By William J. Furney
Travelling as a vegan can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, particularly in countries where meat is central to the cuisine. Whether you’re navigating through the buzzing streets of Mexico City, the rustic towns of rural Spain or the vibrant alleys of Southeast Asia, finding suitable plant-based meals can take more effort than you’d expect. But with the rising global awareness of veganism and its benefits for both health and the environment, more options than ever are becoming available. That said, being prepared, adaptable and resourceful are essential when exploring meat-heavy cultures as a vegan.
Research Before You Go
The best way to ensure you’re not left scrambling for vegan food on your travels is to research your destination thoroughly. Thankfully, there’s a wealth of resources available online to help you locate plant-based food, even in the most unexpected places.
Websites and apps like HappyCow and Veganuary are excellent for finding vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants worldwide. HappyCow, in particular, provides an up-to-date directory of vegan restos and health food stores. Reading reviews and looking at photos from fellow vegan travellers can also give you a better idea of what to expect.
If you’re heading to a place where English isn’t widely spoken, it’s a good idea to learn a few key phrases. Saying “I’m vegan” in the local language can go a long way, but being able to explain what that means is even more useful. “No meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs” should be enough to get the message across in most situations. For added convenience, you can download and print vegan travel cards available online, which explain your dietary preferences in multiple languages.
Visit Local Markets
One of the great pleasures of travelling is experiencing the local food culture, and markets are an excellent place to start. Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant in most countries, and visiting local markets can be an exciting way to discover produce you might not find back home.
In Mexico, for example, you can find colourful fruits like pitaya and prickly pears or savoury treats like grilled corn. The key is being open to experimenting with what’s available. If you have access to a kitchen, markets can also provide the base ingredients for simple plant-based meals. Many countries have a rich tradition of vegan or plant-based dishes, even if they’re not advertised as such, so it’s worth asking locals about dishes made from legumes, grains or vegetables.
Embrace Local Cuisine
Plant-based eating in meat-heavy cultures is often about adapting rather than avoiding. Many traditional dishes are either vegan or can easily be made vegan with a few adjustments. In India and Thailand, for instance, vegetarian and vegan food is woven into the culture. Dishes such as vegetable curries, rice and noodle soups are often plant-based or can be customised to fit a vegan diet.
In Spain, while the cuisine is known for its meat and seafood, there are still many options if you look hard enough. Gazpacho, the cold tomato soup, is usually vegan, as are patatas bravas, a delicious dish of fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce. Ask for the sauce to be served without mayonnaise, as some versions of patatas bravas include this.
Similarly, falafel and hummus, staples of Middle Eastern cuisine, are naturally vegan. When travelling through places like Israel, Jordan or Lebanon, you can expect to find falafel stands on nearly every corner. These crispy chickpea balls, usually served in a pita with vegetables, are the perfect street food for a vegan traveller.
Flexibility Is Key
One of the challenges of travelling as a vegan is that not every restaurant will cater to your dietary needs. In many cases, flexibility and patience are crucial. Sometimes you may need to piece together a meal from sides or starters. If you’re at a traditional Argentine grill, for example, you might struggle to find anything specifically vegan. But many of these restaurants serve salads, roasted vegetables and bread. While it might not be the most exciting meal of your life, you’ll still be able to stick to your plant-based diet.
In some countries it’s common to see vegetarian dishes listed but no mention of vegan options. So ask. Can the dish be made without butter or cheese? Is the stock used plant-based? While it might feel awkward at first, you’ll quickly become accustomed to asking for adjustments to suit your preferences.
Vegan-Friendly Accommodation
Another way to make your travels more vegan-friendly is to choose accommodation that either offers plant-based meals or gives you access to a kitchen. Airbnb or self-catering apartments allow you to prepare your meals and ensure you’re eating according to your preferences. You can stock up on local produce and create your dishes, which is not only satisfying but also gives you complete control over what you’re eating.
In recent years, vegan hotels and guesthouses have become more common. Some even provide entirely plant-based menus. These types of accommodation are more likely to be found in larger cities or tourist-friendly destinations, but it’s worth checking for them wherever you’re travelling. An internet search can reveal vegan B&Bs in surprising places.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
It’s always wise to carry a few snacks with you, especially if you’re venturing into areas where vegan options might be scarce. Things like nuts, dried fruit, energy bars or even a small jar of peanut butter can come in handy when you’re between meals or on long journeys. Having something to tide you over until you can find a proper meal can make a big difference, particularly when you’re exploring less developed regions or rural areas.
And some countries have vegan-friendly snack options you can buy at local stores. Japan, for instance, has a variety of rice-based snacks like senbei, which are often vegan.
The Joy of Discovery
Travelling as a vegan in meat-heavy cultures may have its challenges, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You’ll discover new flavours, explore markets brimming with fresh produce and sample local dishes that you might never have thought to try. With a little preparation and a flexible mindset, it’s entirely possible to thrive as a vegan wherever you go.
By embracing the adventure of vegan travel, you not only enrich your own experience but also show others that a plant-based lifestyle is possible anywhere in the world.
- Image: File.