good idea to note down a few addresses before you arrive, especially if you have a jam-packed schedule and need to snag supplies quickly.
Embracing Local Cuisine Through A Vegan Lens
Seeking Out Traditional Dishes
While international chains and fusion restaurants can be comforting safety nets, don’t miss the chance to taste local specialties. Every region has iconic dishes, some of which may be inherently plant-based or can be modified. From discovering exotic fruits in South America to sampling tabbouleh and falafel in the Middle East, vegan travelers have a distinct advantage: focusing on fresh produce and legumes often leads you to the heart of a region’s culinary identity.
Be adventurous with produce unique to the locale. Maybe that means indulging in fresh jackfruit in Southeast Asia, sampling locally grown olives in Greece, or tasting artisanal cheeses made from cashew or soy in certain progressive European capitals.
Adapting Local Favorites: Stories From Our Journeys
London, England: While the “Full English Breakfast” typically includes eggs and bacon, I’ve found several restaurants—like Mildreds—that craft vegan spins. Tofu scramble, veggie sausages, roasted mushrooms, and baked beans deliver all the comforting flavors with none of the animal products.
Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona’s Veggie Garden introduced me to a colorful array of curries, juices, and healthy bowls, merging Mediterranean and global flavors. Likewise, paella can be made vegan if you swap seafood or meat for vegetables, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
Kyoto, Japan: Wandering into a small family-run establishment, I discovered vegetable tempura and miso soup (sans fish dashi) were both bursting with umami. The owner was gracious enough to explain the cooking methods, highlighting how subtle changes can keep the dish vegan without losing its authenticity.
Discovering Surprising Vegan Options Worldwide
It’s worth noting that seemingly “meat-heavy” cuisines might hold delightful vegan secrets. Take Mexico, for example: while many assume it’s all about carnitas and chorizo, the abundance of corn, beans, avocados, salsas, and tortillas can be a vegan dream. Or consider Middle Eastern fare, where hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and falafel can often be found in their naturally plant-based glory. Even in countries that heavily feature dairy or meat, you’ll frequently come across vegetable-based side dishes or bean stews that can serve as main courses with a few adjustments.
Practical Tips For Dining Out
Asking The Right Questions In Restaurants
When stepping into a non-vegan restaurant, the trick is to politely inquire about ingredients without making it sound like you’re lecturing. Phrasing your questions as curiosity—“Does this soup base have any animal broth?”—or politely specifying, “I love the look of that pasta; is there a chance to make it without cheese?” typically yields friendlier, more accommodating responses.
Also, keep an eye out for hidden animal products: lard in tortillas, anchovies in sauces, or dairy in salad dressings. The more knowledge you gain about a region’s cooking norms, the easier it is to spot potential pitfalls.
Communicating Substitutions & Ingredient Requests
Do you see a hearty vegetable stir-fry on the menu that’s served with beef or fish sauce? Politely ask if the chef can omit or substitute certain ingredients. Many places, especially those that cater to an international crowd, are willing to be flexible. A key phrase: “Could I have that dish with tofu instead of meat?” or “Is it possible to use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?”
Offering alternatives helps the staff see exactly what you’d prefer, preventing confusion. In a pinch, if the menu’s language is tough, quickly draw a line through the items you don’t eat, or show a small card that clarifies “no meat, no dairy, no fish sauce, no eggs, etc.”
Managing Hidden Animal Products (Broth, Fish Sauce, Etc.)
Even if a dish looks purely plant-based, there’s a chance it includes fish sauce, shrimp paste, pork lard, or other non-vegan ingredients. In some Southeast Asian countries, fish sauce might be as ubiquitous as salt. That’s where vigilance and polite questioning come in. It might feel repetitive, but asking about these hidden components can save you from an unintentional slip.
If you’re in a pinch, focus on dishes that are less likely to include hidden ingredients—like stir-fried vegetables in clearly labeled sauce, fresh fruit plates, or grain-based salads.
Creating A Safety Net: Snacks & Food On The Go
Portable Proteins & Snacks
It happens to even the best of us: you plan your day around a particular vegan café only to arrive and discover it’s unexpectedly closed, or you’re far from any eatery when hunger strikes. That’s why I always keep a stash of travel-friendly snacks. This habit has saved me on numerous occasions—like during a layover that stretched from two hours into six, or a road trip through Joshua Tree where roadside diners offered little more than fried chicken and burgers.
Great portable vegan snacks include:
Granola or Protein Bars: Check for bars made with nuts, oats, or dates. Brands like Larabar, Clif, or GoMacro come in a variety of flavors without dairy or honey.
Nut Butter Packets: Perfect when paired with a piece of bread, apple slices, or crackers. They provide quick protein.
Trail Mix & Dried Fruit: Lightweight, calorie-dense, and easy to stash in a bag or jacket pocket.
Instant Oatmeal Packets: Particularly useful if you have access to hot water, like in a hostel kitchen or on a plane where you can ask for boiling water.
Reusable Containers & Bottles
Another aspect of traveling responsibly is reducing waste. Bringing along a collapsible container or a small Tupperware can help you store leftovers or pack a meal for the day’s excursion. A reusable water bottle is equally crucial: staying hydrated is a must, and it cuts back on single-use plastics. Some travelers also carry reusable utensils like bamboo forks or spoons, ensuring they’re always ready for an impromptu meal from a street vendor.
Being Prepared For Off-The-Grid Adventures
If you’re heading into more remote regions—be it hiking trails, small villages, or lesser-traveled national parks—vegan options might be scarce or nonexistent. Stock up on essentials before you leave the nearest city. This could be cans of beans, crackers, peanut butter, or even freeze-dried meals if you’re camping. Remember: it’s better to have a surplus of plant-based snacks than to run out and go hungry in a place with few alternatives.
Stories From The Road: Memorable Meals & Unforgettable Moments
Barcelona’s Bold Vegan Scene
My first trip to Barcelona coincided with a mild panic that I’d be stuck eating plain salads and bread if I couldn’t find vegan fare. But a quick HappyCow search introduced me to a world of possibilities. Veggie Garden, located a stone’s throw from Plaça de Catalunya, greeted me with dazzling curry bowls, fresh juice blends, and a kaleidoscope of décor. The staff’s enthusiasm reminded me that good vegan food can thrive even in a city known for jamón and seafood.
Yet one of my most memorable experiences wasn’t in a vegan restaurant. It occurred in a traditional eatery near the Gothic Quarter, where I politely asked if the chef could adapt paella to exclude seafood. The server not only said yes but introduced me to the chef, who was eager to talk about local produce and the art of seasoning. The end result was a saffron-infused masterpiece bursting with vegetables, mushrooms, and chickpeas. The conversation alone—bonding over the joys of Spanish cooking—became a highlight of my Spanish escapade.
Navigating Japan’s Delicate Flavors
Japan is often perceived as a challenging destination for vegans, given the prevalence of fish products in broths and sauces. But approaching meals with curiosity and kindness led me to extraordinary finds. Tokyo’s bustling streets offered hidden gems: small, family-run restaurants happy to accommodate once they realized I didn’t eat meat or fish.
One memorable meal involved a simple bowl of udon noodles. Typically, the soup base contains fish flakes, so I explained my dietary preference. The chef replaced the base with a kombu (seaweed) broth, sprinkled the noodles with scallions and sesame seeds, and served an ethereal dish that showcased the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. We spent the meal chatting about vegetable harvests and the importance of food harmony—a concept that resonates deeply with me as a vegan traveler.
Rural Road Trips & Last-Minute Solutions
It’s one thing to find vegan restaurants in cosmopolitan hubs like Los Angeles or Vancouver. But what about when you’re driving through sparsely populated areas with limited dining options? That’s where the “safety net” approach saved me.
Take, for example, a road trip through rural Oregon, en route to Crater Lake. After miles of scenic forests, my hunger peaked in a tiny town whose diner offered steak, burgers, and maybe a side salad drenched in ranch. Rather than compromise my diet, I rummaged through my snack stash: nuts, an apple, a vegan energy bar. That held me over until I reached an Airbnb with a small kitchenette, where I whipped up pasta with tomato sauce and sautéed vegetables from a local grocery store.
These smaller towns can sometimes yield pleasant surprises if you dig around. I once discovered a roadside farm stand selling fresh produce and homemade bread—perfect for throwing together a sandwich. The moral of the story: stay flexible, stock up on snacks, and keep your eyes open for hidden gems.
Maximizing Benefits For Vegan Travel
Airport Lounges & Plant-Based Selections
If you’re collecting miles or hold certain credit cards, you might have lounge access when flying with Oneworld partners. While lounge buffets aren’t always brimming with vegan options, you can often find salads, fruits, breads, or pasta dishes. Some lounges label dishes clearly for dietary restrictions. If not, ask a lounge attendant for ingredient details.
In my experience, lounges in major international airports—like London Heathrow’s BA lounges or American Airlines Admirals Clubs in certain hubs—have become more inclusive, occasionally offering dedicated vegan items. Even if the selection is limited, you can augment it with your own snacks.
Points & Miles Strategy For Culinary Exploration
We often talk about using points and miles to book flights or upgrade seats, but have you considered using them to plan extended layovers or open-jaw itineraries centered on a region’s vegan offerings? For instance, you could arrange to arrive in Tokyo, spend a week exploring Japan’s plant-based marvels, then depart from Osaka without backtracking. Or, tack on a stopover in Doha or Hong Kong, sampling unique vegan dishes there, all while benefiting from multi-city booking strategies.
Bonus: In-Flight Vegan Meals & Special Requests
If you book in advance, many airlines (especially larger carriers in the Oneworld alliance) provide special meal options—VGML (strict vegan), Asian Vegetarian, or lacto-ovo vegetarian. Be sure to reconfirm this request a few days before your flight. While airline food is rarely a highlight, it can spare you from rummaging through your bag for snacks mid-flight. Plus, if you’re in business or first class, you might be surprised by the creativity of the chefs behind those special meals.
Carrying The Essentials: A Peek Into Our Luggage
Lightweight Kitchen Gear & Travel Tools
You don’t need to lug an entire kitchen set, but a few small items can enhance your ability to stay vegan on the go. For instance, a foldable kettle or portable immersion heater can be handy if you crave a quick cup of tea or want to make instant oatmeal in a hotel room. Some travelers swear by a small cutting board and paring knife for preparing fresh produce—just ensure it’s permissible to carry in your checked luggage if a knife is involved.
A set of collapsible silicone containers can help you store leftovers. If you’re going out for the day, load them with fruit, salads, or sandwiches. Similarly, a sturdy thermos might be your best friend if you plan to keep soup or warm drinks available while adventuring.
Recommended Items From Our Amazon Storefront
Over years of vegan travel, we’ve curated some favorite items that simplify and brighten the experience. You can find many of them on our Amazon Storefront. A few standouts:
Reusable Silicone Bags: Great for storing produce, nuts, or homemade snacks without creating plastic waste.
Portable Spice Kit: A small container with compartments for essentials like salt, pepper, chili flakes, or garlic powder. Perfect for sprucing up bland meals.
Collapsible Bowls & Cups: These can tuck away neatly in your carry-on and expand into full-size dishware when you need them.
Personal Care & Supplements
If you rely on certain vitamins or supplements (like vitamin B12, for many vegans), pack enough for the trip, plus a bit extra in case of delays. I also bring travel-sized versions of my favorite cruelty-free toiletries—shampoo bars, conditioner bars, toothpaste tablets—both to maintain my personal ethics and to avoid relying on potentially non-vegan hotel products. This approach is friendlier to the environment and ensures I always have hair and body care items that align with my beliefs.
Conclusion: Savoring Every Bite & Moment On The Road
Vegan travel dining is one big, joyous expedition through markets, street stalls, acclaimed restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall joints that might only speak the language of plant-based cooking. There’s an intangible thrill in discovering the gastronomic tapestry of a new place, made even more rewarding by the knowledge that your meals honor both your body and your values.
Of course, challenges arise—like deciphering unfamiliar menus, grappling with fish sauce in Southeast Asia, or driving past a dozen remote diners that serve nothing but steak. Yet these obstacles teach resilience, creativity, and compassion. The same open-minded spirit that carried you across borders will guide you to innovative ways of adapting recipes, connecting with locals, and forging stories you’ll treasure long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Ultimately, the essence of vegan dining abroad lies in respect: respect for the planet, for local customs, for your personal convictions, and for the culinary artistry that transforms humble ingredients into sensational dishes. Each meal has the potential to be a conversation, a cultural exchange, and sometimes even a friendship forged over plates of tangy salads or sizzling stir-fries.
So let your taste buds and your adventurous heart lead the way. Keep that stash of protein bars close, memorize a few choice phrases in the local tongue, and don’t be afraid to ask your server about creative modifications. Whether you’re sipping a vegan latte in Vancouver, devouring curry in Barcelona, or nibbling on veggie sushi in Kyoto, one thing remains constant: you can explore the world’s flavors, all while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle.
