Global Contenders for the Vegan Crown
There's no single, universally agreed-upon title for the most vegan place in the world. Instead, several cities around the globe consistently vie for the top spot, each excelling in different aspects of the plant-based lifestyle. From sheer volume of restaurants to density per capita and community vibrancy, the metrics used to judge can vary.
London, UK
London is often crowned the most vegan-friendly city by platforms like HappyCow, and for good reason. The city's sheer size and cultural diversity mean a vast number of options are available. In 2025, HappyCow noted London had over 3,600 vegan-friendly listings, including hundreds of fully vegan restaurants, cafés, and businesses. It's a bustling hub with everything from high-end dining to casual street food, ensuring vegans are never short of delicious choices. The scene continues to grow, with a significant increase in plant-based options year over year.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin has long been considered a European vegan capital, known for its progressive and vibrant scene. While it may not have as many absolute listings as London, its plant-based options are abundant and culturally integrated. Berlin was home to Europe's first all-vegan supermarket, Veganz, and offers a diverse range of vegan options, including the popular Brammibal’s doughnuts and a wide variety of veganized German classics.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is a strong contender for having the highest per capita vegan population globally, with studies suggesting that approximately 5% of its residents are vegan. The city's food culture, which heavily features chickpeas and tahini, naturally lends itself to plant-based eating. Falafel and hummus are staples, and an impressive number of restaurants cater exclusively to vegans. The Israeli government's initiatives to promote vegan-friendly labeling also contribute to its reputation.
Portland, USA
Renowned for its progressive culture, Portland has a high density of vegan establishments per capita, making it a powerful contender from the US. The city's vegan scene is deeply integrated into its social fabric, offering unique experiences like vegan strip clubs and a vegan food mall. PETA has consistently named Portland one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the US.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as a rapid newcomer on the scene, identified as the fastest-growing vegan city by HappyCow in 2025. The city has seen a massive surge in fully vegan business listings and is praised for its abundance of fresh, flavorful plant-based cuisine, particularly the traditional Vietnamese chay (vegetarian) dishes.
Measuring the 'Most Vegan'
Comparing these cities requires looking beyond just a single number. Key factors include:
- Restaurant Volume vs. Density: While London boasts the largest number of vegan restaurants, cities like Portland or Tel Aviv might have a higher density relative to their population, meaning you're always close to a vegan meal.
- Community and Culture: Cities with a high vegan population per capita, like Tel Aviv, demonstrate a deeply ingrained cultural acceptance of veganism, which can be a key part of the experience.
- Growth and Awareness: The rapid expansion of vegan options in Ho Chi Minh City or the increasing government support in Berlin signal strong, forward momentum in those regions.
Top Contenders for Vegan Supremacy
| City | Notable Vegan Ranking/Feature | Key Metric | Standout Feature | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London, UK | HappyCow Top City (2025) | Sheer volume of vegan listings (3,600+) | Diverse, international cuisine options | Mainstream veganism in a major global hub |
| Berlin, Germany | Perennial Top Performer | High number of vegan restaurants (~1,700 total listings in 2025) | Alternative and innovative vegan scene | Early adopter of vegan culture in Europe |
| Tel Aviv, Israel | High Vegan Population per Capita | ~5% of population is vegan | Excellent traditional Middle Eastern vegan food | Veganism as a societal norm |
| Portland, USA | High Density of Vegan Spots per Capita | High ratio of vegan eateries to population size | Integrated vegan subculture (e.g., vegan shopping mall) | Longstanding, strong vegan community |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Fastest Growing Vegan City (2025) | Massive increase in fully vegan businesses | Abundance of delicious and affordable local vegan cuisine | Rapidly expanding and affordable vegan scene |
Conclusion: So, Where is the Most Vegan Place in the World?
The answer is not static and depends on your personal criteria. If you prioritize the sheer number of options and variety, London might be your ideal destination. For a destination with a deeply embedded plant-based culture and a high percentage of local vegans, Tel Aviv stands out. If you're seeking a high density of innovative vegan spots in a smaller city, Portland could be the perfect fit. For an affordable, rapidly growing vegan scene in Asia, Ho Chi Minh City is the one to watch. Ultimately, the 'most vegan' place is the one that best suits your travel and dining preferences. The excellent news is that the vegan movement is flourishing globally, with more options available than ever before. To further explore the growth of the plant-based movement, consider visiting the Vegan Society's statistics page for global insights.
Understanding the Vegan-Friendly Experience
Beyond restaurants, a truly vegan-friendly city offers more. This includes:
- Grocery Store Availability: Easy access to vegan products in mainstream supermarkets.
- Community Events: Festivals, markets, and meet-ups for connecting with other vegans.
- Lifestyle Businesses: All-vegan hair salons, boutiques, and other cruelty-free establishments.
- Cultural Acceptance: The degree to which veganism is understood and accepted by the general population.
Each of the top cities excels in different areas, providing a unique experience for the vegan traveler. London's widespread accessibility, Berlin's historical vegan leadership, Tel Aviv's cultural depth, Portland's dense community, and Ho Chi Minh City's explosive growth all make them worthy of consideration for the title.
