In an era defined by evolving dietary landscapes and a collective awakening to the impacts of our food choices, plant-based eating has transcended niche status to become a powerful global movement. Urban centers, ever at the forefront of cultural shifts, are rapidly transforming into vibrant hubs for vegan cuisine, reflecting a growing consciousness about health, ethics, and environmental sustainability. This report delves into which cities worldwide are not just embracing but actively championing the vegan lifestyle, making them true havens for plant-based enthusiasts.
While the widespread availability of meat-free foods reflects a burgeoning sector, and approximately 70 percent of the US population consumes plant-based foods, significantly more than just the six percent made up of strict vegetarians, the question remains: where does this plant-based passion burn brightest? We’re looking beyond mere options to places where veganism is deeply embedded in the urban fabric, where businesses are recognizing the significant purchasing power of plant-based consumers, and cities are making specific efforts to serve vegan diners, fostering a culture that truly supports the vegan lifestyle. Our journey will uncover the top contenders, revealing how these cities are leading the charge in the global green rush.
By examining data that goes beyond sheer volume to consider vegan restaurants per capita, we gain a more nuanced understanding of where plant-based eating truly thrives relative to its population. This metric ensures that we celebrate cities where veganism is not just present but pervasive, offering an abundance of dedicated businesses and accessible vegan products for residents and visitors alike. Join us as we explore the dynamic environments where the vegan movement is flourishing, demonstrating a strong commitment to a compassionate and sustainable future.
1. **Phuket, Thailand**Imagine a tropical paradise adorned with clear blue waters, pristine white sand beaches, and dramatic mountainous cliffsides jutting into the ocean. This picturesque setting is not just a dream vacation spot but also the global leader in vegan-friendly cities, boasting the most vegan restaurants per capita on the globe. Phuket has impressively climbed from its third-place spot last year to claim the coveted top position, showcasing a remarkable surge in its plant-based offerings.
At the beginning of 2020, prior to the global pandemic, Phuket was home to a modest 12 vegan restaurants. Today, that number has more than doubled, standing at nearly 30, a testament to the island’s burgeoning vegan scene. This rapid expansion highlights a significant commitment to catering to plant-based diners, making Phuket an unexpected yet highly deserving vegan capital of the world. It perfectly blends natural beauty with culinary innovation.
Beyond its growing array of dedicated vegan eateries, Phuket also hosts the annual Vegetarian Festival, an event that further solidifies its plant-based credentials. During this vibrant festival, street food stalls proliferate across Phuket City, selling an abundance of delicious vegan food, transforming the urban landscape into a vegan paradise. For those not visiting during the festival, options like Hesan Vegetarian or Mae Orathai offer fantastic vegan Thai buffets, ensuring that plant-based delights are always within reach.
2. **Ubud, Bali, Indonesia**Nestled in the tropical paradise of Bali, Ubud stands out as a vibrant hub for tourists and digital nomads, and consequently, a very vegan-friendly destination. This idyllic setting, renowned for its lush landscapes and spiritual atmosphere, naturally offers an abundance of tropical fruits, forming a foundational element of its plant-based cuisine. However, Ubud goes far beyond just natural produce, boasting a diverse and thriving array of vegan-friendly restaurants.
The culinary scene in Ubud is imaginative and caters to a wide spectrum of tastes, from casual eats to more refined dining experiences. Whether you’re craving a refreshing and healthy start to your day or a creative plant-based meal, Ubud delivers. For instance, you can try a vegan naamlette, a clever plant-based take on an omelette, at Sage, or meticulously design your own personalized smoothie bowl at Alchemy, a renowned establishment for healthy vegan fare.
Ubud’s commitment to the vegan lifestyle extends beyond individual restaurants. The city, and Bali as a whole, has fostered an environment where plant-based living is not just accommodated but celebrated. For those seeking a fully immersive experience, BeingSattvaa vegetarian retreat offers an all-vegetarian and vegan resort experience, further cementing Ubud’s reputation as a premier destination for vegans looking to embrace a plant-based lifestyle amidst stunning natural beauty.
3. **Chiang Mai, Thailand**Chiang Mai, a city with a long-standing reputation as a haven for digital creatives and eco-travelers, continues to be an incredibly vegan-friendly destination in Thailand. While it has shifted from its high point of holding the number one spot in 2022, it remains firmly among the global leaders. As one might expect from the third most vegan-friendly city in the world, Chiang Mai offers more than just a large number of vegan restaurants; it provides a comprehensive plant-based experience.
The city’s commitment to veganism is further showcased by its annual Vegetarian Festival, a significant cultural event where plant-based food becomes widely available throughout the city. This festival underscores Chiang Mai’s deep embrace of vegetarian and vegan traditions, making it an exciting time for visitors and residents alike to explore an even greater variety of dishes. Beyond the festival, everyday dining presents numerous enticing options.
For an interactive culinary experience, visitors can take a vegan cooking class at Mai Kaidee, learning to craft traditional Thai dishes with plant-based ingredients. Food enthusiasts can also savor unique offerings such as a fermented mushroom sausage at Pun Pun, highlighting the innovative and diverse nature of Chiang Mai’s vegan cuisine. The city provides a rich resource for vegans, with local experts like Dee from Veggie in Chiang Mai regularly updating guides for navigating the vibrant plant-based scene.
4. **Atlanta, Georgia, USA**Atlanta, Georgia, might not be the first city that springs to mind when envisioning top vegan travel destinations in the United States, yet it impressively ranks as one of the most vegan-friendly in the US by vegan restaurants per capita. This Southern city’s rise is a testament to the burgeoning plant-based movement extending beyond traditional coastal hubs, demonstrating a significant shift in culinary preferences and offerings in unexpected regions.
Atlanta delivers a diverse and high-quality vegan dining experience, catering to a wide array of palates and cravings. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or more exotic flavors, the city’s vegan scene has evolved to meet these demands. For instance, if a vegan Chinese meal is what you’re craving, Harmony Vegetarian stands ready to deliver an authentic and satisfying experience, showcasing the breadth of plant-based options available.
Alternatively, for those in the mood for classic American barbecue with a plant-based twist, Cafe Sunflower offers a delectable BBQ seitan sandwich, proving that traditional Southern flavors can be reimagined without animal products. Atlanta’s burgeoning vegan landscape highlights a dynamic and inclusive culinary evolution, making it a compelling destination for anyone exploring the depths of plant-based eating in the US.
5. **Lisbon, Portugal**The sunny capital of Portugal, Lisbon, has distinguished itself by bucking a trend observed in many other cities on this list: it has consistently gained, rather than lost, vegan restaurants in recent years. This continuous growth underscores Lisbon’s robust and expanding commitment to the plant-based movement, transforming it into a genuinely vegan-friendly European destination. The city’s vibrant culinary scene now actively caters to an increasing number of vegan residents and tourists alike.
Lisbon’s charm extends beyond its colorful architecture and historic streets to its burgeoning array of vegan eateries. The city offers both innovative takes on traditional dishes and entirely new culinary creations. A delightful example of this is the availability of vegan pasteis de nata, the famous Portuguese egg custard tart, at establishments like Vegan Nata, allowing visitors to indulge in local delicacies without compromising their dietary choices.
This growth is not just about new restaurants opening; it reflects a deeper integration of veganism into the city’s fabric. The consistent upward trajectory of vegan listings in Lisbon and Mexico City, with no dips in numbers at all, demonstrates a strong, unwavering commitment. Lisbon’s position as a city with substantial and consistent growth in every metric covered in this report truly sets it apart as a rising star in the global vegan landscape.
6. **Portland, Oregon, USA**Portland, Oregon, has long held a well-deserved and unwavering reputation as a vegan heaven, not just in North America but across the globe. This city consistently appears on lists of top vegan destinations, and for good reason: nearly every eatery here offers plant-based options, making it exceptionally easy for vegans to dine out and enjoy a diverse culinary experience. Its prominence in the plant-based world is undeniable.
What truly sets Portland apart is not just the quantity but the innovation and variety of its vegan offerings. The city even boasts a unique vegan mini-mall, a singular establishment housing a vegan clothing store, a food shop, a bakery, and even a tattoo parlor, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the vegan lifestyle. This concentration of vegan-centric businesses is a testament to the city’s deep-seated plant-based culture and supportive community.
For those seeking an upscale dining experience, Blossoming Lotus offers exquisite vegan fine dining, with dishes such as almond ricotta bruschetta and roasted delicate squash tacos, demonstrating the sophistication of Portland’s plant-based cuisine. While Atlanta surprisingly edged out Portland for the number one spot in the US for vegans in one report, Portland’s long-standing legacy and continuous innovation ensure its place as a top-tier vegan destination globally, a true pioneer in the plant-based movement.
7. **Amsterdam, Netherlands**Amsterdam, the charming capital of the Netherlands, has emerged as a beacon of innovative and high-quality vegan cuisine in Europe. A few years ago, a week-long exploration of Amsterdam’s vegan scene revealed a culinary landscape that was nothing short of astounding. It was not only remarkably easy to discover vegan restaurants simply by wandering its picturesque canals, but the attention to detail in their food was exceptional.
The city’s vegan eateries are celebrated for their commitment to sourcing quality produce and their meticulous approach to balancing flavors and textures, resulting in some of the most memorable meals one could experience. This dedication elevates Amsterdam’s plant-based offerings beyond mere alternatives to truly outstanding culinary creations. The city demonstrates a keen understanding of what makes plant-based food not just good, but extraordinary.
Visitors to Amsterdam can sample an impressive variety of cuisines, all with a vegan twist. Highlights include the unique Caribbean-Japanese fusion restaurant TerraZen, which serves delectable fried tempeh and avocado sushi. For a taste of local comfort, the vegan pancake from the vegan-friendly Happy Pig is a must-try. However, a truly unforgettable experience awaits at Men Impossible, an all-vegan ramen restaurant known for its incredibly unique and satisfying house ramen, solidifying Amsterdam’s reputation as a creative and delicious vegan destination.
Continuing our exploration of cities where plant-based passion burns brightest, we delve into additional urban centers that are not just accommodating but actively championing the vegan lifestyle. These cities, spread across continents, illustrate the diverse ways in which veganism is flourishing, supported by vibrant communities, innovative culinary offerings, and increasing accessibility to plant-based products, proving that the green rush is truly a global phenomenon.
8. **Brighton, UK**Brighton has long been celebrated as a premier vegan destination within the United Kingdom, consistently appearing on nearly every list of the most vegan-friendly cities. Its enduring presence in the top 10 globally this year further solidifies its reputation as a haven for plant-based eaters. This vibrant coastal city offers an astounding array of vegan options, demonstrating a deep integration of plant-based living into its urban fabric.
From entirely 100% vegan eateries to traditional pubs that have embraced the movement by serving vegan fish and chips, Brighton ensures that a delicious vegan meal is never far away. This widespread availability means that visitors and residents alike can easily find dishes to suit their preferences, whether they are craving innovative plant-based cuisine or classic comfort food reimagined without animal products. The city’s culinary landscape is truly a testament to its commitment to the vegan lifestyle.
For those with a love for Italian, Purezza stands out as a pioneering 100% vegan pizzeria, offering a delightful experience that challenges traditional perceptions of pizza. And no visit to Brighton would be complete without indulging in a sweet treat from vegan-friendly Boho Gelato, renowned for serving some of the finest vegan ice cream in town. These establishments are just a glimpse into the rich and diverse plant-based offerings that make Brighton such a beloved vegan hotspot.
9. **Tel Aviv, Israel**Tel Aviv proudly holds its position among the world’s most vegan-friendly cities, ranking 9th globally with an impressive 5.1 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents. This high density of plant-based eateries per capita underscores a significant and widespread embrace of veganism within the city. Such a ranking speaks volumes about the city’s robust plant-based infrastructure and its dedicated support for the vegan movement, making it a key player on the international vegan stage.
The presence of so many dedicated vegan businesses and the high accessibility of plant-based products suggest a deep awareness and intentional support for veganism woven into the city’s culture. This environment fosters a thriving plant-based community, where residents and visitors can easily find an abundance of diverse and innovative vegan options. It’s clear that Tel Aviv has cultivated a setting where the vegan lifestyle is not just accommodated, but actively celebrated.
*Note: For obvious reasons, this report does not recommend travel to Tel Aviv at present. Therefore, specific restaurant recommendations will not be provided. However, the city’s high ranking and impressive number of vegan restaurants per capita remain a significant indicator of its inherent friendliness towards plant-based living, a testament to its strong commitment to veganism.*
10. **Zurich, Switzerland**Zurich marks its distinguished presence as the first, and currently only, Swiss city to grace this prestigious list, signaling a remarkable shift in its culinary identity. While Switzerland has often been associated with a rich tradition of meat- and cheese-heavy cuisine, Zurich is clearly demonstrating that times are changing, embracing a more compassionate and sustainable approach to food. This evolution is highlighted by the city now boasting 21 fully vegan restaurants.
A cornerstone of Zurich’s plant-based history is Hiltl, Europe’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1898. This legendary establishment, which once inspired the much-loved Tibits chain, has a legacy spanning over a century, offering extensive vegan options that continue to delight. While Hiltl is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest continuously operating vegetarian restaurant in the world, a distinction also claimed by Pancham Puriwala in Mumbai (opened 1848), Hiltl’s long-standing commitment to plant-based dining is undeniable.
Beyond its historical landmarks, Zurich’s vegan scene is vibrant and diverse, catering to modern palates. For those seeking a taste of something different, Dapur stands out as a 100% vegan Indonesian restaurant, offering exotic flavors and unique culinary experiences. Zurich’s blend of heritage and innovation truly positions it as a noteworthy and increasingly vegan-friendly destination, proving that even traditional culinary landscapes can evolve.
11. **Salt Lake City, Utah, USA**Salt Lake City has undeniably emerged as a surprising, yet increasingly prominent, player in the vegan movement, making its debut on this list a few years ago to the astonishment of many. This mid-sized American city is rapidly solidifying its reputation as a remarkably vegan-friendly destination, challenging preconceived notions about plant-based living in the heart of Utah. What’s particularly striking is its claim to more vegan restaurants per capita than even bustling metropolises like New York City or Los Angeles, highlighting a concentrated and dedicated vegan scene.
The city’s plant-based offerings are as diverse as they are delicious, ensuring that no vegan diner will go hungry. For a truly comforting start to the day, Vertical Diner serves up delightful vegan apple-stuffed French toast, offering a plant-based twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Meanwhile, All Chay provides an authentic taste of vegan Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing the breadth of international flavors available within the city.
Beyond savory delights, Salt Lake City also caters to those with a sweet tooth. Passion Flour Patisserie offers exquisite vegan croissants, a testament to the city’s growing capacity for sophisticated plant-based baking. The thriving and varied vegan scene in Salt Lake City underscores a vibrant community and a clear commitment to fostering a lifestyle rich in plant-based options, making it a must-visit for any vegan traveler.
12. **Vancouver, BC, Canada**Vancouver, British Columbia, has firmly established itself as a leading light in Canada’s plant-based landscape, surpassing Toronto in terms of vegan restaurants per capita to claim the top spot among Canadian cities. This bustling West Coast hub offers an abundance of plant-based options, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to catering to its growing vegan community and visitors alike. Its dynamic culinary scene makes it an exceptionally easy city for vegans to explore and enjoy.
The city is particularly celebrated for its diverse range of eateries, from casual comfort food spots to more refined dining experiences. For those craving hearty, satisfying meals, Meet on Main is a go-to destination, serving up classic vegan comfort food such as burgers, fries, and even plant-based poutine. These offerings demonstrate how traditional favorites can be innovatively reimagined to fit a vegan diet, without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
For an elevated culinary experience, Acorn vegetarian restaurant stands out as a premier choice in Vancouver, renowned for its upscale vegan meals. This establishment prides itself on utilizing seasonal produce sourced from local farms, crafting dishes that are both exquisite and sustainable. Vancouver’s ability to offer both casual and fine dining options, all with a plant-based focus, truly showcases its comprehensive and thriving vegan food scene.
13. **Taipei**Taipei’s reappearance on this esteemed list, after a brief absence in 2023, is cause for genuine excitement, particularly for those who have experienced its phenomenal plant-based offerings firsthand. Having been a personal favorite travel destination for vegan food, Taipei is unequivocally one of the best cities in the world for vegans, a reputation it has held for over a decade, and one that has only grown stronger with time. The city’s dedication to plant-based living is truly remarkable.
What truly distinguishes Taipei as an unparalleled vegan destination is the sheer ubiquity of vegetarian and vegan establishments. Even as far back as 2010, the city was brimming with options; one didn’t need a map to find them—they seemed to appear on almost every block. This pervasive accessibility underscores a deeply ingrained cultural acceptance and support for plant-based diets, making it incredibly convenient for anyone embracing a vegan lifestyle.
For those eager to sample traditional Taiwanese dishes crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients, Brother Su offers an authentic and satisfying experience. Alternatively, for a truly memorable fine dining adventure, the vegetarian restaurant Yu Shan Ge provides an exceptional multi-course experience. While its six-course menus are considered expensive by local standards, they represent a fraction of the cost of an equivalent meal in New York or London, making it an incredible value for such a high-caliber culinary journey.
14. **Paris, France**France, often stereotyped for its rich, meat-and-dairy-centric cuisine, might not be the first country that comes to mind for vegan-friendliness, but its capital, Paris, is undergoing a dramatic and delightful transformation. While finding plant-based fare in Paris around 2011 presented a challenge, the last five years have witnessed an extraordinary shift, with the city blossoming into an increasingly accessible and exciting vegan destination. This evolution demonstrates a keen responsiveness to changing global dietary preferences.
Parisian vegan eateries now offer a wide spectrum of culinary experiences, catering to various tastes and preferences. From satisfying veggie burgers at popular spots like Hank’s to the healthy and vibrant vegan fare found at Wild & The Moon, the city ensures that plant-based options are both plentiful and high-quality. These establishments are redefining what it means to dine vegan in the City of Lights, blending traditional French elegance with innovative plant-based creations.
For a truly indulgent experience, a brunch at Le Potager de Charlotte is an absolute must-try. This acclaimed restaurant serves multi-course brunch menus featuring unique specialties such as a chickpea and rice pancake with cashew cream, an avocado dish styled as a ‘hard-boiled egg,’ and pancakes generously adorned with chocolate hazelnut spread. And for those who adore French pastries, a visit to VG Patisserie, an entirely vegan traditional French pastry shop that also offers gluten-free options, is essential, proving that classic French patisserie can be perfectly plant-based.
As our comprehensive journey through the world’s most vegan-friendly cities concludes, a clear narrative emerges: the plant-based movement is not just a trend, but a profound and accelerating global shift. From the tropical paradises of Southeast Asia to the historic streets of European capitals and the dynamic urban centers of North America, cities worldwide are increasingly recognizing and embracing the purchasing power and ethical drive of plant-based consumers. These urban havens, with their burgeoning vegan communities, innovative culinary landscapes, and unwavering commitment to accessibility, are truly leading the charge towards a more compassionate and sustainable future. The vibrant tapestry of vegan culture woven across these diverse locations proves that whether for health, ethics, or the environment, the love for vegan food is burning brighter than ever before, inviting us all to savor its remarkable growth.
