When you think of vegan-friendly travel destinations, cities like Los Angeles, Berlin, or Chiang Mai may come to mind. But what if you’re looking to explore places that aren’t always on the vegan travel radar, yet still offer delightful plant-based experiences?
The good news is that more destinations than ever are embracing plant-based living. From tucked-away towns to emerging hotspots, here are 10 unexpected travel destinations for vegans who crave adventure and great food.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
You might not expect Georgia’s capital to cater to plant-based diets, but Tbilisi is quietly becoming a haven for vegan travelers. Traditional Georgian cuisine features plenty of vegetable-based dishes like lobio (bean stew), pkhali (vegetable pâté), and badrijani nigvzit (eggplant rolls with walnut paste). Add to that a growing number of modern vegan cafes and a culture steeped in hospitality, and you have a surprisingly vegan-friendly destination.
Must-Try: Mushroom khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and fresh walnut-stuffed eggplant.
2. Oaxaca, Mexico
This vibrant southern Mexican city is known for its rich food culture, and while meat and cheese are prominent in traditional dishes, Oaxaca’s markets are brimming with fresh produce, native corn, avocados, beans, and herbs. The rise of health-conscious locals and travelers has given way to vegan spins on local staples like tlayudas and mole.
Must-Try: Vegan mole negro and tlayuda with nopales and beans.
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana might be small, but its food scene is mighty. With a strong eco-conscious vibe, Slovenia’s capital boasts a growing number of vegan eateries, from cozy bistros to upscale dining. Local dishes like jota (a sauerkraut and bean stew) and ajdovi zganci (buckwheat spoonbread) can often be found in vegan-friendly versions.
Must-Try: Vegan jota stew and raw vegan cakes from local bakeries.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
While Vietnam is known for its meat-heavy dishes, Buddhist influences make veganism widely accepted and understood. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you’ll find a plethora of vegan eateries serving everything from pho chay (vegetarian pho) to banh mi with tofu or mock meats.
Must-Try: Vegan pho with fresh herbs and crispy tofu banh mi.
5. Belgrade, Serbia
Another unexpected gem, Belgrade is witnessing a food revolution. Traditional Balkan dishes are getting a plant-based makeover, and the city now hosts a small but passionate vegan community. From hearty stews to grilled vegetable platters, you’ll find creative vegan fare in unlikely places.
Must-Try: Ajvar (pepper spread), lentil burgers, and vegan-friendly Serbian meze.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines breathtaking scenery with a booming culinary scene. As health and sustainability trends grow, the city is seeing an explosion in plant-based offerings. From African-inspired vegan meals to smoothie bowls by the beach, Cape Town offers a diverse range of options.
Must-Try: Vegan bobotie and chickpea bunny chow.
7. Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia’s capital might be known for its medieval charm, but Tallinn is also embracing modern, plant-based lifestyles. Veganism is on the rise, especially among younger generations, and the local food scene reflects that shift. Even traditional dishes like beetroot salads and barley porridges are being reimagined in creative ways.
Must-Try: Vegan Estonian rye bread with mushroom pâté.
8. Tel Aviv, Israel
Okay, Tel Aviv may not be completely “unexpected,” but it still surprises many first-time visitors with just how vegan-friendly it is. Often called the “Vegan Capital of the World,” Tel Aviv offers an extraordinary array of plant-based options inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine—most of which is naturally vegan.
Must-Try: Hummus with falafel, sabich (eggplant sandwich), and vegan s
9. Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius has emerged as a quiet contender in the vegan travel scene. With several dedicated vegan restaurants and cafes, as well as traditional dishes that lend themselves to plant-based versions, Lithuania’s capital is a joy to explore for the conscious traveler.
Must-Try: Cepelinai (stuffed potato dumplings) in a veganized form, and cold beet soup with plant-based yogurt.
10. Pokhara, Nepal
A scenic lakeside town nestled in the Himalayas, Pokhara is a popular spot for trekkers—and now, increasingly, for vegan travelers. With strong Buddhist and Hindu roots, vegetarianism is common, and many eateries are adapting to serve vegan travelers better.
Must-Try: Vegan dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos with vegetable filling, and fresh turmeric tea.
Final Thoughts
Traveling as a vegan no longer means sacrificing flavor or missing out on cultural culinary experiences. These ten destinations may not be the most obvious choices, but they each offer something special for the plant-based traveler—from unexpected dishes to welcoming communities. So go beyond tofu, explore boldly, and let your taste buds lead the way!
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