The Global Guide: Where is it easiest to be vegan?

According to the food app HappyCow, London and Berlin consistently rank as top vegan-friendly cities, thanks to a high density of vegan-focused businesses and strong community support. For those asking, "Where is it easiest to be vegan?", the answer depends on a blend of culinary infrastructure, cultural openness, and local market availability.

Quick Summary

Explore the best countries and cities for vegans, including established European hubs, culturally-rich Asian destinations, and high-growth North American locales. Learn what factors contribute to an easy vegan lifestyle, from restaurant density to supermarket labeling.

Key Points

• High Density Cities: Major urban centers like London, Berlin, and Tel Aviv offer a vast and visible vegan restaurant scene, frequently topping global rankings.

• Cultural Roots: Countries with strong Buddhist or Hindu influences, such as India, Taiwan, and Thailand, provide a strong foundation of naturally plant-based cuisine.

• Emerging Markets: Destinations in Southeast Asia like Ho Chi Minh City are rapidly expanding their affordable and diverse vegan offerings, blending local tradition with modern vegan innovation.

• Beyond Restaurants: Ease of being vegan also depends on local supermarket availability, clear product labeling, and general public awareness, which is very high in places like the UK and Germany.

• Personal Factors: The 'easiest' place ultimately depends on your budget, travel style, and specific dietary needs, with options ranging from high-end dining in London to budget-friendly street food in HCMC.

• US City Hubs: While the US varies, cities like Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago are renowned hubs with exceptional vegan food scenes.

Mapping the World for Plant-Based Eaters

Navigating a vegan diet while traveling has become significantly simpler over the last decade, with major cities and even entire countries adapting to the growing demand for plant-based food. However, the ease of access varies dramatically across the globe. Some destinations offer a wealth of dedicated vegan restaurants and shops, while others thrive on naturally vegan-friendly traditional cuisines. Knowing where to look and what to expect can transform a challenging trip into a culinary adventure. This guide explores the best places worldwide for vegans, breaking down what makes them so accessible.

European Vegan Hotspots

Europe is a powerhouse for the plant-based movement, with several countries and cities leading the charge in vegan innovation and availability.

Germany: The Vegan Capital of Europe

Germany has cemented its reputation as one of the most vegan-friendly nations, with a particularly vibrant scene in its major cities. Berlin is frequently cited as a top global vegan city by HappyCow, offering a vast selection of all-vegan eateries, bakeries, and cafes. Hamburg is also an emerging hotspot with significant growth in its vegan businesses.

United Kingdom: Pioneering Veganism

With a long history tied to the movement, the UK is a top-tier vegan destination. London is a global leader with a diverse array of fully vegan establishments. Supermarkets across the UK offer extensive own-brand plant-based products, simplifying home cooking.

The Netherlands and Spain: Rising Stars

Amsterdam's progressive culture supports a wide variety of vegan cafes and restaurants. In Spain, Barcelona stands out with creative vegan tapas and expanding options, despite the country's traditional cuisine.

Asian Paradises for Plant-Based Eaters

Asia offers a different but equally rewarding vegan experience, often rooted in long-standing culinary traditions and diverse plant-based ingredients.

Taiwan: A Haven of Buddhist Influence

Taiwan's strong Buddhist presence means vegetarian and vegan cuisine is widespread. Taipei boasts numerous vegetarian buffets and dedicated vegan restaurants, supported by clear food labeling laws. Its night markets also offer various vegan-friendly street foods.

Thailand and Vietnam: Street Food Delights

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is known for its affordable and delicious vegan food scene. Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a vegan street food paradise, though awareness of fish sauce or shrimp paste is needed.

India: A Cultural and Culinary Heritage

India, with its history of vegetarianism, is a great vegan destination, particularly in the north. Dishes like dal and vegetable curries are naturally vegan and widely available. Vegans should be mindful of hidden dairy, like ghee.

North American and Middle Eastern Gems

United States: City-Specific Excellence

The US vegan scene is strongest in specific urban centers. Portland, OR, is noted for its high density of vegan establishments, while Los Angeles, CA, offers a massive range of vegan-friendly venues and events.

Israel: High Vegan Population Density

Tel Aviv is a leading global vegan city due to its high vegan population percentage. Traditional vegan dishes like hummus and falafel are staples, and an active vegan community increases accessibility.

How to Assess Your Vegan-Friendly Destination

When choosing a destination, consider factors beyond just restaurant numbers:

• Restaurant Density and Variety: Use apps like HappyCow to check the concentration of vegan and vegan-friendly places.
• Local Market and Supermarket Access: Look into the availability of vegan-specific products and fresh produce.
• Cultural Awareness and Acceptance: Research local understanding of vegan diets to avoid issues with staff.
• Affordability: The cost of vegan food varies, from very cheap in places like Ho Chi Minh City to more expensive in cities like London.
• Community Support: Vibrant local vegan communities often indicate better availability and events.

Vegan City Comparison: Berlin vs. Ho Chi Minh City

This table compares two popular vegan destinations to highlight their different strengths:

Feature	Berlin, Germany	Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Restaurant Scene	High density of exclusively vegan restaurants and diverse cuisine. Well-established and innovative.	Large selection of very affordable vegan street food and local eateries. Rapidly expanding scene.
Cultural Context	Strongly progressive, with a clear understanding and acceptance of veganism due to a large local vegan population.	Influenced by Buddhist traditions, leading to abundant plant-based options. Veganism as a distinct concept is growing.
Cost	Generally more expensive, in line with Western European prices.	Very budget-friendly, especially for street food and local eats.
Grocery Shopping	Excellent availability of dedicated vegan products in all major supermarkets and specialty stores.	Plentiful fresh produce in markets. Growing but less extensive selection of branded vegan alternatives in stores.
Communication	English is widely spoken, and veganism is a well-understood term among staff.	English proficiency varies. Signs or phrases indicating vegetarian (chay) or vegan food can be helpful.

Conclusion: Your Ideal Vegan Haven

There's no single answer to where is it easiest to be vegan. For extensive dedicated options, Western cities like London, Berlin, or Portland are top. For budget-friendly, traditional plant-based cuisine, Asian destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, or India are excellent. The global rise of veganism means finding options is easier everywhere. For more information on locations, HappyCow is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the most vegans by percentage?

Israel has been cited as having one of the highest percentages of vegans globally, with estimates ranging from 5% to 8% of its population, concentrated particularly in Tel Aviv.

Which city has the most vegan restaurants?

According to the food app HappyCow, London consistently leads global rankings with the highest number of fully vegan restaurants and vegan-friendly listings, with Berlin following closely.

Is it difficult to find vegan food in Southeast Asia?

No, it's quite easy, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Many local dishes are naturally plant-based, but travelers should still be aware of hidden animal products like fish sauce or shrimp paste.

What makes Germany a good place for vegans?

Germany, particularly cities like Berlin and Hamburg, offers a thriving and diverse vegan scene with numerous dedicated restaurants. The government also actively promotes plant-based foods.

Are smaller towns in vegan-friendly countries also easy for vegans?

Not always. While major cities generally offer excellent options, the availability of dedicated vegan restaurants and products can be much more limited in smaller, rural towns.

Is India a good country for vegans?

India is an excellent destination for vegans, especially given its large vegetarian population and rich history of naturally dairy-free cuisine, though attention to ghee and other dairy is required.

What about Japan, which is often considered difficult for vegans?

While traditionally challenging, finding vegan food in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto has become much easier in recent years, with a growing number of dedicated vegan eateries, convenience store options, and supportive establishments.

How does Portland, Oregon, rank for vegans?

Portland, OR, is consistently ranked as one of the best vegan cities in the U.S., noted for its exceptionally high density of vegan establishments per capita.