Not only does Thailand have some of the best cuisines in the world, but Thailand is also known for its diverse vegan and vegetarian food options. The food is ensured for its amazing tastes that attract people from all around the world.
Thai culture has a foundation in Buddhism which also applies to the cuisine. Most Thai cuisine utilizes plant-based ingredients. The most common ingredients include coconut, coconut milk, and a variety of fruit and vegetables. Sometimes, even pandan leaves are used for wrapping food or a food vessel.
If you are looking for vegan and vegetarian options on your visit to Thailand, this article will introduce you to some of the best places to experience the best vegan&vegetarian food in the country.
There is a vegetarian festival, also known as the Jay Festival and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. The festival is celebrated for 9 days. It occurs on the ninth lunar moon of the Chinese calendar year, making the dates vary every year.
Even Thai people who aren’t typically vegetarians stop eating meat in honor of this festival. It is widely spread throughout Thailand. Many visitors can get to be a part of the celebration if they are in Thailand at the time the festival is held.
In Phuket, Thailand, locals of Thai-Chinese descendants also celebrate the festival by having a parade around the city. The parade includes mediums and spiritual performers who express their faith in a form of self-torture. It is truly an interesting and fascinating experience for visitors.
Koh Phangan is a beautiful island off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its infamous Full Moon Party. However, besides the many parties the island offers, it is also a haven for vegans and vegetarians.
There is a large community of expats and locals alike with a lifestyle dedicated to wellness and health. You can expect to find vegan and vegetarian food options everywhere you go on this island. But that’s not all, Koh Phangan also offers healthy and spiritual activities such as yoga retreats, meditation, ice baths, and even vegan cooking classes.
For an even more environmentally friendly option, you can visit Refilling. It is a zero-waste store where you can refill miscellaneous things such as spices, nuts, organic detergents, oats, organic ingredients, and many more. They also offer eco-friendly products such as reusable bags, straws, and bamboo toothbrushes. All of these amazing vegan & vegetarian-friendly things to do make Koh Phangan a top destination for those looking for an alternative to their diet when on vacation.
There are just so many varieties of food in Bangkok, so much so that there is no ending to exploring food options in this city. Vegan and vegetarian options are, of course, also available in Bangkok. There is a large number of vegetarians and vegans in Bangkok both for religious and wellness reasons. It has made Bangkok one of the best places in Thailand to experience plant-based and meatless cuisines. Here are some of the places we recommend…
You can visit VEGANERIE, a plant-based, dairy-free, egg-free, and 100% vegan cafe located near the lovely Benjasiri Park. With over 150 vegan menus, you can explore delicious and healthy plant-based food options.
For more of an authentic Thai-style vegetarian restaurant, visit Anotai. It is a vegetarian restaurant that has been open for over 20 years. There, you will get to indulge yourself in truly authentic meat-free Thai food. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian international cuisines and healthy desserts. With their home-grown and preservative-free vegetables, the quality of the food there is extremely high. The freshness of it will leave you with nothing but joyful bliss.
There are also a number of fruit markets you can go to such as the Mahanak Market or Yaowarat. Fruit and vegetable vendors are also everywhere in Bangkok. They offer all kinds of tropical fruits you can think of and many other meat-free food options.
Chiang Mai is another amazing place for vegan and vegetarian foodies. Chiang Mai has its own traditional cuisine which is Northern Thai cuisine. The cuisine mostly consists of coconut milk, eggs, and anything curry.
Apart from the beautiful mountainous scenes and ancient temples, Chiang Mai also offers various selections of plant-based restaurants and markets that sell fruits and even vegetarian street food.
You can also visit cooking schools in Chiang Mai such as May Kaidee, a vegan & vegetarian cooking school with branches in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and New York. May Kaidee has been teaching amazing food recipes for over 30 years. Some of the courses include tofu recipes, fruit carving, Thai desserts, traditional Thai food, and even raw food recipes!
Tucked away off the coast of Ao Nang Beach, Railay is a tropical paradise for all visitors. Not only does Railay have some of the most turquoise waters and majestic limestone cliffs, but the buzzing food scenes there are also the bay’s best delights.
Once you’ve arrived in Railay, you will discover a good selection of plant-based food options and vegan/vegetarian restaurants. From organic smoothie bowls to international vegan cuisines, perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet with a wide range of diverse food.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, rock climbing at Railay and doing other beach activities there while enjoying healthy and delicious food is the perfect way to spend your vacation.
