Here’s How to Find Vegan Food When Traveling!
I’m vegan and I travel frequently, so I want to share a practical, adaptable approach to finding vegan food wherever you go. These tips work in almost any city or country and reflect how I plan trips and discover great vegan meals—including hidden gems that even locals sometimes don’t know about. If you’re not vegan, you can apply the same methods to other diets by swapping the search terms and priorities.
My process
My approach can be summed up in four steps: prepare, peruse, pack and get primal. In short: research before you go, use online tools and social media, bring non-perishable backups if needed, and fall back on simple staples when options are scarce. I do spend a fair amount of time planning, and if you want to find the best vegan food and cover your bases, follow the steps below. Feel free to skip any that don’t apply to your trip.
Google is your friend
Searching is obvious, but what you type matters. Don’t stop at “vegan restaurants in [destination].” Try variations like “vegan + [destination],” “vegetarian + [destination],” “healthy restaurants [destination],” or “vegan guide + [destination].” Sometimes searches for “gluten free + [destination]” turn up places that are willing to accommodate vegans.
Why diversify your searches? In less vegan-friendly places you may not find dedicated vegan restaurants. Vegetarian or health-focused spots often can make simple swaps to remove dairy and eggs. Also remember that many local eateries have little or no online presence. Look for travel blogs and local guides—bloggers and locals often share spots that don’t show up on major listings, and you can sometimes message them for recommendations.
Search for health food stores too; they’re excellent for stocking up on vegan supplies and sometimes offer ready-to-eat vegan dishes. Even if you only find one health store, it can make a big difference on a trip where dining options are limited.
Using apps
Popular platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor and HappyCow are useful resources. HappyCow is particularly helpful because it focuses on vegan and vegetarian listings compiled by local contributors, providing a thorough starting point. Yelp and TripAdvisor can be hit-or-miss since reviews may mention “vegan” in negative contexts, but they still reveal places to investigate. In many countries there are local equivalents (for example, DianPing in China), so ask locals which apps they use.
Research local cuisines
Learn the basics of the local cuisine before you travel. Identify dishes that are naturally vegan or easily adapted, and learn which common ingredients to avoid (for example, fish sauce or shrimp paste in some Southeast Asian dishes). This knowledge helps you order with confidence and avoid accidental non-vegan ingredients. Research street food and snacks as well—some of the best vegan options are small local treats.
Learn the language
Learn a few key phrases or prepare a note on your phone to show staff. Useful phrases include:
vegan / I am vegan / I do not eat ___ / meat / fish / dairy / eggs / honey / cheese
I am allergic to ___ (sometimes saying “allergic” prompts more careful preparation)
Does this contain ___ / Please do not add / Please take out / Can you recommend something?
Hello / Please / Thank you — politeness goes a long way when asking for accommodations. Using the local language reduces misunderstandings and often yields better service.
Social media hacks
Social media is where I find most hidden gems. Start with Instagram: search “vegan + [destination]” under Accounts to find vegan-focused profiles, local vegans, and restaurant pages. Follow related accounts and use the dropdown arrows on profiles to discover similar accounts recommended by the algorithm.
Next, search hashtags in the Tags tab: try #vegan[destination], #veganeats[destination], #[destination]vegan, #vegansof[destination], and equivalents in the local language. Scroll quickly for promising photos—restaurant shots are usually a good sign.
YouTube is useful for “vegan + [destination]” queries that surface vlogs and “what I eat” videos with specific spot recommendations. Facebook groups can connect you with local vegan communities who share up-to-date tips. Pinterest can reveal smaller blog posts and pins that don’t always rank well in search engines.
Stick to the basics
If you still can’t find dining options, fall back on basics. Fruits, vegetables, grains, bread, canned beans, nuts and seeds are available in nearly every grocery store worldwide and can form satisfying meals. Shopping and preparing simple dishes can also save money.
Consider cuisines that are typically vegan-friendly—Indian, Middle Eastern and some Japanese meals often have vegan options such as curries, samosas, falafel, hummus, and veggie sushi.
Be prepared
Pack non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods for destinations where vegan options are limited or for long flights. Useful items include rice cakes, nut butter, dried fruit, nuts, protein bars, instant grains or ready meals that only need hot water, and granola. These items are helpful when access to a kitchen is uncertain and can be a reliable backup when airplane meals or local offerings are unavailable.
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That’s my guide to finding vegan food while traveling. These are practical steps I use to discover both well-known spots and lesser-known local gems. If you try any of these tips, I’d love to hear how they worked for you—tag me on Instagram @veggiekins or send a message. Happy travels, herbivores!
Happy travels, herbivores!