Vegetarians indeed face difficulty when it comes to traveling and at places where they don’t get vegetarian food become really difficult for them to visit. There are many countries in the world where only few restaurants prepare vegetarian cuisines and that too not so great in taste. You will only have bread and fruits in some places as an option for vegetarian food. You may be confused with some non-vegetarian dishes that look vegetarian. Therefore, you will have to be alert while ordering your food.
Let’s have a look at the top 10 countries where vegans will have to struggle a lot in getting the vegetarian food.
France
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Finding good food for a vegetarian in France is a very difficult task. Only options that you can have in the country are pastries, salad, bread, and desserts. However, city like Paris can offer you some good food here as some veggie-friendly restaurants are available there.
Argentina
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Visiting Argentina is going to be really difficult for Vegans as most of the cuisines are prepared here from meat. Eating red meat in the country is considered to be a God-given right by natives. However, Buenos Aires (capital city) may offer you some vegetarian options like medialunas, humitas, empanadas de queso, anddulce de leche.
Japan
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Fish is the main food in Japan and if you think that ramen noodles and miso soup would be perfect for vegan then you are wrong. Most of the traditional Japanese cuisines are prepared from fish even the soya sauce. However many Buddhist temples eat Buddhist vegetarian food, but the options are very few.
Spain
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Spanish people are a diehard fan of meat. So, finding vegetarian dishes and vegetarian here is a very tough task. Don’t get confused with the looks of dishes as they may appear like a vegetarian dish, but you might end up with a bone/meat inside it. Just ask for the ingredient of thedish before ordering anything. However, you don’t need to completely upset as you can still have patatas bravas, croquetas de espinacas, and gazpacho to satisfy your hunger.
Cuba
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There are very few options for vegans in Cuba and in case you find some vegetarian options, they will lack flavor and variety. They mostly prefer to eat rice with meat, hot dogs and ham sandwiches. However, you can easily find fruits and vegetables from street vendors. Apart from this, you can have beans and rice, rum and coffee as a variant.
Philippines
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The most popular dish in Philippines includes adobo, kaldereta, lechon, torta, kare-kare, pinakbet, panchit, lumpia and mechado and all these dishes have pork/ chicken/ beef as ingredients. Now, you can imagine how difficult it’s going to finding good vegetarian food in the Philippines? Well, it’s difficult but not impossible. There are some restaurants for vegetarians but you need to plan your stay accordingly.
China
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This is one of those countries where you will find animal products in almost every dish. They commonly use lard in almost every dish and even chips are not safe for vegetarians. You have to be very alert if you are a pure vegetarian because waiters in most of the restaurants consider seafood as a vegetarian dish. Just be clear and specific while telling the waiter what you don’t eat.
Mongolia
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Mongoliais not at all apt for vegans and if you are out of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, you can only buy potatoes, wheat, mushrooms and wild strawberries. All the traditional food at Mongolia contains meat or milk. Animals are the only food for Mongolians. However, they do understand about vegetarian food as the country is historically influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
Portugal
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Finding a vegetarian restaurant in Portugal is going to be true struggle for all. The country is famous for its love for meat and a large number of Portuguese dishes contain pork and beef. However, you may find some places offering vegetarian food, but you have to tell it clearly that you don’t want any kind of meat while preparing your dish.
Denmark
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Most of the food items in Denmark consist of the combinations of meat and potatoes. There are many Danish restaurants that do not offer vegetarian alternatives on their menus. For vegetarians, there could be bread and cheese, yogurt, cereal, and fruits. You cannot have delectable vegetarian food in Denmark but there will be something to eat.
If you have planned to visit one of these countries then book cheap air tickets with EaseMyTrip and save more on your travel. Research in advance for the places where you can have vegetarian food in these countries. Have a happy journey!
FAQs
China. This is one of those countries where you will find animal products in almost every dish. They commonly use lard in almost every dish and even chips are not safe for vegetarians. You have to be very alert if you are a pure vegetarian because waiters in most of the restaurants consider seafood as a vegetarian dish ...
What countries is it hard to be vegetarian? ›
China. This is one of those countries where you will find animal products in almost every dish. They commonly use lard in almost every dish and even chips are not safe for vegetarians. You have to be very alert if you are a pure vegetarian because waiters in most of the restaurants consider seafood as a vegetarian dish ...
Which is the No 1 vegetarian country in the world? ›
India is thought to have the most vegetarians globally, with up to 42% of the population avoiding meat products.
What country is it easiest to be vegetarian? ›
Thailand is a great country for buying fresh fruits, vegetables, noodles and rice dishes that will be perfect for a travelling vegetarian. Tip: Even though there are lots of dishes that are already plant-based, watch out for them being prepared in fish sauce or chicken broth.
Which country is #1 for vegans? ›
Compared to all the countries in the world, the UK has the most vegans. Recent statistics show that the popularity of veganism is growing in the UK.
Why is Mexico so vegetarian? ›
Before the Spaniards arrived, bringing meat and dairy from domesticated cattle, pigs, chicken, goats and sheep, Mexico's indigenous population ate a primarily plant-based diet.
Is Japan vegetarian-friendly? ›
Vegetarian in Japan
Japanese food can be delicious and wholesome for both vegans and vegetarians. Rice and vegan-friendly noodles make up the base of most dishes. Tofu is available in a staggering variety of shapes and textures. Miso, a seasoning made of fermented soybeans and koji (a fungus) is in many dishes.
Which are the top 3 vegetarian states? ›
According to a 2018 survey released by the registrar general of India, Rajasthan (74.9%), Haryana (69.25%), Punjab (66.75%), and Gujarat (60.95%) have the highest percentage of vegetarians, followed by Madhya Pradesh (50.6%), Uttar Pradesh (47.1%), Maharashtra (40.2%), Delhi (39.5%), Uttarakhand (27.35%), Karnataka ( ...
Can Chinese be vegetarian? ›
Vegetarian food is common and readily available in China, though vegetarianism is only practiced by a relatively small fraction of the population. Especially in the countryside, an emphasis on fresh vegetables makes Chinese cuisine perfect for vegetarians.
Which state has the most vegetarians? ›
Top and bottom rankers
- Hawaii – 17.60.
- Oregon – 17.18.
- Rhode Island – 16.08.
- Maryland – 13.57.
- California – 12.54.
- Nevada – 12.52.
- Virginia – 12.21.
- West Virginia – 12.18.
USA is relatively better compared to other parts of the world when it comes to vegetarian food and I loved my time as a vegetarian foodie here.
Which ethnicity has the most vegetarians? ›
Black Americans are almost three times as likely to be vegan and vegetarian than other Americans. Why is giving up meat so popular?
Is there any pure vegetarian country? ›
India is, in fact, the birthplace of vegetarianism. It is in fact deeply rooted in the culture and religion of the country and has even been ranked the lowest consumer of meat in the world.
Which US city has the most vegans? ›
America's most vegan-friendly city
Portland is well-known for its plant-based food scene, including various all-vegan carts scattered around the city with options ranging from budget-friendly falafel to high-end gourmet fare.
How much of the USA is vegan? ›
While there is no exact figure for the percentage of vegetarians in the US as of 2023, data from various sources suggest a significant increase in the number of people adopting a vegan lifestyle. According to a recent survey, about 5% of Americans consider themselves vegetarians, and 3% consider themselves vegans.
Which culture is the most vegan? ›
Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine
The cuisine of Eritrea and Ethiopia is full of naturally plant-based dishes. This is largely due to the fasting tradition in the Orthodox Christian religion. Orthodox Christians abstain from all animal products for around 200 days each year, but plant-based foods are still permitted.
Why are so many Jamaicans vegetarian? ›
Jamaica is a country known for it's prevalence of Rastafarianism. Its followers have a strict “no bone zone” rule when it comes to their eating habits. This means that they are either vegetarian or vegan and tend to follow a “ital is vital” rule.
Why are Egyptians vegetarian? ›
A French research team analysed the carbon atoms in mummies that had lived in Egypt between 3500 BC and 600 AD. LONDON: Vegetarianism was pretty much common among ancient Egyptian cultures, with their diet largely consisting of wheat and barley, scientists say.
Why were Japanese vegetarian? ›
Japan lacked arable land for livestock so meat eating was outlawed several times by Japan's rulers. In 675 a law was passed stating that from late spring to early autumn, dog, chicken, monkey and beef meat was not allowed for that period of time. Other bans were implemented.
Which religion is most non vegetarian? ›
Among religions, Christians consume eggs and meat the most; men 71.5% and 76% and women 65% and 74%, respectively. This is followed by Muslim men (66.5% and 73%) and women (60% and 67%). Most Hindus avoid beef, which is considered a taboo.
Veganism and vegetarianism have become quite common, and eating your way through Europe has never been easier for people who follow these diets. While many famous European dishes contain some variety of meat or dairy, there are many ways you can still enjoy local foods and get the ultimate gastronomy experience!
Can a vegetarian survive in China? ›
China is a large and diverse country with a rich culinary tradition, and it is generally possible for vegetarians to find a variety of vegetarian-friendly options while traveling there.
Is it hard to be vegetarian in Italy? ›
Italian cuisine is extremely vegetarian-friendly (probably the most vegetarian-friendly of all European cuisines). You've got pizzas, pastas, paninis, gelato and coffee. Some spots even have vegan options! But you have to look in the right places if you want the authentic stuff.
