For countless British holidaymakers, sampling authentic local cuisine is a non-negotiable part of the travel experience. It's a delicious portal into a nation's culture, especially when discovering dishes unavailable back home. Yet, a growing number of tourists are seeking to explore global flavours without meat, driving a surge in demand for vegan options at popular resorts and cities worldwide.
Global Leaders in Plant-Based Dining
New data from the Vegan Society's 'Veganism Around the World' report has pinpointed the best destinations for plant-based travellers in 2026. The findings highlight a fascinating culinary evolution, even in nations famed for their meat-centric traditions. New Zealand, renowned for its pasture-raised lamb and beef, surprisingly tops the global ranking for vegan dining options per capita, with 344.81 restaurants offering plant-based meals per million people. This includes both fully vegan establishments and omnivore restaurants with dedicated vegan menus.
Meanwhile, Taiwan leads the world for dedicated vegan restaurants, boasting 14.8 per million people. The island has earned a reputation as a 'vegan paradise', with its food culture deeply influenced by Buddhist traditions. Diners can look for the character 'Su' (素) for vegetarian and vegan food, or 'Quan Su' (全素) for strictly vegan dishes.
Unexpected Vegan Hotspots Emerge
The report reveals several unexpected destinations where veganism is gaining significant ground. Portugal, a country celebrated for its Atlantic seafood, now has the second-highest number of vegan restaurants per capita globally. This is a notable development in a nation that also ranks third worldwide for fish and seafood consumption per person.
In Northern Europe, Iceland has Europe's highest proportion of restaurants offering at least one vegan dish, at over 43%. However, the report notes this hasn't curbed the nation's appetite for animal products, with meat consumption rates matching those of the USA. Further afield, Singapore is home to the most vegetarian restaurants per capita globally, many serving vegan menus infused with Indian and Chinese flavours.
Traditional Cuisines Embrace Plant-Based Trends
In India, many staple dishes are naturally plant-based, focusing on legumes, vegetables, and spices. Classics like Dal and Chana Masala are inherently vegan. The report found Indian consumers are nearly twice as likely as Americans to express a strong intent to buy plant-based meat alternatives, signalling a major shift.
The trend extends across Asia, where countries with rich Buddhist heritages, including Vietnam and Japan, offer a strong and diverse array of vegan and vegetarian dining experiences. This global movement shows that for today's traveller, immersing in local culture no longer requires compromising ethical or dietary choices, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for tourism.
