Top 11 global destinations for vegetarians, from Oregon to India

“No! Not bacon!”

This week, a collective gasp echoed worldwide as the World Health Organization released its latest findings on the cancer risks of processed and red meats.

According to the report, processed meats like bacon, sausage, and ham are linked to cancer, while unprocessed meats are 'probably carcinogenic to humans.' This revelation is sparking debates on whether people should switch to a more plant-based diet.

For travelers, embracing a meat-free lifestyle has never been easier. Whether it’s the only city in the world with an entirely vegan strip mall or destinations with large Hindu and Buddhist communities offering diverse plant-based options, these vegetarian-friendly spots boast inventive restaurants with devoted followings.

Some cities on this list are clear frontrunners, while others, like Glasgow, Scotland, have only recently started making significant strides in the world of vegetarian dining.

Here are our top 11 picks for plant-based travelers:

1. Portland (Oregon)

From vegan-friendly bed-and-breakfasts to the world’s one and only all-vegan strip mall, this city offers a wealth of compassionate dining options across its many eateries.

We recommend: Natural Selection, created by Aaron Woo, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy.

This charming restaurant, with its European-inspired décor and a menu influenced by French, Italian, and Spanish cuisine, features dishes like chard and mushroom gnocchi and caramelized cauliflower with polenta, all crafted from locally sourced, seasonally fresh vegetables and fruits.

The menu is refreshed every week.

2. New York

The likelihood of accidentally finding a vegetarian restaurant in New York is probably higher than in any other city in the U.S.

While New York offers an endless array of dining options, from raw food spots like Pure Food & Wine to farm-to-table gems like Candle Cafe, our top pick is the remarkably inventive Dirt Candy.

Yes, securing a reservation can be a challenge—the restaurant only has nine tables—but we love the carefully crafted, intricate dishes that showcase a standout ingredient in each plate.

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3. Chennai (India)

As the historical cradle of vegetarianism, South India is predominantly meat-free.

The regions of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are known for their fiery, rice-based dishes and curries, while tiffin staples like dosas, tamarind rice, and lemon rice are commonly served.

Vegetarian thalis (platters with a variety of curries, rice dishes, and breads) are available for less than the price of a Starbucks latte.

We recommend: Madras restaurant at Chennai’s Raintree Hotel for authentic, home-style South Indian cooking.

4. Chiang Mai (Thailand)

With a large Buddhist community, Chiang Mai boasts over 80 vegetarian restaurants.

Even non-vegetarian restaurants offer meat-free options like tom yum soup, pad thai, salads, and coconut milk-based curries.

We recommend: Pun Pun, which grows its own organic vegetables. Curries are served on banana leaves for a unique touch.

Pun Pun has three locations around the city: at Wat Suan Dok temple, near the Night Safari, and close to Airport Plaza on Hang Dong Road.

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5. Glasgow (Scotland)

It might surprise some to learn that PETA named Glasgow the top vegan city in the UK back in 2013.

The city’s increasing number of vegan restaurants is part of a broader initiative to enhance the health of its residents and reflects its lively, youthful culture.

We recommend: Mono Cafe Bar, located in the vibrant Merchant City area.

The bar brews its own beer and features a comforting meatless menu, including refried bean burritos.

Music from folk singers, songwriters, and opera performers adds to the charm.

6. London

In 2009, PETA named London the most vegetarian-friendly city in the world, and it remains a leading destination for meat-free dining.

With over 130 vegetarian-focused restaurants, spicy vegetarian curry joints are as common as pubs serving fish and chips. Even pubs now offer meatless dishes and raw food options.

We recommend: Food for Thought in Covent Garden, one of London’s most famous vegetarian restaurants, offering a wide variety of dishes from Mexican and Indian to cheese and dill scones and quiches.

The thoughtfully curated menu is both affordable and fulfilling.

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7. Seoul (South Korea)

While it's a good idea to confirm with the server if there's any meat in the bibimbap, vegetarian options are quite common in Korean cuisine.

Kimchi, of course, is available (though it typically contains fish sauce or fish paste), along with a wide selection of veggie pancakes and side dishes, perfect for any vegetarian who might find themselves at a barbecue restaurant.

We recommend: Hangwachae, a traditional Korean vegetarian restaurant in Seoul, offers house-made condiments ranging from chili paste to soybean paste.

Even the rice is crafted with 20 different Asian herbs for added flavor.

8. Vancouver, British Columbia

In recent years, Vancouver has welcomed standout restaurants like Heirloom, The Parker, and The Acorn, all catering to the growing demand for vegetarian fare.

We recommend: The Acorn, which earned a spot in En Route Magazine's Top Ten Best New Restaurants list in 2014, becoming the first vegetarian restaurant to achieve this honor.

Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free enthusiasts, and raw food lovers can enjoy a seasonal menu featuring ingredients from apples to Hen of the Woods mushrooms.

The meticulously crafted dishes at The Acorn are so beautifully presented, they could easily be mistaken for museum art.

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9. Jordan

In Jordan, it’s a breeze to find vegetarian-friendly spots serving an array of mezze like tabouleh, hummus, falafel, and exquisite Arabic flatbreads.

From Beit Sitti, which translates to 'my grandmother's kitchen' in Arabic, in Amman, to Petra’s Kitchen, there’s no shortage of fantastic dining options throughout the country.

We recommend: Feynan, an eco-lodge nestled in the beautiful Dana Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by mountainous landscapes.

In a charming candle-lit setting, guests enjoy freshly baked Bedouin flatbreads, vegetarian stews, refreshing hibiscus juices, falafel, hummus, and the sweet dessert knafeh.

10. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant cultural blend from China to India, boasts over 100 vegetarian-exclusive restaurants, as listed by the popular healthy eating platform HappyCow.

The city’s cuisine features a delightful fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian flavors.

We recommend: The affordable Gopala Vegetarian Restaurant, offering a delightful mix of culinary influences from Thai to Indian.

Don’t miss the highly praised vegetarian satay and fried rice, both crowd favorites.

Gopala Vegetarian Restaurant, No. 59, Jalan Thambipillai, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; +60 3 2274 1959

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Berlin, Germany

As noted by Saveur magazine in their 2015 Good Taste Awards, Berlin is currently one of the top destinations in the world for vegetarians.

This renowned foodie publication even named it the world’s “New Vegetarian Capital.”

Saveur describes Berlin as 'the first major Western city where vegetarian cuisine has achieved full parity with traditional meat-based dishes. The city's vibrant vegetarian scene is blending with a growing locavore movement, leading to a unique, often brilliant fusion of meat-free, Mittel European-inspired flavors.'

Our recommendation: Kopps, a high-end vegan restaurant offering inventive twists on classic German dishes, crafted using only the finest organic ingredients.

This feature was initially published in June 2014 and updated in October 2015.