There are few things I love more than planning imaginary trips to places I can’t afford.
You know the vibe. One browser tab open to a budget spreadsheet with minus numbers, another tab open to an article about the best vegan pizza in Naples.
So instead of pretending I’ve been everywhere and know it all, here’s my list of 10 cities around the world I would visit as a vegan… if my bank account didn’t look like a horror film.
Please read below for the full fantasy holiday rundown.
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is basically the vegan capital of Europe and everyone knows it. With about 100 fully vegan eateries and entire supermarkets dedicated to plant-based living, it’s a cruel joke I haven’t been in more than a decade. I have memories of vegan doner kebabs that brought a tear to my eye.
2. Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland is like that friend who always has oat milk in the fridge and composts religiously. With a population that seems to run on craft beer and tofu, it’s got vegan diners, doughnuts, cheese shops, and food trucks galore. Another destination that I have visited but far too many years ago for my liking.
3. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a rising star on the international vegan map, and I’m totally obsessed with the idea of eating vegan kimchi pancakes in the middle of a neon-lit city. Traditional Buddhist temple food is naturally vegan, and the new wave of vegan cafés and eateries is adding flair to an already delicious cuisine. Honestly, it feels rude that I’m not there right now.
4. London, UK (yes, I already live here, but hear me out)
Even though I’m technically here, I can’t afford to enjoy London the way it deserves to be enjoyed. With dozens of vegan eateries and new ones opening faster than I can update my spreadsheets, it’s a vegan metropolis. One day I’ll treat myself to a meal that costs more than a tenner.
5. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand knows what it’s doing when it comes to flavour, and Bangkok’s vegan food scene is growing like a well-watered basil plant. With everything from street food vendors to plant-based versions of traditional Thai curries and noodle dishes, I would eat my way through the city quite happily.
6. Warsaw, Poland
Apparently surprisingly affordable and vegan-friendly, Warsaw has over 50 fully vegan eateries and counting. Polish comfort food, but make it cruelty-free? Yes please. I would happily warm myself with a vegan pierogi or three. I visited Krakow recently which was was impressive and supposedly Warsaw is another step above!
7. Toronto, Canada
Toronto feels like the cool cousin of North America’s vegan cities. It’s got vegan Jamaican patties, sushi, soul food, and even a vegan butcher shop. Every time I see someone post about Toronto vegan eats, I go straight to my online banking app and stare into the abyss.
8. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has the kind of vegan scene that inspires. They’ve nailed plant-based versions of brunch classics and have a strong emphasis on sustainable, local produce. As an Australian in exile, I often yearn for the Melbourne foodie scene.
9. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City’s vegan scene is exploding, and traditional dishes like tamales, pozole, and tortas are getting stunning plant-based makeovers. You probably know of my strong connection to this city with me having lived there and the fact I came away with a Mexican husband, but you might not truly understand what a vegan paradise it is.
10. Glasgow, Scotland
It’s bold, it’s friendly, and it’s surprisingly vegan. Glasgow is home to everything from vegan junk food to award-winning fine dining, and people are serious about it. I’d happily get rained on if it meant eating vegan haggis in a cosy pub. Extra note: I ran my vegan beer fest in Glasgow for a few years!
There you have it. 10 cities I dream about from my sofa. If I ever win the lottery or find that rich vegan sugar donor I’ve been manifesting, I’ll be off.
Until then, I’ll keep scrolling vegan travel Instagram accounts with equal parts awe and envy.
Where would you go if money was no object? Leave a comment below.
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