10 Vegan Travel Destinations: Budget-Friendly Eats Around the World

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Why it’s great: Chiang Mai is a vegan paradise with hundreds of affordable, plant-based eateries and street food stalls. You can get a hearty vegan meal for just a few dollars.

• Must-try foods: Khao Soi (spicy coconut noodle soup), vegan pad thai, and mango sticky rice.

• Budget tip: Visit local markets and vegan cafes to save more, as many meals cost less than $5.

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Why it’s great: Vietnam has a strong Buddhist influence, which means vegetarian and vegan dishes are easy to find. Street food vendors often offer vegan-friendly options at extremely low prices.

• Must-try foods: Vegan pho, banh mi with tofu, and fresh spring rolls.

• Budget tip: Stick to street food and local eateries for meals that cost as little as $1–$3.

3. Mexico City, Mexico

• Why it’s great: Mexico City has an emerging vegan scene with a mix of street food and casual eateries offering budget-friendly vegan tacos, tamales, and more.

• Must-try foods: Vegan tacos al pastor, tamales, and sopes with beans and veggies.

• Budget tip: Visit street markets like La Merced for affordable plant-based options.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

• Why it’s great: Lisbon is known for its growing vegan scene with a variety of cafes and restaurants offering affordable, hearty plant-based meals.

• Must-try foods: Vegan pastéis de nata (custard tarts), seitan-based dishes, and hearty vegan stews.

• Budget tip: Look for vegan-friendly buffets or daily lunch specials, often around €5–€7.

5. Bali, Indonesia

• Why it’s great: Bali is a hotspot for health-conscious travelers and has tons of budget-friendly vegan options, especially in places like Ubud and Canggu.

• Must-try foods: Nasi Campur (mixed rice with veggies and tofu), Gado-Gado (veggies with peanut sauce), and fresh smoothie bowls.

• Budget tip: Explore warungs (small family-run restaurants) for delicious meals under $3.

6. Berlin, Germany

• Why it’s great: Berlin has long been a haven for vegans, offering a range of affordable eateries, from fast food joints to cozy cafes.

• Must-try foods: Vegan doner kebabs, burgers, and traditional German dishes like currywurst (with vegan sausage).

• Budget tip: Look for vegan street food vendors or affordable lunch menus at vegan cafes.

7. Budapest, Hungary

• Why it’s great: Budapest is becoming a vegan-friendly city with plenty of cheap eats, including plant-based takes on traditional Hungarian food.

• Must-try foods: Vegan goulash, langos (fried bread with toppings), and paprika-spiced tofu.

• Budget tip: Many vegan spots offer daily menus and lunch deals for under €6.

8. Warsaw, Poland

• Why it’s great: Warsaw is a hidden gem for vegan travelers, offering budget-friendly vegan restaurants and plant-based versions of Polish classics.

• Must-try foods: Vegan pierogi (dumplings), bigos (cabbage stew), and mushroom-packed dishes.

• Budget tip: Enjoy vegan bistros where a meal can cost as little as $5.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

• Why it’s great: Prague’s vegan scene is growing rapidly, and there are many budget-friendly cafes and bistros offering plant-based meals.

• Must-try foods: Vegan versions of Czech staples like svíčková (creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings) and koláče (sweet pastry).

• Budget tip: Look for all-you-can-eat vegan buffets or lunch menus that cost under $7.

10. Tbilisi, Georgia

• Why it’s great: Georgia has a tradition of vegetarian cuisine due to fasting periods in Orthodox Christianity, and Tbilisi is a budget-friendly destination for plant-based travelers.

• Must-try foods: Lobio (bean stew), pkhali (vegetable pâté), and eggplant with walnut sauce.

• Budget tip: Eat at traditional bakeries and cafes where you can find vegan bread, stews, and salads for just a few dollars.

These destinations not only offer delicious plant-based cuisine but also allow you to enjoy these meals on a budget, making them perfect for a wallet-friendly vegan adventure!