Interest in vegan and plant-based cuisine is growing in popular tourist destinations. Against this backdrop, the Vegan Society has released a new report, “Veganism Around the World,” which names the best destinations for vegan travelers in 2026.
New Zealand
A country traditionally associated with pasture-based livestock farming and high-quality lamb and beef is increasingly expanding its plant-based cuisine offerings. Many cafes and restaurants are adding vegan options. According to the Vegan Society’s latest report, New Zealand ranks first in the world for the number of vegan restaurants per capita, with 344.81 restaurants per million residents. The statistics include both fully vegan establishments and restaurants with dedicated plant-based menus.
Taiwan
Taiwan is recognized as the world leader in the number of specialized vegan restaurants, with 14.8 per million people. Although meat is widely used in traditional rice, noodle, and soup dishes, the country is often called a “vegan paradise” due to its wide selection of vegetarian and vegan establishments.
Portugal
While Portuguese cuisine is known for its fresh Atlantic seafood, the country ranked second in the world for the number of vegan restaurants per capita. Portugal remains the third-largest consumer of fish and seafood. The Daily Mail notes that the word “vegano” in Portuguese is practically identical to the English word, making it easy for tourists to navigate menus.
Iceland
Iceland leads Europe in the share of restaurants offering separate vegan menus. However, this doesn’t mean it’s abstaining from animal products: the country remains among the world’s leaders in meat and animal product consumption, at about 394 kg per person per year, comparable to the United States.
India
Many Indian dishes are inherently vegan, based on legumes, vegetables, grains, and spices. Popular dishes include dal, chana masala, and aloo gobi. According to the publication, Indian consumers are almost twice as likely as Americans to say they are likely to buy plant-based meat alternatives. However, eating habits in the country vary greatly by region: chicken and goat are generally common, while pork and beef are also consumed in certain regions.
Singapore
Singapore ranks first in the world for the number of vegetarian restaurants per capita, with many offering full vegan menus. The local cuisine blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences and is renowned for its rich flavors, available even at inexpensive street food centers.
The publication also notes that countries with strong Buddhist traditions—particularly Vietnam and Japan—have developed a robust and diverse vegan and vegetarian food culture that continues to gain popularity among tourists.
Source: travelworld.biz