When people think about vegan-friendly cities, places like Los Angeles, Berlin, and Tel Aviv often come to mind. But there’s a whole world of plant-based dining and shopping that’s not on the typical vegan tourist trail.
From Bangkok to Bucharest, there are cities where you might not expect to find a thriving vegan scene, but where innovative chefs, passionate activists, and intrepid entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to eat compassionately and live sustainably.
Breaking the Stereotypes
It’s time to break some stereotypes. While it’s true that some regions of the world have more established vegan communities, there are vegan restaurants and cafes popping up in cities all over the globe. Here are some unexpected urban centers where you’ll find some of the best plant-based eats on the planet.
The Rise of Vegan-Friendly Cities
So what’s behind this rise of vegan-friendly infrastructure in unexpected places? There are a few factors at play.
- Globalization and the spread of veganism as a lifestyle choice have made it easier for vegan-owned businesses to connect with each other and with consumers.
- The increasing awareness of animal rights and environmental sustainability have made veganism a more mainstream and socially acceptable choice.
- And, of course, there’s the deliciousness of plant-based food, which is often healthier and more ethically sourced than its animal-based counterparts.
Add it all up, and you’ve got a perfect storm of trends that have led to the rise of vegan-friendly cities all over the world.
If you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious about expanding your culinary horizons, here are some cities where you’ll find some of the most delightful plant-based gems.
Casablanca
Morocco’s largest city and its busiest port have long been a melting pot of cultures, and today it’s home to a growing community of plant-based eaters. The city’s vibrant vegan scene is centered around three main areas: the old Medina, the up-and-coming Sidi Abderrahman district, and the trendy Ain Diab neighborhood.
One of the best places to try Moroccan vegan cuisine is at the vegan restaurant Le Jardin Secret in the Medina. Here you can sample dishes like harira (a traditional Moroccan soup made with chickpeas and lentils), tagine (a slow-cooked stew made with vegetables and spices), and bastilla (a savory pie made with layers of pastry, almonds, and veggies).
For a more casual dining experience, head to Le Pain Quotidien in Sidi Abderrahman. This popular cafe chain serves up vegan versions of Moroccan classics like shakshuka (a spicy tomato stew topped with a fried egg, but made here with tofu) and couscous (a hearty dish made with steamed semolina and served with veggies).
If you’re in the market for some vegan souvenirs to take home, head to the Marche Central, Casablanca’s bustling main market. Here you’ll find stalls selling everything from artisanal vegan cheeses to ethical fashion made from recycled materials.
Chengdu
While Chengdu, the capital city of China’s Sichuan province, is famous for its spicy hot pot, it’s also home to a growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. In fact, Chengdu has one of the highest concentrations of vegetarian restaurants in China.
One of the best places to try vegan Sichuan cuisine is at the restaurant Sino Veg. Here you can order dishes like mapo tofu (a spicy tofu dish made with Sichuan peppercorns and chili beans), kung pao cauliflower (a vegan version of the popular chicken dish made with cauliflower), and chili oil noodles (a classic Sichuan dish made with wide, flat noodles and a savory chili oil sauce).
For a more casual dining experience, head to Jiu Xian Chu, a vegan chain with several locations throughout the city. Here you can try dishes like vegan hot pot (a spicy stew made with tofu, vegetables, and mock meats), chili oil rabbit (a vegan dish made with fried tofu shaped to look like rabbit meat), and mapo doufu nai fan (a milder version of mapo tofu served over rice).
Chengdu is also home to some great vegan-friendly markets, particularly the Wenshu Yard Market and the Jinli Pedestrian Street. Here you can find stalls selling everything from vegan snacks to clothing made from recycled materials.
Budapest
Hungary’s capital city has long been a haven for vegetarians, thanks to the influence of the country’s large Hungarian Reformed Church, which has a longstanding tradition of abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. And while many traditional Hungarian dishes are meat-based, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan versions of these dishes to be found throughout the city.
One of the best places to try vegan Hungarian cuisine is at the restaurant Zeniter in the district of Obuda. Here you can order dishes like goulash (a spicy stew made with paprika and served over egg noodles), csusza (a dish made with wide, flat egg noodles and served with a savory tomato sauce), and langos (a fried dough dish topped with sour cream, garlic, and paprika).
For a more casual dining experience, head to the vegan chain Bors Gastro Bar, which has several locations throughout the city. Here you can try dishes like vegan lango (a vegan version of langos made with plant-based cheese), ketchup and mustard-covered chimney cake (a sweet, savory pastry traditionally covered in sugar and cinnamon, but here made vegan with vegan sugar and cinnamon), and vegan sushi (made with plant-based fish and rice).
Budapest is also home to some great markets where you can find vegan versions of traditional Hungarian dishes. One of the best is the Great Market Hall, which is located near the Danube River and sells everything from fresh produce and meats to spices and souvenirs. Here you can find vendors selling vegan lango, vegan goulash, and even vegan chimney cake.
Lima
Peruvian cuisine is having a moment, thanks to the influence of renowned chefs like Gastón Acurio and the country’s rich cultural heritage. And while many traditional Peruvian dishes are based around fish and seafood, there are plenty of vegan restaurants and cafes where you can try plant-based versions of these dishes.
One of the best places to try vegan Peruvian cuisine is at the restaurant Canta Rica in the Miraflores district. Here you can order dishes like ceviche (a raw fish dish made with citrus juice and chili peppers, but here made with tofu), lomo saltado (a stir-fry made with soy meat, onions, tomatoes, and fries), and causas rellenas (a layered potato dish filled with avocado, olives, and boiled egg, but here made vegan with vegan mayo and vegan eggs).
For a more casual dining experience, head to the vegan chain Vegana Burger, which has several locations throughout the city. Here you can try dishes like vegan sushi (made with plant-based fish and rice), vegan ceviche (made with tofu and citrus juice), and vegan lomo saltado (made with soy meat, onions, tomatoes, and fries).
Lima is also home to some great markets where you can find vegan versions of traditional Peruvian dishes. One of the best is the Mercado Central, which is located near the Plaza de Armas and sells everything from fresh produce and meats to spices and souvenirs. Here you can find vendors selling vegan ceviche, vegan lomo saltado, and even vegan anticuchos (a popular Peruvian street food made with skewered and grilled corn and potatoes, but here made vegan with vegan meat).
Lima is also a great city to explore on foot, and there are several vegan-friendly neighborhoods where you can find plant-based eats and shops. The district of Barranco, in particular, is known for its bohemian vibe and its abundance of vegan cafes and bakeries. Be sure to check out Café organico for some delicious vegan pastries and coffee, or La Fabrique for some vegan comfort food like burgers and mac and cheese.
Prague
The capital city of the Czech Republic is known for its beautiful Old Town Square, its magnificent castle, and its delicious beer. And while traditional Czech cuisine is heavy on the meat and potatoes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants where you can try plant-based versions of these dishes.
One of the best places to try vegan Czech cuisine is at the restaurant Vegan’s Prague in the Vinohrady district. Here you can order dishes like smazeny syr (fried tofu patties served with potato salad and pickles), bramboraky (potato pancakes served with apple sauce), and vegan knedlíky (dumplings made with potatoes, breadcrumbs, and onions, served with a savory gravy).
For a more casual dining experience, head to the vegan chain Vegan Burger, which has several locations throughout the city. Here you can try dishes like vegan smazeny syr (fried tofu patties), vegan bramboraky (potato pancakes), and vegan knedlíky (dumplings).
Prague is also home to some great markets where you can find vegan versions of traditional Czech dishes. One of the best is the Pražský trh (Prague Market), which is located near the Old Town Square and sells everything from fresh produce and meats to spices and souvenirs. Here you can find vendors selling vegan smazeny syr, vegan bramboraky, and even vegan koláče (a traditional Czech pastry made with poppy seeds and dough, but here made vegan with vegan poppy seed filling and vegan dough).
Prague is also a great city to explore on foot, and there are several vegan-friendly neighborhoods where you can find plant-based eats and shops. The district of Letná, in particular, is known for its beautiful parks and its abundance of vegan cafes and bakeries. Be sure to check out Múza for some delicious vegan pastries and coffee, or Café V Kavalířku for some vegan comfort food like burgers and mac and cheese.
Conclusion
The vegan revolution is happening in unexpected places, and it’s up to us to seek out these hidden gems and savor the delicious, compassionate cuisine they have to offer. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider one of these vegan-friendly cities as your destination. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.
Extra Section
If you’re planning a trip to one of these cities and want to know where to go and what to eat, be sure to check out our curated vegan city itineraries. We’ve got recommendations for the best vegan-friendly spots in each of these cities, so you can plan a day-long or weekend-long vegan-centric adventure.
And if you’re new to the vegan scene or just want some insider tips and tricks for navigating these vegan-friendly cities, we’ve got you covered. Our articles are full of advice for finding accommodations, getting around town, and connecting with local vegan communities and resources. So whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.
So go forth and explore, dear reader. Seek out these vegan gems in unexpected places, and let us know what you find. And if you have a favorite vegan-friendly city that we haven’t covered yet, let us know that too. We’re always on the lookout for the next great vegan adventure.