6 Best Asia Destinations for Vegetarian Travelers

Food plays a fundamental part in an unforgettable trip. For vegan travelers to Asia who are partial to vegetarian food among the rich ingredients, it does require some advanced research to figure out where to go. So, let me take the hassle away and round up 6 of the best vegetarian countries in Asia for you to get inspiration.

India - the Capital of Vegan

A country where the meat-free diet is celebrated by over 400 million inhabitants, India is obviously the top choice for vegetarian foodies - even McDonald's opened its first vegetarian-only restaurant in India to meet its incredible number of vegetarians.

Nowadays, more and more indian are based on a plant-based, cruelty-free lifestyle. Spending your vacation in India means you are spoilt for choice, and nearly every region offers naturally vegetarian cuisine due to Hindu and Jain cultural influences.

You will have the chance to feed yourself with a great variety of legume and coconut-based cuisines, and creamy curries that have been refined over a long time.

Apart from that, you can sample biryanis, stuffed paratha, sambar, samosas, pakoras, kati rolls, and all kinds of chaats made from non-root vegetables.

Taj Mahal in India

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in India

• South Indian food can be your best vegan option.
• Mind noodle dishes or cuisine with batter since they may contain egg. And check the "no ghee (clarified butter)" sign for food during your India sightseeing.
• Some of the best Indian vegetarian food can be found on the street.

Singapore - Multi-Cultural Choices

Vegetarianism is widely understood in Singapore. With a huge Indian, Chinese, and Malay population, vegan food in Singapore features rice, vegetables, and an amazing variety of spices, coconut, lime, and tamarind, able to satiate the desire for different tastes.

Vegans in Singapore can find plenty of options, from healthy vegetarian burgers, delectable plant-based street food, and mouthwatering tropical fruits to wholesome delicacies in vegan restaurants. A vegetarian vacation in this beautiful city-state is not only possible but also enjoyable.

Boat Quay in Singapore

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in Singapore

• If you are keen on Indian vegetarian delicacies, Clarke Quay, Little India, and Boat Quay are excellent places to go.
• The almost 24-hour operating Chinatown is ideal for some sweets and snacks.
• Vegetarian Stalls at Singapore's hawker centers.

Thailand - Street Food Paradise & Fruity Options

Thailand may not seem like a great destination for vegetarians due to the wide use of meat (pork, chicken, duck, beef, and water buffalo) and fish sauce in its dishes. Yet Thai food can also be quite meat-free thanks to the Buddhist influence and its abundance of fruits and vegetables.

Booming vegan cafes are not difficult to find in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and even in a normal restaurant without the vegetarian sign, it is still possible to get 100% plant-based food, since a fresh dish is not cooked until it is ordered. Papaya salad without fish sauce, refreshing pizza without cheese, just specify what you want during the order.

Fresh Vegetables in a Bangkok Local Restaurant

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in Thailand

• Chiang Mai and Bangkok are good places to find vegetarian eats.
• Vegetarian restaurants are usually easy to find near temples.
• When at a restaurant, you may let the cook or waiter know that you are a vegetarian by saying "ben mang sa wirat".

Vietnam - Taste Fresh & Light

Going green on a Vietnam vacation may not be as hard as most travelers imagine, especially if you are traveling in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, and Hue, where booming vegetarian joints can be found with no problem.

Thanks to Buddhist principles and dietary restrictions, vegetarian opportunities abound throughout the country. The most famous dish is pho, which is a Vietnamese rice noodle soup normally mixed with meat, but finding a meat-free version shouldn't be difficult.

In addition, don't miss the tasty "banh mi", a type of French-influenced Vietnamese sandwich that can be found in a vegetarian version consisting of tofu, coriander/cilantro, chili, cucumber, and pickled carrot.

A Woman Selling Street Food in Hanoi

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in Vietnam

• The Vietnamese word for vegetarian is "chay", which could be seen on menus and signs. So keep an eye out for it. To tell the locals that you are a vegetarian, you can say "Toi an chay". But it would be better to write it down as it is not easy to get the tone right.
• Most non-vegetarian restaurants will make a vegetarian version of a dish if you ask.
• Reading some Vietnamese cookbooks before the trip may help you easily identify the dishes on offer and the different flavors you can expect to taste.

Sri Lanka - Naturally Plant-Based

For vegetarians, a great reason to visit Sri Lanka is to enjoy its delicious vegetarian food. As a Buddhist-dominated country, this island nation emphasizes kindness to all living things, so vegetarian travelers will not go hungry here, particularly if they love spicy food.

There are plenty of plant-based dishes to choose from. Top vegetarian dishes include the Sri Lankan jackfruit curry, which has such a meaty texture that you probably wouldn't think it is totally meat-free, and Mallum leaf green salad. Curried vegetables and fruits such as aubergines, breadfruit, pineapples, and gourds are also nice options.

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in Sri Lanka

• Prepare your water well, since vegan dishes in Sri Lanka can also be spicy, or just clarify your request before cooking (English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka).
• This tropical island has no shortage of fresh and juicy fruits - try more salad and dessert during your Sri Lanka journey.
• Head to the north or east for some authentic Indian vegan dishes.

Japan - Seasonal Temple Cuisine

Though only a few vegan restaurants exist in Japan's major cities, these two popular destinations offer their special cultural experience with vegetarian cuisines - temple stay, also known as shukubo in Japanese.

Imagine your Japan journey with temple watching, yet with your package for 1 or more days' stay in this ancient building. Join the early morning prayer and follow the monks in doing the meditation, and most importantly, enjoy the vegan shojin ryori made from seasonal plant ingredients in the mountain, which can be your best choice to escape from the bustling city life.

Tips for Vegetarians Looking for a Temple Stay

• Book early for your temple room, especially those popular temples during the cherry blossom and fall foliage season.
• The temple stay can also be experienced in its neighbor, South Korea, with more opportunities to enjoy both the culture and the meal.
• Contact Odynovo to make the reservation, itinerary, as well as your carefree Asia vegan tour.
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Feeling inspired? Let us know which of these vegetarian-friendly countries you want to go to, and we will tailor-make a no-hassle, foodie adventure that caters to all your dietary preferences and other interests.