All around the world, there are places with a fantastic food scene. Many of these pay special attention to vegetarianism and veganism as the world’s fastest-growing nutritional and lifestyle trends. If you, too, belong to this growing population group, you’d want to know more about the best vegan cities in the world. Whether you’re planning to move or travel abroad, you want to go to a place where veganism is a part of the lifestyle. Luckily, many people all around the world stick to the same principle, so you’ll have plenty of options.
Before you get the relocation process started, you need to be sure that you have picked the right place to call home. And if veganism is one of your guiding principles in life, it is crucial to find a place that can meet your needs. To help you pick one, we have created a list of the top nine cities to consider, including a couple within the US borders. There are even more options if you’re ready to move internationally. Let’s see which one of these might be just the perfect match for you.
#1 Explore a Variety of Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Portland
Portland is widely known for having a variety of eateries serving innovative veggie dishes, such as Ichiza Kitchen, for instance. If you stop by this tucked-away Asian restaurant, be sure to try their noodle dishes, small plates, as well as delicious sake and teas. In addition to many restaurants, there are also numerous grocery stores and all kinds of shops, from chocolate to clothing shops, all tailored to fit your needs.
#2 Don’t Miss Veggie Pride Parade in New York City
Many consider New York the food capital of the world. It is also one of the most diverse places on the globe, not just when it comes to ethnic background, but cuisine, as well. Thus, you shouldn’t worry about your diet if you relocate to the Big Apple. Not only are there all kinds of eats for vegans and vegetarians, but there are so many advocates who constantly work to raise the awareness of all the benefits of veganism. There are so many people who support this point of view that there is even a Veggie Pride Parade, a free annual event held in April.
#3 Enjoy Veggie Guilty Pleasures in Los Angeles
Did you know that there are as many as 49 fully vegan and 190 vegetarian eateries within a five-square mile area in LA? It sounds like you’ll need some time to try out all the mouth-watering dishes served there. For those who have a sweet tooth, there are quite a few places where you can find delicious guilty pleasures, such as Donut Friend and Erin McKenna’s Bakery LA.
#4 London Is One of the Best Vegan Cities in Europe
In 2019, as many as 12,000 activists joined the Official Animal Rights March demanding animal liberation. London has a long history when it comes to animal rights movements and organizations. You can find a vegan-friendly restaurant or a cafe in every corner of the city. If you’re moving to London, you’ll fit in easily in the growing community of like-minded people, too.
If You Decide to Stay in London, Be Sure to Go to Temple of Hackney
When you’re there, it would be a shame not to stop by London’s first vegan chicken shop – Temple of Hackney. The dishes they serve here are so delicious that they might even convince some of your meat-eater friends to consider switching to your lifestyle.
#5 Head Straight to Vegan Street in Berlin
Berlin is known as an international destination among veggies for a reason. Considering the ever-growing number of restaurants and an even faster-growing community, Berlin won’t let you down. You can find a variety of places and enjoy a combination of delicious fare and cozy ambiance all around the city, and especially in the famous Vegan Street. The name speaks for itself.
Do Your Grocery Shopping at Veganz
Did you know that the first vegan supermarket chain in Europe is located in Berlin? So, this fact alone should tell you enough of the veggie awareness there. Even if you haven’t thought about it so far, moving to Germany suddenly sounds like a good idea, right?
#6 Be Sure Toronto’s Food Scene Won’t Disappoint You
There are so many places to eat, from one of the most popular chains of restaurants serving meat-free dishes to pizzerias and bakeries. If you want to buy animal-free shirts, shoes, wallets, or purses and accessories, you can find those, too. For those of you who are planning to cook for themselves when moving to Toronto, Good Rebel grocery store is probably the right place to go shopping.
Save the Date for Toronto Veg Food Fest
If Toronto is your chosen destination, you should make sure you visit one of the largest vegetarian events in North America – Toronto Veg Food Fest. Each fall, tens of thousands of people gather at Harbourfront Centre to celebrate the veg lifestyle. The event includes various presentations and workshops and hosts engaging speakers. Make sure you clear your schedule in September and enjoy three days of veg activity. The event is fun and worth visiting for everyone, not just vegetarians.
#7 Book a Table at a “Jay” Restaurant in Bangkok
Bangkok is full of excellent restaurants and beautiful markets where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Whether you’re planning to cook most of the time or eat out, you’ll have plenty of options. There are also two vegetarian grocery stores, so vegetarians don’t have to worry about monthly supply runs. If you’ve already considered moving to Bangkok, now you have one more reason to do it.
You’ll Love Traditional Thai Cuisine
Is there really a better solution for vegans and vegetarians than traditional Thai cuisine? There seems to be no place where you can eschew animal products more easily than in Thailand. Traditional Thai cuisine is based on vegetables, so you’ll most likely love it. The only issue can be the fish sauce, which is one of the main ingredients they use. If you happen to order a dish that contains it, you just need to ask them not to put the sauce in, and problem solved.
#8 Taste the Combination of Israeli and Mediterranean Cuisine in Tel Aviv
Israel has a growing veggie community, already so significant that it makes it the country with the highest percentage of vegans in the world (5.2%, according to recent estimates). So, it’s only logical that you consider moving to Israel. Since it is located on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, you can count on a delicious combination of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine here.
Make Sure You Try Specialties at Anastasia Café
Whether you want to grab something for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, there is one place everyone in Tel Aviv would suggest as the best option – Anastasia Café. There are a variety of options on the menu, from salads and sandwiches to main courses and desserts. Whatever you choose, you won’t regret it.
#9 Join Vegan Meetups for Locals in Amsterdam
Finally, we shouldn’t forget to mention Amsterdam. In case you didn’t know, it is known for more than windmills and its canals. All around the world, people recognize it as an excellent veggie destination, too. In addition to many fantastic places to eat, there are also regular meetups for locals – that’s how important veganism is here.
Visit the Avocado Show
Speaking of excellent places to eat out when moving to Amsterdam, we can’t help but single one out – the Avocado Show. You’ll be amazed at the sheer number of delicacies they make out of avocado, including viva las veggies salad.
Have You Made up Your Mind Yet?
As you can see, there are some excellent options. It is up to you to pick whatever you find most suitable. Whichever of these cities you pick, you won’t regret it. If you need help with handling the relocation process, feel free to turn to experts to provide you with international moving services. Don’t let anything spoil this adventure.