The best countries in the world for vegetarian and vegan tourism are determined according to the results of research by the Busuu service. As the meat-free lifestyle becomes more popular in different parts of the world, some tourists are looking for resorts where vegetables, grains, and other foods are the only ingredients in the meals.
Busuu researched the best destinations for vegetarians and vegans. A team of experts searched for countries with a wide selection of suitable restaurants. At the same time, the list of vegan meccas included states that used to love meat and that just recently adopted the new trend of veganism, as well as those whose traditional cuisine already largely consists of plant-based dishes.
So, the final list is as follows:
- India. India has topped the list of best places for vegans and vegetarians, facing stiff competition. “It is not difficult to find vegan or vegetarian meals in India, as approximately 30% of Indians follow a plant-based diet. This is a dream destination for foodies who want to take their taste buds on an adventure. The whole country is full of food markets and restaurants that offer diverse and richly spiced authentic dishes,” the experts explained. According to Pew Research statistics, about 8 out of 10 Indians limit their meat consumption in their diet. Most often, this is explained not so much by poverty as by religious views: almost 95% of Jains consider themselves vegetarians, and 45% – are Hindus.
- Israel. Israel has been named the second-best destination in the world for vegetarians and vegans due to the country’s vast number of vegan restaurants. The most popular street food in Israel is vegan food, falafel, and hummus, while boori, pastries filled with spinach and potatoes, are easy to find in food markets.
- Taiwan. Taiwan took third place in the ranking. About 14% of the population there consider themselves vegetarians. Many Buddhists follow a vegetarian diet, and meat-free menus in Taiwan include tofu and artificial meat.
- Germany. While Germany’s penchant for sausages and schnitzels may make its inclusion on the list a surprise, the European country is a leading producer of meat substitutes.
- Poland. Poland has experienced a vegan revolution in recent years, and its capital, Warsaw, is now considered one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world. More than 950 restaurants in Poland cater to a vegan clientele, and the capital’s famous veggie burgers are considered some of the best in the world.
- Australia. Australia has one of the fastest-growing vegan markets in the world, with the number of people switching to a plant-based diet doubling over the past decade. With popular fast-food restaurants adapting to vegetarian menus and many fully vegan restaurants popping up, there are plenty of options for vegan travelers.
- The USA. American cuisine is dominated by meat: burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, meat pizza, and fried chicken. However, all of these classic American dishes can easily be incorporated into a vegan or vegetarian diet by replacing meat. Plant-based diets are gaining popularity, and veganism has grown 600% in the past three years.
- Thailand. Thai cuisine is based on fresh vegetables, and many dishes can easily be adapted to a vegan diet.
“One of the best ways to experience a foreign culture is through food, and vegan and vegetarian travelers shouldn’t miss out on this because of their dietary requirements especially since tourist countries offer such wide opportunities. In vegan-oriented countries, people following a meat-free lifestyle need not worry about finding places that suit their diet, as there are many restaurants and markets that offer authentic plant-based dishes,” the report said. .