How to Find Vegan Restaurants While Traveling

Traveling as a vegan can be an exciting journey of discovery, but it can also pose challenges when it comes to finding plant-based dining options. Whether you’re visiting bustling cities or rural areas, a bit of planning can ensure that your trip is both enjoyable and vegan-friendly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you locate vegan restaurants, with a special focus on Toronto, a city celebrated for its thriving vegan scene.

1. Plan Ahead with Research

Before you set off, take some time to research the vegan landscape of your destination. Tools like Google Maps, HappyCow, and Yelp can provide a list of vegan or vegan-friendly eateries in the area. Social media platforms like Instagram are also excellent for finding recommendations; simply search hashtags like #VeganTravel or #Vegan[CityName].

Apps and Websites to Bookmark:

• HappyCow: A go-to platform for locating vegan and vegetarian restaurants worldwide.
• Vegan Passport: A multilingual app that helps communicate dietary needs.
• abillion: An app that combines reviews of vegan food and products with a focus on sustainability.

2. Explore Local Vegan Communities

Connecting with local vegans can lead to some of the best dining experiences. Social media groups, forums like Reddit, and even vegan meetups can provide insider knowledge about hidden gems. These communities can also share tips about local customs and how to explain your dietary preferences if there’s a language barrier.

3. Use General Restaurants with Modifications

In areas where dedicated vegan restaurants might be scarce, many traditional eateries are willing to accommodate dietary restrictions. Look for international cuisines like Indian, Thai, or Mediterranean, which often have naturally vegan dishes. Remember to ask about ingredients like ghee, fish sauce, or cheese to ensure your meal is fully plant-based.

Pro Tip: Learn Key Phrases

In non-English-speaking countries, learning how to say “I’m vegan” or “no meat, dairy, or eggs” in the local language can be invaluable.

4. Pack Vegan Essentials

For times when restaurant options are limited, having a few vegan essentials can save the day. Items like protein bars, nuts, and dehydrated meals are portable and can supplement your diet on the go. If you’re traveling to remote areas, research local grocery stores or markets where you can pick up fresh produce and plant-based snacks.

5. Discovering Vegan-Friendly Cities

Some cities stand out as havens for vegans due to their diverse offerings and community support. Among these, Toronto shines as a top destination for vegan travelers.

Cities worldwide are increasingly embracing veganism, becoming hubs for plant-based innovation and dining. New York City, often a pioneer in food trends, is home to acclaimed vegan establishments like Beyond Sushi and Candle Cafe, offering everything from sushi rolls to gourmet cuisine. Berlin, dubbed the “vegan capital of Europe,” boasts an array of vegan eateries such as Kopps and vegan supermarkets like Veganz. Similarly, London has seen a surge in vegan options, with markets like Camden showcasing stalls dedicated to plant-based treats and restaurants like Mildreds offering vegan menus for decades. Even cities traditionally known for meat-centric diets, like Los Angeles and Melbourne, have adopted the vegan movement with vibrant communities, numerous plant-based festivals, and restaurants that cater exclusively to vegans. These urban centers reflect a growing global shift towards more sustainable and compassionate food choices, providing inspiration for other cities to follow suit.

Spotlight on Toronto’s Vegan Scene

Toronto is a dream for vegans, boasting a diverse range of cuisines and dedicated vegan establishments. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something for everyone. The city’s multicultural fabric translates into a rich tapestry of plant-based options.

Popular Vegan Restaurants in Toronto:

• Planta: A sophisticated chain known for its innovative plant-based dishes.
• Apiecalypse Now!: A quirky spot offering indulgent vegan comfort food like pizza and desserts.
• Fresh Restaurants: Perfect for fresh juices and hearty vegan bowls.
• The Hogtown Vegan: A must-visit for classic comfort food with a vegan twist.

For those exploring Toronto, neighborhoods like Queen West and Kensington Market are hotspots for vegan-friendly dining. The city also hosts several vegan festivals throughout the year, such as VegTO Fest, providing a chance to sample a variety of plant-based delights.

6. Vegan Guides

When exploring vegan options while traveling, guides created by locals can be invaluable resources. For example, these vegan guide booklets, available in both hard copy and digital formats, provide insider knowledge about the best plant-based eateries, local markets, and hidden gems in Toronto. 

Hard copy guides, such as pocket-sized books or pamphlets, are perfect for offline use, especially in areas with limited internet access. 

There are man of these guides for different cities around the world. Meanwhile, digital guides, often in the form of downloadable PDFs or mobile apps, offer convenience and up-to-date information, with some even featuring interactive maps and user reviews. For instance, local vegan bloggers might curate city-specific guides highlighting not only restaurants but also shops and events that align with vegan lifestyles. Whether it’s a detailed e-book from a vegan traveler in Paris or a printed neighborhood guide from a Toronto-based vegan collective, these resources connect travelers with authentic, firsthand recommendations that go beyond what mainstream directories might offer.

6. Navigate Rural or Less Vegan-Friendly Areas

Traveling to areas with fewer vegan options might require a bit more creativity. Opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities so you can prepare your own meals. Farmer’s markets are also excellent for sourcing fresh, local ingredients.

7. Cultural Considerations

While some destinations are naturally aligned with vegan values due to their traditional diets, others might require careful navigation. Countries like India, with a strong vegetarian culture, or regions in the Mediterranean, where olive oil and fresh produce dominate, can be particularly vegan-friendly. In contrast, heavily meat-centric regions might require more preparation and flexibility.

8. Embrace the Journey

Being vegan while traveling doesn’t mean compromising on the richness of your experience. In fact, it often opens up unique opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and explore a destination through a compassionate lens.