Seven of the best countries for vegetarians

Some countries have always embraced vegetarianism while others are rising to meet the ever-growing numbers. While travelling, you can use the Happy Cow app to find local eateries that are vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. We’ve also rounded up seven of the best countries for vegetarians.

1. Thailand

Khao Som — *Khao som*
*Photo by somrom.space on Instagram*

With a large Buddhist population and a vegan hotspot in Chiang Mai, vegetarians can happily eat their way around Thailand. Meals mainly revolve around noodles and rice which can easily be made vegetarian. Dig into vegetarian pad thai, sweet and sour tofu and vegetable stir fries; but vegans be warned, fish sauce is a common ingredient so check before ordering.

2. Italy

Fava bean dip — *Macco di Fava, a fava bean dip*
*Photo by gustiamo on Instagram*

Did you know that Italy has one of the highest rates of vegetarianism in Europe at 10%? Italians adore making use of seasonal produce, so each region adds their own flair to fresh items like tomatoes, eggplants, and mushrooms! Italy also has a traditional way of cooking called la cucina povera, also known as ‘poor kitchen’. This is all about using what you can grow and/or using cheap or leftover ingredients to creatively cook up a storm – mainly focused on using grains and seasonal produce.

3. India

India has some of the most mouthwatering vegetarian cuisine in the world. From vegetable curry-filled samosas and airy dosas, to spinach paneer curries and hearty biryanis, you certainly won’t go hungry in India if vegetarian or vegan. Between 31 – 38% of Indians are vegetarians, with a good proportion being lacto-vegetarian.

4. Greece

Dolmades in Greece — *A plate of dolmades*
*Photo by feelgoodfoodie on Instagram*

With its idyllic Mediterranean location and climate, vegetarian-heavy meals are the norm in Greece. Refreshing Greek salads are found at every taverna, as well as dolmades (cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with rice), gigantes (butter beans in a zingy tomato sauce) and bouyourdi (a gooey, melted cheese and capsicum dip).

5. United Kingdom

Bubble and squeak, London — *Bubble and squeak*
*Photo by bettinas_kitchen on Instagram*

The United Kingdom is a melting pot of cultures; therefore, you’ll be treated to a host of vegetarian-friendly cuisines to choose from. The UK has also seen a rise in the opening of vegetarian-only restaurants. Classics such as cauliflower cheese or bubble and squeak are not just vegetarian, but comfort food at its best.

6. Indonesia

Gado gado salad, Indonesia — *The makings of a fresh gado gado salad*
*Photo by koh_aming on Instagram*

While smaller than all these countries mentioned, Indonesia has the highest concentration of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the world! Being smack bang in the middle of several foodie-centric countries means you can stumble upon Malaysian, Thai and even Indian influenced restaurants. There are also vegetarian versions of traditional Balinese meals readily available, such as nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and gado gado (salad topped with eggs, potato and tofu).

7. Canada

*Vegan takeaways in Toronto from hogtownvegan (on Instagram)*

In a bold move, Health Canada (a government agency) revised Canada’s food guide in 2019. One of the main takeaways was to encourage Canadians to prioritise plant-based food over meat and dairy; and there are now almost 3 million vegetarians and 2 million vegans. As you would expect, Canada’s largest cities have the most variety – particularly Toronto, being so multicultural.

Which of these countries appeal the most to you? Discover the world on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or an Avalon Waterways river cruise.