Vegan Travel 2026: Plant-Based Dining Guides for Top Destinations

Vegan Travel 2026: Plant-Based Dining Guides for Top Destinations

Travelers hate two things: arriving hungry in a city where vegan options are a guessing game, and wasting vacation time hunting for reliable plant-based meals. If you’re planning 2026 trips using points or cash, this guide turns The Points Guy’s “17 best places to travel in 2026” into practical, vegan-first playbooks — where to eat, how to shop local markets, must-try plant-based dishes, and the key phrases to order with confidence.

Quick take — What matters for vegan travel in 2026

Restaurants and food systems are changing fast. Late 2025 and early 2026 saw a continuation of three clear trends: greater mainstream adoption of plant-based menus, a boom in alternative seafood and local alt-protein startups, and smarter digital tools (translation apps, allergen filters, menu QR data) to help travelers find vegan options faster. Use this guide to convert The Points Guy’s destination picks into actionable meal plans and market strategies.

How to use this guide

• Each destination includes: Where to eat, How to shop markets, Must-try plant-based dishes, and Key phrases for ordering in the local language.
• Start at the top for quick planning — then jump to the destination you’re visiting.
• Use our saved packing checklist: portable cutlery, small spice kit (smoked paprika, chili flakes, nutritional yeast), and allergy cards in local languages.

Why this matters for planners and food-forward travelers

Points and perks get you to the city — but food makes the trip memorable. This guide is optimized for weeknight-style practicality and for travelers who want balanced plant-based meals without sacrificing local flavor. It also reflects 2026 realities: more vegan choices in smaller cities, better labeling, and more plant-based options at boutique hotels and on-flight menus (especially on routes marketed to younger loyalty members).

Destination guides (based on The Points Guy’s 17 picks)

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Where to eat

• Neighborhoods: Chiado and Príncipe Real host the densest cluster of vegan cafes and modern plant-based bistros.
• Look for fusion tascas (small restaurants) that now offer vegan petiscos — many list items on QR menus with vegan icons.

How to shop in markets

• Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market): stalls with fresh produce, local tofu-style cheeses, and international vegan stalls.
• Buy canned legumes, local olive oil, and artisanal breads; ask vendors about eggless pastries (many bakeries now label vegan versions).

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Vegan bacalhau-inspired dishes (made from jackfruit or konjac).
• Grilled vegetable espetadas with piri-piri and saffron rice.

Key phrases

• “Sou vegano/vegana” (I am vegan).
• “Sem ovos, sem laticínios, por favor” (No eggs, no dairy, please).

2. Tokyo, Japan

Where to eat

• Shinjuku and Asakusa have vegan ramen shops and Buddhist shojin-style restaurants. Use apps like HappyCow plus translation features in 2026 platforms to cross-check menus.
• Department store food halls (depachika) increasingly include labeled vegan stalls.

How to shop in markets

• Tsukiji outer market: opt for vegetable stalls and seaweed vendors — buy kombu and dried shiitake to make rich vegan dashi.
• Look for natto, miso varieties (check for bonito flakes), and yuzu for bright flavors.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Shojin ryori (temple cuisine): traditional, seasonal, and entirely plant-based.
• Vegan ramen using kombu and shiitake broth with tofu chashu substitutes.

Key phrases

• “Watashi wa bīganu desu” (I am vegan).
• “Niku to gyūnyū ga haitteimasu ka?” (Does this contain meat or milk?)

3. Seoul, South Korea

Where to eat

• Itaewon and Hongdae: plant-based Korean BBQ, vegan kimchi houses, and inventive vegan bakeries.
• Look for restaurants offering grilled vegetable platters and tofu stews without anchovy or beef stock.

How to shop in markets

• Gwangjang Market: buy mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok) made in front of you and pick up gochujang labeled vegan (some brands use anchovy).
• Bring a Korean-language card mentioning no fish sauce, no anchovy, and no beef stock to show chefs.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Temple-style bibimbap with savory tofu and gochujang.
• Korean pancakes, vegetable japchae, and early-morning soya milk (dotorimuk and other starch-based sides).

Key phrases

• “Jeoneun beegan-ieyo” (I am vegan).
• “Myeolchi (anchovy) ga itseoyo?” (Does it have anchovy?)

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Where to eat

• Roma Norte and Condesa are vegan strongholds: inventive taquerias, mezcalerias with vegan snacks, and plant-based fine dining tasting menus.
• Street corn stalls often have vegan options — ask for no queso (cheese) and no crema.

How to shop in markets

• Mercado de La Merced and Mercado Roma: fresh chiles, nopales (cactus), and masa for DIY corn tortillas.
• Grab dried chilies, epazote, and fresh avocado for quick, delicious meals in an apartment.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Vegan tacos al pastor (using seitan or pineapple-marinated jackfruit).
• Moles made with toasted seeds and dark chocolate — confirm no lard or broth.

Key phrases

• “Soy vegano/vegana” (I am vegan).
• “Sin queso ni crema ni caldo de carne, por favor” (No cheese, no cream, no meat broth, please).

5. Athens, Greece

Where to eat

• Exarchia and Koukaki: vegan mezze bars and tavernas with plant-based takes on classics.
• Look for restaurants that embrace Mediterranean vegetables, pulses, and grilled seasonal produce.

How to shop in markets

• Varvakios Agora: buy whole olives, chickpeas, and local herbs; many bakeries now offer vegan koulouri (sesame rings).
• Pack small resealable bags for olive oil tasting and feta alternatives (check labeling).

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Gigantes plaki (baked giant beans) and fasolada (bean soup).
• Veganized moussaka with lentil base and cashew béchamel.

Key phrases

• “Eimai vegan” (I am vegan).
• “Xōris gala, tyri, kai αυγά, parakalo” (Without milk, cheese, or eggs, please).

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

Where to eat

• Downtown Reykjavik: sustainable restaurants with plant-based seafood alternatives using seaweed and squid-mimic ingredients.
• Many hotel buffets now include clear vegan sections — ideal for early check-in days.

How to shop in markets

• Kolaportið Flea Market: artisan rye breads, seaweeds, and packaged pea-protein snacks.
• Prioritize local berries, skyr-style plant yogurts, and smoked mushroom jerky for hikes.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Veganized hákarl-inspired fermented mushroom plates (for adventurous eaters).
• Hearty stews with root vegetables, barley, and local seaweed broths.

Key phrases

• “Ég er vegan” (I am vegan).
• “Ekki kjöt eða mjólkurafurðir” (No meat or dairy products).

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Where to eat

• City Bowl and Woodstock: vegan bistros, plant-based coastal grills, and cafes serving local grains like sorghum and samp.
• Look for restaurants showcasing African vegetables and legumes in elevated dishes.

How to shop in markets

• Old Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods Market: buy local chutneys, roasted maize, and fresh babka-style breads.
• Buy rooibos tea blends and dried beans for pantry-friendly meals.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Bobotie-style jackfruit bake with fragrant spices (use plant-based milk for custard topping).
• Chakalaka with beans and maize, served with pap (maize porridge).

Key phrases

• “I’m vegan” usually suffices in tourist areas, but carry a card: “No meat, no dairy, no eggs.”

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Where to eat

• Palermo has the best concentration of vegan parrillas (grill houses) offering grilled vegetables, seitan steaks, and chimichurri-made-to-order.
• Look for bakeries offering vegan medialunas and empanadas with lentil or mushroom fillings.

How to shop in markets

• San Telmo Market: buy chimichurri, sun-dried tomatoes, and local yerba for mate.
• Ask vendors about lard and dulce de leche in pastries; many vendors now stock vegan alternatives.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Vegan empanadas with caramelized onions and mushroom filling.
• Grilled vegetable parrilla with provolone-style vegan cheese (confirm ingredients).

Key phrases

• “Soy vegano/vegana” (I’m vegan).
• “¿Tiene carne, leche o huevo?” (Does this have meat, milk, or egg?)

9. Vancouver, Canada

Where to eat

• Commercial Drive and Mount Pleasant: dense clusters of vegan cafes, plant-based sushi, and seafood alternatives using kelp and tofu.
• Many farm-to-table spots offer vegan tasting menus and clear allergen labeling.

How to shop in markets

• Granville Island Public Market: local tofu, seasonal berries, and artisan sourdoughs.
• Buy smoked seaweed snacks and local nut cheeses to enjoy on ferry rides.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Plant-based sushi rolls with smoked carrots and marinated king oyster mushroom “scallops.”
• West Coast bowls with toasted seeds, wild rice, and pickled local greens.

Key phrases

• “I’m vegan” — staff are used to the term; if you have allergies say “no dairy, no eggs, please.”

10. Barcelona, Spain

Where to eat

• El Raval and Gràcia: tapas bars with vegan pintxos, and modern Catalan restaurants offering plant-based tasting menus.
• Tapas-style sharing makes it easy to sample multiple vegan small plates.

How to shop in markets

• La Boqueria: buy jamón alternatives (mushroom-cured) and pick up terrines made from roasted peppers and almonds.
• Bring reusable containers for olives and marinated artichokes.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Escalivada (charred peppers and eggplant) and vegan patatas bravas with alioli made from aquafaba.

Key phrases

• “Soc vegà/vegana” (I am vegan).
• “Sense productes lactis ni ous, si us plau” (Without dairy or eggs, please).

11. Bali (Ubud), Indonesia

Where to eat

• Ubud and Canggu: yoga-retreat-style cafes, raw vegan options, and Indonesian plant-based renditions.
• Look for local warungs that will cook tempeh and vegetables sans fish sauce.

How to shop in markets

• Ubud Market: fresh tropical fruits, young jackfruit, and local tempeh — perfect for quick home-cooked meals.
• Carry a small bottle of tamari/soy if you need a vegan seasoning swap in a pinch.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Tempeh satay with peanut sauce (confirm no shrimp paste).
• Nasi campur-style plates with multiple vegetable sides (ask for no ikan/udang/terasi).

Key phrases

• “Saya vegan” (I am vegan).
• “Tidak pake ikan atau terasi” (No fish or shrimp paste).

12. New Orleans, USA

Where to eat

• French Quarter and Bywater: vegan po’boys, Creole mets made with jackfruit, and innovative plant-based gumbo using okra and smoked mushrooms.
• Check festival calendars — 2026 shows a rising number of vegan food stalls at food festivals.

How to shop in markets

• Crescent City Farmers Market: buy okra, collards, and local spices.
• Pick up roux-base kits (ask vendors for vegan versions) to recreate Cajun flavors.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Vegan gumbo with smoked mushrooms and seitan andouille.
• Po’boys made with fried oyster mushroom or seasoned seitan.

Key phrases

• “I’m vegan — no seafood, no dairy, no eggs.”

13. Lima, Peru

Where to eat

• Miraflores: Peruvian fine-dining restaurants are increasingly offering plant-based tasting menus that highlight native tubers and quinoa.
• Street vendors sell fruit bowls and choclo (corn) — easy, fresh options.

How to shop in markets

• Surquillo Market: buy purple corn, ají amarillo paste (check for anchovy), and fresh herbs.
• Create instant ceviche-style bowls with citrus, seaweed, and marinated mushrooms.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Quinoa-stuffed peppers, causa (potato-citrus stacked dishes) made vegan with avocado.

Key phrases

• “Soy vegano/vegana — sin pescado ni leche ni huevo” (I’m vegan — no fish, milk or egg).

14. Copenhagen, Denmark

Where to eat

• Nørrebro and Vesterbro: Nordic vegan fine dining and minimalist cafés focusing on foraged ingredients and cold-fermented flavors.
• Expect tasting menus that creatively use oats, rye, and seaweeds.

How to shop in markets

• Torvehallerne: pick up rye crispbreads, pickled beets, and local aquafaba-based desserts from stalls.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Open rye sandwiches topped with smoked carrot “lox” and dill cream from plant-based yogurt.

Key phrases

• “Jeg er veganer” (I am vegan).
• “Uden mælk og æg, tak” (Without milk and eggs, please).

15. Marrakesh, Morocco

Where to eat

• Medina riads often offer vegetable tagines and couscous — ask to omit butter and meat broths.
• Newer riads and boutique hotels increasingly have vegan tasting menus for guests.

How to shop in markets

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: stock up on dried figs, almonds, and saffron. Buy preserved lemons to instantly lift simple vegetable dishes.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Spiced vegetable tagine with preserved lemon and olives.
• Harira-style soups (check for meat broth) made vegetarian with lentils and chickpeas.

Key phrases

• “Ana vegan” or carry a card: “la lahm, la laban, la bayd” (no meat, no milk, no eggs).

16. Medellín, Colombia

Where to eat

• El Poblado: cafés and restaurants offering vegan bandeja paisa versions with beans, plantains, and arepas.
• Local juice bars provide fresh juices and are perfect for a quick nutrient boost.

How to shop in markets

• Plaza Minorista: pick up fresh avocados, plantain, and local corn masa for arepas.

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Vegan arepas stuffed with beans, sautéed peppers, and avocado.

Key phrases

• “Soy vegano/vegana — sin carne ni lácteos ni huevo” (I’m vegan — no meat, dairy, or egg).

17. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Where to eat

• Smaller towns like Positano and Amalfi now host vegan trattorias and pizzerias using plant-based mozzarella substitutes and local vegetables.
• Look for places offering lemon-forward salads and grilled vegetables with local olive oil.

How to shop in markets

• Coastal markets: buy fresh lemons, olives, tomatoes, and local durum wheat for homemade pasta — ask for durum semolina without egg (many local pastas are ego-free, but always confirm).

Must-try plant-based dishes

• Pasta alla Amalfitana reimagined with roasted zucchini, capers, and lemon zest; eggplant parmigiana made with cashew-based mozzarella.

Key phrases

• “Sono vegano/vegana — senza latticini e senza uova, per favore” (I’m vegan — no dairy and no eggs, please).

Universal tips & 2026 travel hacks for plant-based travelers

• Download local-language allergy cards: create and save a screenshot in your phone and print one for restaurants. These cards should clearly state “No meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs.”
• Use smart apps: in 2026, several menu-translation and allergen-filter apps integrate with restaurant QR codes. When in doubt, ask for ingredient lists or the chef.
• Market shopping strategy: buy local staples (grains, legumes, fermented condiments) to prepare quick meals if options are limited. This saves money and ensures balanced nutrition. For market payments and small vendors, consider researching mobile POS options in advance.
• Airline & loyalty tips: when booking with points, pick airlines known for offering vegan special meals (request them 48–72 hours before departure). Many loyalty programs now display meal-service details in the booking flow — see trends in frequent-traveler tech.
• Protein and nutrition: carry travel-friendly protein bars or single-serve pea-protein sachets for long touring days. 2026 plant-based bars are lower in sugar and higher in whole-food ingredients.

Planning is the difference between an OK trip and a memorable one. Use these destination playbooks to pair your points-driven travel strategy with delicious, stress-free plant-based dining.

Actionable takeaways before you go

1. Create a one-page “vegan card” in the local language for every country you’ll visit.
2. Map 2–3 reliable vegan restaurants per destination and 1 major market for groceries.
3. Pack a tiny spice kit and reusable cutlery to transform basic market finds into satisfying meals.
4. Request vegan meals with your flight and hotel within the 72-hour window where changes are accepted.

Final notes on trends and predictions for plant-based travel

Through late 2025 and into 2026, expect more cities to add vegan icons on menus, greater coordination between hotels and local vegan kitchens, and growth in alt-seafood options — especially in coastal picks on The Points Guy’s list. For loyalty shoppers, plant-based options are becoming a differentiator for premium cabins and boutique properties, so include meal preferences when you redeem points.

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Ready to plan a plant-based trip? Bookmark this guide, save the local-language vegan cards to your phone, and pick the destination on The Points Guy’s 2026 list that excites you most. Sign up for our weekly vegan travel checklist to get printable market lists, language cards, and a printable packing list optimized for plant-based travelers.

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