Vegetarian Food From Around The World That Every Traveller Should Taste

The beauty of travel is more than discovering stunning sites or engaging in thrilling outdoor adventure; it’s also about enjoying the simplicity of the most mundane of activities – eating. I would be lying if I said a city’s food scene is what I care most about when travelling, but this does not mean I do not love the opportunity to explore new cultures through their cuisine. Of course, as a vegetarian traveller, sometimes it’s difficult to try authentic local foods, but it is not impossible. There is an endless collection of vegetarian food from around the world that every traveller should try, and I am going to share some of my favourites with you. 

From the rice fields of Vietnam to the streets of Kenya, there are so many sweets and treats to savour and cooking styles to appreciate. It’s quite a delicious way to uncover our similarities and differences, isn’t it?

The Best Vegetarian Food From Around The World

Vegetarian Food In Czech Republic

Trdelnik 

Perhaps the most famous Czech dish amongst travellers is Trdelnik, a traditional pastry that originated in Slovakia in the 19th century but has become increasingly popular in Prague’s street food scene. In its true form, the desert is a yeast dough rolled onto metal bars, placed over an open fireplace and then coated with sugar or ground nuts. Modern-day touches to this dish include filling the balls with caramel, chocolate or vanilla cream, various ice cream flavours, coconut flakes and much more. I personally view this treat as a gelato equivalent because you’re going to want to have at least one a day.

Vegetarian Food In Egypt

Falafel 

Emerging from the ancient depths of Alexandria, falafel is now wildly popular vegetarian food, and for good reason. However, there is nothing quite like tasting these dumplings of slow-cooked fava beans stuffed between a warm pita and salad while exploring everything from the pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor. Although a little bit of a messy dish, it’s one of the best street foods in Egypt. 

Vegetarian Food In France 

Champagne

Originating from, of course, the region of Champagne, this sparkling drink that graces grand events is a real treat – especially if you have the opportunity to try it directly on the lush vineyards. If not, make sure to grab a sip of Moët & Chandon, for it is the best-selling champagne brand and is widely considered the best champagne brand in the world. 

Crêpes

It is hard to fathom a traveller who’s never heard of crêpes or one who hasn’t rushed to the food stalls in Paris or explored the region of Brittany (where it originates) for a bite of this heavenly dessert. Coming to us in sweet or savoury form, the ‘thin cake’ offers endless flavours and fillings – but you know you want to go for the chocolate-covered option garnished with berries. 

Croissants 

The French are known for their sweet treats, and truthfully, this list could be much longer than just three delicacies, but alas, we don’t have the time. Croissants are the perfect staple for your daily breakfast and will keep you energized are you explore. Fun fact: the French government even named croissants as a French national product in 1920.

Vegetarian Food In Germany 

Beer

Beer is a major part of German culture, and although the drink is popular worldwide, no one does it quite like the Germans do. German beer is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, which permits only water, hops, and malt as ingredients – and although a simple recipe, Germany ranks third in Europe in terms of per-capita beer consumption, behind the Czech Republic and Austria. Truly the most German thing you can do is have some Maultaschen paired with a pint of Pilsner.

Maultaschen

I was surprised to find that there is quite a variety of vegetarian food in traditional German cuisine, but perhaps I shouldn’t have been considering a large part of the diet consists of bread, potatoes, and greens. Now, I can’t say I remember any of the names per se, but one that stood out while I was in Berlin and Baden-Baden was Maultaschen. Similar to ravioli, Maultaschena are palm-sized, square pockets of dough filled with either meat or vegetables + breadcrumbs, onions and spinach and then placed in a simmering broth. 

Pretzels a.k.a Bretzel

Bretzel, a.k.a. pretzels, have been integral to German baking traditions for centuries. The soft pastry is renowned for its distinctive symmetrical form that twists to create a knot and is the easiest vegetarian dish to try in Germany. Head over to any bakery in any town, and you are guaranteed to get your hands on a delicious, fresh bake. 

Vegetarian Food In Greece 

Horiatiki 

Horiatiki, or the better-known term, Greek Salad, is a simple yet iconic staple in Greek cuisine. The traditional appetizer features a fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese and herbs, usually seasoned with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, that serve up a lovely taste that cools you amidst the famous Mediterranean heat.

Tzatziki 

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yoghurt dip served on all vegetarian mezze platters and gyros in Greece. Whether you’re at a restaurant or street-side, it’ll be at the top of the menu, so there’s no way to miss it!

Vegetarian Food In India 

Arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world, India is a melting pot (no pun intended) of vegetarian dishes and recipes. In fact, there are so many options from north to south, east to west, that I struggled to narrow down which ones to recommend! So, I thought I’d go with one main dish, fun street food and a dessert.

Masala Dosa

The South Indian delicacy is a favourite amongst Indians and non-Indians alike. Traditionally made from rice, lentils, Urad dal, Chana dal, fenugreek, puffed rice and a blend of spices served with a potato curry and coconut chutney, masala dosa is unmissable when discovering the Indian vegetarian food scene. It’s so popular that most hotels have live dosa stations for breakfast, so you can fill yourself right up before a day of exploring! 

Much like the Czech Trdelnik, dosa has taken up a life on its own as eclectic modern takes feature everything from cheese to chocolate – however, the latter is rather bizarre if you ask me.

Pani Puri

Undeniably the most popular street food across the state of Maharashtra is pani puri. It’s the food version of a vodka shot, just not as lethal and far tastier. Consisting of individual mini-puri shells stuffed with potato, onion, sev, mung bean, tamarind juice (amli) and spiced water (pani), you simply stand on the bustling streets of Mumbai and gorge down as many as you can within a few minutes. It’s quite a fun game for you and your travel buddies. 

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is one of the most beloved sweet confectioneries in India and across the entire Indian sub-continent. I don’t have a sweetest sweet tooth, but even I can’t ever pass up the opportunity to sink my teeth into the soft, crumbly fried dough balls that are made of milk and semolina, and drenched in a syrup flavoured with cardamom, rose water, saffron, and cloves.

Vegetarian Food In Italy 

Gelato 

Visit Italy in the summer, and I can guarantee that there is no way you’re not having at least one scoop a day. What’s not to love about colourful ice cream with unique flavours? That being said, and I don’t mean to judge your preferences, but when in Italy, please try something other than Stracciatella, even if you are a simple vanilla or chocolate lover.

PS. My favourite gelato spot in Venice was Suso Gelateria.

Pizza

I mean, is there anything that needs to be said here? Whether you’re biting into a slice by the Roman Colosseum or in its hometown of Naples, you can’t go wrong when it comes to vegetarian food in Italy. Although I am curious, are you a Margherita type of person, or do you always need toppings? 

Pasta 

Again, not much that needs to be explained. Pasta in Italy just hits differently, even if you go to the most authentic Italian restaurant you can find anywhere else in the world. The best part is that with an incredible selection of flavours, sauces and styles, you can rarely get bored of eating pasta twice a day, every day, while you explore the gorgeous country.

Vegetarian Food In Kenya 

Mandazi 

Mandazi is a form of fried bread that originates from the Swahili Coast. Often paired with a mug of sweet tea, it is a staple snack across Kenya that can also be enjoyed as a main meal when eaten with ‘barazi’, which essentially pigeon peas simmered in coconut milk. Try the mandazi with some icing sugar, and you’ll never look back. 

Guaji 

Translating to sweet potato, guaji has been a primary source of carbohydrates for Kenyans for centuries. The best way to indulge in the Kenyan cooking style of the basic vegetable is by walking the streets of large cities and towns (namely Nairobi and Mombasa) and buying it roasted and flavoured with chilli, salt and lemon. 

Ugali and Sukuma Wiki

Forgive me if I completely bitcher my explanation of what this Kenyan national dish is. But here we go. Ugali and sukuma wiki could be considered the most popular dish in East Africa. It consists of a type of baked flour (ugali) and spiced collard greens (sukuma wiki) and, in its simplicity, is one of the most delicious Kenyan dishes you could try as a vegetarian. Sometimes served with other delectable staples, including matoke, it really is a dish for wandering travellers. 

Vegetarian Food In Mexico 

Tacos

Recognized as the most popular Mexican dish worldwide, the preparation of a taco has, in itself, become an art form. Hundreds of fillings can be put into this soft or hard corn tortilla shell, meaning you’ll never go without a meal. It truly is a dish for all diets. 

Tamales

Tamales come to us from pre-Hispanic America and is referred to as náhuatl in the indigenous language. Much like tacos (and many other Mexican dishes), they cater to all because the wrap, which is made from masa and steamed in a corn husk or banana leaves, can be stuffed with any filling you desire.

Vegetarian Food In Portugal 

Admittedly, Portuguese cuisine is not very vegetarian-friendly, but over the years, the food scene has adapted a few of its local dishes to fit vegetarian diets. 

Francesinha

In truth, I knew little of what Portuguese food entailed before visiting Portugal, but while I spent time in the Algarve region, I fell in love with the vegan and vegetarian versions of the famous Francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich made with layers of toasted bread and assorted fillings drowned in melted cheese and a tomato-and-beer sauce. It’s quite the treat when paired with a glass of wine. I highly recommend visiting Outro Lado in Faro to get a great taste of this.

Vegetarian Food In Spain 

Patatas Bravas

I don’t think I ate any other vegetarian food more than I ate patatas bravas while in Barcelona. These spicy potatoes native to Spain are a tasty appetiser that feels like the heart and soul of the Spanish food scene. I promise you’ll love it.

Paella 

Sometimes, the beauty of exploring a city’s culture through its national foods is sharing a meal with a friend – and there is no better dish than paella to let you do this. It is an identifying symbol of the Valencian Community and is a lovely meal to be enjoyed right out of a nice giant pot. 

Sangria 

It’s hard to stay hydrated with water when surrounded by the sweet essences of Sangria – a fruit punch featuring red wine, sparkling soda, peaches and strawberries. It looks just as pretty as it tastes!

Vegetarian Food In Turkey 

Moussaka 

By no means owned by the Turks, the Balkans and Middle Eastern dish, moussaka, is quite the local treasure in Turkey. The vegetarian recipe consists of eggplant and potatoes baked in a thick tomato sauce. The cultural fluidity of the food is the perfect example of the beauty of travel and integrated human history. 

Turkish Delight

Also known as lokum, Turkish Delight is just that – a delight. A family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar mixed with chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts or other more exotic ingredients like pistachio, this is what you want to indulge in if you want a sugar high. Besides that, the colourful Turkish Delight shops in Istanbul are quite the sight for photographers, and much like Italian gelato, there are so many flavours to try, so keep an open mind!

Vegetarian Food In Thailand 

Pad Thai

Wandering around the buzzing food market of Thailand is definitely not an activity for vegetarian travellers – but one thing that is a must when exploring the country is trying some Pad Thai. The aromatic vegetarian recipe of the national favourite street food consists of rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, tofu, chopped peanuts and sweet and sour sauce.  

Vegetarian Food In Vietnam 

It might amaze you that Vietnam is a haven for vegetarian travellers in far-east Asia. Though the cuisine doesn’t win any points for complexity, I think that’s what makes it so special; most popular dishes can be made just as well on the side of the road as in a top-rated restaurant.

Gỏi Cuốn

With much of the Vietnamese cuisine being either fried, grilled, or boiled, you may occasionally crave something fresher. Look no further than gỏi cuốn, also known as summer rolls, which are typically packed with crispy salad and tofu, dipped in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, and topped with peanuts for an extra layer of crunch. Fun fact: if you take a cruise around Halong Bay, you can take a cooking class onboard most boats and learn how to make these from scratch!

Pho

It’s almost impossible to walk a block in Vietnam’s major cities without coming across a crowd slurping on a bowl of Pho. The vegetarian version of the comforting national delicacy consists of a salty broth, fresh rice noodles, and a sprinkling of herbs fused with tofu instead of meat. It’s quite a hearty meal and a perfect way to connect with the local culture – more so if you eat your bowl while dodging traffic on the road.