Ever wondered why some vegans pack their suitcases with protein bars and snacks before travelling?

Well, in some countries, finding plant-based food can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack!

While veganism is booming in many parts of the world, there are still places where the concept draws confused stares and raised eyebrows.

From France’s butter-loving cuisine to Mongolia’s meat-heavy diet, being vegan in certain countries requires serious planning, patience and sometimes, a really good sense of humour.

Let’s explore some destinations where plant-based travellers might want to pack extra snacks or maybe reconsider their itinerary altogether!

1. France

France might be a food lover’s paradise, but if you’re following a vegan diet, you’ll need to pack your patience!

The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions heavily feature meat and dairy products, making it tricky to find purely plant-based options.

Want to order a vegan dish? Watch out, many chefs might still add butter, eggs or even small amounts of meat for flavouring.

In smaller towns and villages, you might get some confused looks when you mention you’re vegan. The concept isn’t widely understood, and many restaurant staff might not realise that fish, butter, or cheese aren’t vegan-friendly.

However, larger cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux are leading the way with a growing vegan scene. Restaurants like Le Potager de Charlotte and VG Pâtisserie in Paris offer creative plant-based twists on classic French cuisine.

Your best bet? Stick to larger cities where you’re more likely to find dedicated vegan spots, and visit outdoor markets like Marché Bastille to stock up on fresh produce, bread, and spreads like tapenade.

And don’t forget to learn a few key French phrases to explain your dietary needs—”sans viande, sans beurre” (no meat, no butter) will be your go-to!

2. Argentina

If you’re a vegan heading to Argentina, you might want to pack some snacks! This South American nation is famous for its love affair with red meat, and boy, does it show in their restaurants.

Most local eateries will give you a puzzled look if you ask for plant-based options – you’ll likely end up with just salads and chips on your plate.

Even in Buenos Aires, the bustling capital city, finding truly vegan-friendly spots can be a challenge. The local food culture is deeply rooted in asados (barbecues) and meat-heavy dishes. That said, the city does have a budding vegan scene with spots like Sacro and Vegan Fox, which offer creative plant-based takes on Argentinian classics.

Your best strategy? Stick to the few dedicated vegetarian restaurants in major cities, and don’t overlook vegan empanadas, stuffed with lentils or seasonal vegetables, which are becoming more common in bakeries and markets.

Be prepared to get creative with side dishes and basic vegetables when dining out, and connect with local vegan Facebook groups for updated restaurant recommendations.

3. Japan

Think Japan is all about sushi? Well, there’s a lot more to navigate if you’re vegan! While major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto have some amazing vegan restaurants popping up, traditional Japanese cuisine can be pretty tricky to work around. Even seemingly vegetable-based dishes often hide fish-based ingredients like dashi (fish stock) or bonito flakes.

Here’s the real challenge: explaining what “vegan” means! Many restaurants might nod along when you say “no meat,” but still serve you food with fish stock or egg. Even a simple bowl of miso soup typically contains dashi.

That said, shojin ryori, Buddhist temple cuisine, is entirely plant-based and offers a spiritual and delicious way to experience Japanese food. Look for it at temples in Kyoto and Nara.

Big cities like Tokyo also have standout vegan chains like T’s Tantan, where you can enjoy flavourful ramen without worrying about hidden ingredients. For snacks or groceries, head to health food stores like Natural House or Bio c’ Bon, which carry vegan-friendly products.

Your best bet? Look for Buddhist temple restaurants or stick to dedicated vegan spots in bigger cities. Don’t forget to download a translation app like Naver Papago (specialises in Asian languages) – it’ll be your best friend when reading food labels. And always confirm ingredients to avoid surprises!

4. Spain

Spain’s relationship with vegan dining is pretty complicated, especially if you’re wandering through the Basque Country!

While tourist hotspots like Mallorca might surprise you with their plant-based offerings, the mainland can be a bit trickier to navigate. Here’s the thing, Spanish cuisine loves its jamón and seafood, and they often sneak into dishes you’d think were veggie-friendly.

Watch out for the term “végétal”—it doesn’t always mean what you think it does! Many Spanish restaurants might accidentally serve you food with animal products, even after you’ve explained your dietary needs.

The confusion is real, and unless you’re in a major city with dedicated vegan restaurants, you might find yourself living on patatas bravas, while avoiding the white stuff on top.

That said, cities like Barcelona and Madrid are leading Spain’s vegan revolution. Check out spots like Teresa Carles for plant-based Mediterranean dishes or La Trocadero for vegan burgers and comfort food.

Your best bet? Sticking to larger cities where vegan awareness is growing. And don’t forget to learn to say “sin jamón ni pescado“ (no ham or fish) to make sure your salads and tapas are truly plant-based!

5. Cuba

Thinking about a Cuban adventure? As a vegan, you might want to brace yourself!

Cuban cuisine heavily relies on meat-based dishes, and even their rice and beans often come with a hidden surprise – they’re typically cooked with lard. Talk about a plant-based plot twist!

The veggie options you’ll find tend to be pretty basic and repetitive. Most local restaurants serve up simple plates of plain rice, bland vegetables and maybe some fruit.

Even when you explain your dietary needs, there’s always a chance that animal products might sneak into your food, it’s just part of the traditional cooking methods here.

That said, visit local agromercados (produce markets) to stock up on fresh tropical fruits like mangoes, guava and papaya, which are widely available and inexpensive.

For a taste of local cuisine, try yuca con mojo, a cassava dish that can sometimes be vegan if prepared without pork fat – be sure to confirm the ingredients.

Your best strategy? Pack some protein bars and consider booking accommodations where you can prepare some of your own meals. And if you’re dining out, saying “sin carne ni grasa de cerdo” (no meat or pork fat) might help avoid surprises!

6. Philippines

Ready for a challenge? The Philippines might test your vegan commitment!

This beautiful archipelago loves its meat. From crispy pork lechon to chicken adobo, animal products show up in almost every traditional dish. Even seemingly innocent vegetable dishes often hide shrimp paste or fish sauce!

Tourist hotspots like El Nido and San Juan are starting to catch up with some vegan-friendly spots, but venture beyond these areas and you’ll need to get creative. Many locals might not fully grasp the concept of veganism – “no meat” might still mean you get fish or eggs on your plate.

That said, the Philippines is a tropical fruit lover’s paradise. Stock up on mangoes, bananas, coconuts and durian from local markets – they’re fresh, delicious, and widely available.

Vegan restaurants like Cosmic and Green Bar in Manila are also great options if you’re in the city. Don’t forget to learn how to say “walang karne, walang isda, walang gatas” (no meat, no fish, no milk) to clearly communicate your dietary needs.

Your best move? Stock up on fresh tropical fruits, book accommodations with a kitchen and research plant-based restaurants before you go. With a bit of preparation and some creativity, you can still enjoy this beautiful archipelago!

7. China

Heading to China as a vegan? Get ready for a real rollercoaster ride!

While big cities like Shanghai and Beijing might surprise you with their Buddhist temple restaurants and modern vegan spots, most traditional Chinese cuisine throws a curveball at plant-based eaters.

Even when you think you’re ordering a vegetable dish, it might come with oyster sauce or tiny pieces of meat for flavouring.

Language barriers can make things extra tricky. What you ordered as “vegetarian” might show up with seafood, because many locals consider fish to be separate from meat.

Your secret weapons? Learn some basic Mandarin phrases like “wǒ chī sù” (I eat vegetarian) or “bú yào ròu hé hǎixiān” (no meat or seafood). Stick to Buddhist temple restaurants where possible, and maybe download a translation app like Naver Papago (or good old Google Translate) to help you read those tricky menus.

For groceries or snacks, health food stores like LohaoCity in larger cities carry vegan-friendly staples. You can also find mock meat dishes at vegetarian restaurants, particularly in areas near temples. Just be cautious when ordering and confirm that no animal products are used.

8. Mongolia

Think Mongolia is going to be a breeze for your plant-based lifestyle? Think again! This Central Asian nation’s cuisine is practically built on meat and dairy—we’re talking mutton, beef, and yak milk at almost every meal. Even their famous milk tea comes with a generous helping of animal products!

Here’s the real kicker: even if you spot a vegetable dish on the menu, it’s probably cooked in sheep fat. That’s right—it’s not just about avoiding obvious meat dishes, but also understanding that traditional Mongolian cooking methods almost always involve animal fats.

That said, Ulaanbaatar offers a few vegan-friendly spots like Luna Blanca, a vegetarian restaurant that caters to travellers and locals alike. Noodle dishes like tsuivan, boortsog (steamed bread) or dumplings could be made vegan if you ask for them without meat or animal fat.

Your best bet? Pack plenty of vegan snacks, book accommodations with kitchen access and prepare to explain your dietary needs multiple times a day.

Stocking up on dried fruits and nuts at local markets can also help keep you fueled on the go. City folks might understand the concept better but in rural areas? You might get some very confused looks!

9. Norway

Planning a trip to Norway? You might want to pack some extra snacks! This Scandinavian nation’s food culture revolves heavily around fish and meat, making it quite challenging for well-travelled vegans.

From famous salmon dishes to traditional favourites like fårikål (mutton stew) and kjøttkaker (meatballs), animal products take centre stage in Norwegian cuisine.

Even in Oslo, where you’d expect more vegan options, traditional eateries might give you a puzzled look when you ask for plant-based alternatives. The concept of veganism isn’t as widely embraced as in some other European countries, and many restaurants default to fish as their “vegetarian” option.

That said, Oslo is becoming more vegan-friendly, with restaurants like Nordvegan offering plant-based Nordic cuisine that’s worth a visit.

Your best strategy? Stick to larger cities, research vegan-friendly spots in advance and be prepared to explain your dietary needs carefully.

For self-catering, supermarkets like Rema 1000 and Coop carry plant-based staples, and traditional breads like lefse are often vegan and make a great snack!

10. Italy

Thinking of living La Dolce Vita in Italy? As a vegan, you might need to think twice!

Italian cuisine is deeply rooted in cheese, eggs, and various meats, making it a tricky destination for well-travelled vegans. Even seemingly innocent dishes like pasta often hide animal products—many restaurants use egg-based pasta as their default option.

Here’s the real surprise: that pizza you’re eyeing? The dough might contain lard, and convincing the chef to skip the cheese could raise some eyebrows! Even vegetable-based dishes frequently include anchovies or cheese for flavouring.

Your best bet is to stick to larger cities where modern vegan restaurants are popping up, like Rome and Milan, which boast spots such as Pizzikotto and Flower Burger that serve veganised Italian classics. For a lighter bite, try farinata, a chickpea pancake that’s naturally vegan and common in Ligurian cuisine.

Always learn how to explain your dietary needs in Italian. After all, “senza formaggio” (without cheese) might become your most-used phrase!

11. Serbia

Heading to Serbia? You might want to pack your own meals! Serbian cuisine is all about meat, meat, and more meat—with a generous helping of dairy on the side. From their famous pljeskavica (meat patties) to sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat), finding vegan options can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack!

Even in Belgrade, the bustling capital, many locals might give you a confused look if you mention you’re vegan. Traditional restaurants often don’t understand the concept, and even vegetable-based side dishes are frequently cooked in animal fat or topped with kajmak (a type of cream).

Your best strategy? Stick to the few modern restaurants in major cities that specifically cater to plant-based diets, such as Radost Fina Kuhinjica in Belgrade, which offers creative vegan dishes.

Visit open-air markets for fresh produce and nuts, they’re widely available and affordable. Some bakeries also sell vegan-friendly pastries like pita sa krompirom (potato-filled pies), so be sure to ask. And, as always, keep some vegan snacks handy!

12. South Korea

Planning a trip to South Korea? You might want to pack an extra suitcase of vegan snacks! Korean cuisine is incredibly meat-centric, and even seemingly vegetable-based dishes often hide animal products. That kimchi you’re eyeing? It probably contains fish sauce or shrimp paste!

Here’s the real kicker – fresh fruits in Korea come with a hefty price tag. Think £1.90 for a single apple (₩2,930) or £6.50 for a small box of blueberries (₩10,000). Some premium options, like a pack of two mangoes, can even hit £15.50 (₩24,000).

Even traditional temple cuisine, which is typically vegan-friendly, can be hard to find outside of specialised restaurants.

However, visiting Buddhist temples can provide a unique opportunity to try plant-based dishes rooted in centuries-old traditions. Temple food, known as ‘sachal eumsik,’ excludes meat, fish, and even garlic or onion, making it a safe option for vegans.

Your best strategy? Stick to bigger cities like Seoul, where vegan spots like Plant Cafe and Loving Hut offer creative plant-based meals. Markets like Mangwon Market in Seoul also feature vegan-friendly street food options if you know where to look.

Always carry a translation card explaining your dietary needs, and learn to spot non-vegan ingredients like 멸치 (anchovies) or 새우 (shrimp) on food labels. Trust me, you’ll need it!

13. Albania

Thinking about exploring Albania? If you’re vegan, you might want to pack a survival kit!

Tirana, the capital city, might be modernising quickly, but vegan options are still as rare as snow in summer. Most traditional Albanian restaurants look at you like you’re speaking another language when you ask for plant-based meals!

Even in the most tourist-friendly spots, finding truly vegan dishes can feel like solving a puzzle. Local cuisine heavily features meat and dairy, and most restaurants don’t really get the whole vegan concept. However, local dishes like fasule (bean soup) can sometimes be veganized—just confirm it’s cooked without added meat.

Your best bet? Book a place with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals, and stock up on fruits and veggies from local farmers’ markets, which are excellent for fresh and affordable produce.

Don’t overlook pita sa spinaq (spinach pies), which are often vegan-friendly, just ask to double-check the ingredients. And don’t forget to learn how to say “no meat, no dairy” (Pa mish, pa bulmet) in Albanian – you’ll be using it a lot!

14. Kazakhstan

Planning a trip to Kazakhstan? Better pack your bags with vegan snacks! This Central Asian nation’s food scene is a real challenge for plant-based eaters.

Traditional Kazakh cuisine centres around meat—especially horse meat, which shows up in everything from the national dish, beshbarmak, to casual street food. Even their traditional drink, kumis, is made from fermented mare’s milk!

In Almaty, the country’s largest city, you might spot a few modern cafes that understand vegetarianism, such as Veg Burger and Health Project, but true vegan options are about as rare as snow in summer. Most locals won’t understand what “vegan” means, and even vegetable dishes often come cooked in animal fat.

Your best strategy? Book accommodations with a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals, and stock up on fresh produce, nuts, and dried fruits from Green Bazaar – a bustling market in Almaty known for its variety.

If you’re dining out, make sure to explain your dietary needs clearly or use a translation card to avoid surprises. Trust me, you’ll need them!

15. Namibia

Ready for a real plant-based challenge? Namibia might make you rethink your travel plans!

This beautiful African nation’s cuisine revolves almost entirely around meat—we’re talking game meat, beef, and lots of traditional dried meats called biltong. Even in Windhoek, the capital city, finding vegan options feels like searching for water in the Namib Desert!

Local restaurants often don’t understand the concept of veganism, and even simple vegetable side dishes typically come cooked in animal fat. However, local staples like pap (maize porridge) and butternut squash can often be made vegan-friendly—just confirm they’re served without meat-based sauces.

Your best survival strategy? Pack plenty of vegan protein bars, book accommodations with kitchen facilities, and be prepared to explain your dietary needs multiple times a day.

For fresh ingredients, visit local markets where you can find fruits like melons and dates, which make great on-the-go snacks. When dining out, you might find yourself living on plain rice and basic vegetables – if you’re lucky!

16. Portugal

Want a real challenge? Try being vegan in Portugal! This beautiful country loves its meat and seafood so much that even basic vegetable soups often come with chunks of chorizo floating around.

Portuguese cuisine is deeply rooted in pork, beef, and fish—they’re not just ingredients, they’re a way of life!

Even in tourist hotspots like Lisbon and Porto, explaining veganism can get tricky. Many locals might nod when you say “no meat,” but still serve you food cooked in animal fats or with bits of bacalhau (dried cod) mixed in. However, Lisbon and Porto are also home to innovative vegan spots like Ao 26 Vegan Food Project and DaTerra, which are redefining Portuguese cuisine for plant-based eaters.

Your best bet? Stick to modern vegan cafes in bigger cities and look out for caldeirada de legumes (a vegetable stew) that can often be made vegan—just confirm it’s cooked without fish stock.

Don’t forget to learn how to explain your dietary needs in Portuguese, like saying “sem carne, sem peixe” (no meat, no fish). Oh, and maybe pack some emergency snacks – just in case!

The Bottom Line

Navigating these challenging destinations as a vegan doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing travel experience – it just requires extra preparation and creativity!

Always research vegan-friendly restaurants beforehand, learn key phrases to explain your dietary needs in the local language, and consider booking accommodations with kitchen access.

Remember, even in the toughest spots for vegans, you can usually find fresh fruits, vegetables and basic staples at local markets. Pack some emergency snacks, download helpful translation apps, have your translation cards handy and embrace the adventure of discovering hidden vegan gems in unexpected places.

Vegan travel might come with its challenges, but it also opens doors to discovering new cuisines, connecting with local cultures, and pushing your culinary creativity to new heights.

Who knows? You might even inspire some local restaurants to add plant-based options to their menus!

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