A Vegan's Guide to Traveling in Southeast Asia

By Mhegan Lee May 24, 2018

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The people's warmth and hospitality, the wonderful attractions including the 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across the countries of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam; the culture, and traditional cuisines -- these are just a few of the top reasons why Southeast Asia should be on your radar. Not to mention best value for money, especially if you avoid the tourist traps and get off the beaten tracks. Home to exotic fruits and abundant produce, it can be a fascinating place for vegans and vegetarians to visit. Still, it may not always be easy being a plant-based traveler in the area. So it helps to come prepared.

More than meets the eye

Mangoes and sticky rice

While there are similarities in some of the dishes you will find in different countries across the region, each cuisine has a distinct quality of its own. Typical meals often include rice, a vegetable dish, and some meat. Fish and pork are quite popular in some areas as well as chicken and beef. But if you think it will be extremely difficult to find veg-friendly foods, you will be happy to know that you are wrong. The som tum in Thailand, tahu sambat in Malaysia, and the vegetable amok in Cambodia are just some of the best vegan dishes you will find around Southeast Asia.

Good to know

Thailand

Some of the few possible hiccups include language issues which can make communication a bit of a challenge, especially if you are traveling off the beaten tracks, which is really a wonderful way to explore the area. The eleven countries that comprise the region all have their unique charms and attractions. And some of them are popular tourist destinations in their own right with Thailand consistently earning one of the spots in the top destinations in the world. You may have to watch out for the less obvious ingredients that are often used like fish sauce for seasoning, the pork fat sometimes used for frying, or the cooking stocks or broths that may be made from chicken, pork, or shrimp. So it helps to know a little about the cuisines you will likely find in the places you go so you’d know what to ask when ordering your meal. The region also has a fascinating street food scene. If you have a sweet tooth, try the khao lam or sweet sticky rice cooked in a bamboo or the roti sai mai which is like a candy floss made from sugar wrapped in roti – two of some of the common vegan street foods in Thailand.

Delicious journeys

Delicious Vietnamese cold rice noodles salad topped with lightly battered tofu

Many Southeast Asian cities have a growing number of restaurants dedicated to veg-friendly foods like Bali, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Singapore among others. And most of the locals are friendly and hospitable so you can always ask about veg-friendly options when ordering your meal. Not to mention apps like HappyCow that you can use to search for veg-friendly café and restaurants near you. It also helps to know some of the words and phrases you might need to explain about vegan dishes.

Palawan, Philippines

Sun, sand, and sea – one of the many gorgeous beaches in Thailand

Southeast Asia is one of those places that you just have to see and experience for yourself to understand the richness of its culture and culinary delights. Add the breathtaking beaches like the ones you will find in Palawan, Philippines and across Thailand and you will find plenty of wonderful places to see. With an overabundance of fruits, mesmerizing nature scenery, cultural landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the region is home to a treasure trove of diverse attractions you will love to explore.


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