Food and travel often go hand in hand, providing an enjoyable way to immerse yourself in a country’s culture. Exploring a destination through its cuisine is truly one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with its traditions. Just as we Indians are known for our aromatic spices and rich, delicious cuisine, every country has its own unique way of expressing its heritage through food.

However, for vegetarians, the idea of ​​traveling abroad can sometimes seem daunting. Many people feel that food options are limited, and this concern is more pronounced in countries such as Vietnam, Japan or Thailand, where non-vegetarian dishes dominate the local cuisine. However, this should never be a reason to hold back from visiting these or any other countries.

“Vegetarianism and vegetarianism are growing rapidly all over the world. Finding good vegetarian and vegan food abroad is no longer that difficult. In fact, a lot of local dishes even have a vegetarian or vegan version,” says Aahuti, content creator and founder of The Veggie Travels, a group that helps vegans travel more efficiently.

Now, if you are a vegetarian and planning your next trip and are concerned about your food options, don’t worry, we are prepared for you. Here’s a complete guide with hacks on how to get really good food while traveling abroad.

1. Research local vegan-friendly dishes

step 1 There is research, research and research. Before setting foot in any new country, take some time to learn about its cuisine.

Although you might assume a destination relies heavily on meat, many places have traditional cuisine that is naturally vegetarian. For example, Italy has Margherita pizza and pasta primavera, while Thailand offers dishes like pad thai or green curry with tofu.

Take help from online food blogs, vlogs and food guides to compile a list of must-try recipes. Doing this can make eating out less stressful and more enjoyable.

Research will also help you identify which foods to avoid and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.

For example, Nikhil Chawla, a food vlogger and content creator with over 7 lakh followers on Instagram, points out India Today That some countries also consider eggs or fish as vegetarian.

“In Southeast Asia, it’s especially important to ask about dishes without fish sauce or oyster sauce, as these are commonly used in so-called ‘vegetarian’ dishes,” he says.

2. Learn key food-related phrases in the local language

Language barriers can often make dining abroad complicated, especially when explaining dietary restrictions. Learn to say phrases like “I don’t eat meat, fish, or eggs” or “I’m a vegetarian” in the local language.

Use translation apps or download a vegan travel card online, which can be shown to waitstaff.

3. Apps for victory

Technology makes it much easier to locate vegetarian-friendly eateries. Apps like HappyCow (available in 180 countries) allow you to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants by location, with detailed reviews from fellow vegan travelers.

Google Maps can help you filter restaurants by searching for terms like “vegan restaurants near me.” To avoid last minute stress, bookmark a few options before heading out.

Another underrated app that can be used for reviews and reviews of vegan recipes and restaurants is Reddit. You can ask for recommendations, and find restaurant suggestions recommended by other locals and visitors (Though remember to do some research before visiting that place).

Online communities like Facebook’s “Vegetarian and Vegan Travel” can also help with destination-specific threads. Members share their experiences, restaurant suggestions, and even tips on ingredients to look for in local grocery stores.

Pro Tip: Search “vegetarian restaurant” on Google Maps in the local language to get better suggestions.

4. Use grocery stores

• This is why grocery stores like Seven-Eleven in countries like Japan and South Korea go viral on social media.

• These groceries not only have a wide range of food items, but they also have affordable options.
• If you can’t find grocery stores, you can find farmers markets that are a treasure trove of fresh, locally grown produce and snacks.
• Exploring local markets and shops not only ensures that you’ll find something to eat but also gives you an authentic glimpse of daily life.

5. Ready-to-eat meals to the rescue

Having plenty of vegetarian snacks ensures that you never go hungry. Pack things from home like protein bars, trail mix, instant noodles, or ready-to-eat meal packs. Brands like MTR, Haldiram or Knorr offer compact options that are easy to carry. These are especially helpful if you’re unsure about the local cuisine or if your itinerary involves long travel hours. Pre-packaged foods are also a favorite among Indians living abroad.

6. Stay in accommodation with kitchen facilities

Booking accommodation with kitchen access can be a game-changer for vegetarians. Places like Airbnb properties, hostels or serviced apartments often provide basic cooking facilities. Cooking your own meals allows you to use fresh, local ingredients while avoiding the stress of finding vegetarian food every day.

7. Ask locals for recommendations

For offerings, locals are more reliable than apps.

“Talk to locals abroad. According to me, this is the best way to find local vegetarian food abroad. Because of the type of recommendations you get from locals, you’ll likely never be able to find them online. “I rely on it a lot during my travels and I’ve always had a great experience,” she says.

Pro Tip: Ask hotel staff, Airbnb hosts or even taxi drivers for reliable recommendations.

8. Customize your order at the restaurant

Many restaurants are flexible in adjusting dishes to suit dietary restrictions. Ask if meat-based dishes can be prepared without meat or with vegetarian alternatives such as tofu, cheese, or additional vegetables.

For example, Nikhil recommends that if you go to Thailand, you can request vegetable fried rice without fish sauce, or in Italy, request pasta dishes without meat.

Aahuti also recommends visiting reputable restaurants and asking them to make a vegetarian version of it.

“Visit some of the iconic spots in a city and ask them what local vegan items they have that are must-try. You have to tell everything you don’t eat. Learn a few phrases in the local language of the city you’re visiting, which translates to, I’m a vegetarian. I don’t eat eggs, meat, seafood, poultry, fish,” he explained.

9. Find an Indian, Middle Eastern or Mediterranean restaurant

We know that visiting a new place means trying its cuisine. But if you’re desperate, consider Indian restaurants as they are widely available in many countries and offer vegetarian dishes.

Similarly, Middle Eastern cuisine is rich in vegetarian options such as hummus, falafel, tabbouleh and pita bread.

Even Mediterranean cuisine often includes vegetarian-friendly foods like pasta, pizza, stuffed vine leaves and salads. These dishes can provide comforting, familiar options when you’re in a new place.

By combining these strategies, you can enjoy your trip without compromising your vegan lifestyle. Bon appetit!