A vegetarian diet while traveling in Thailand is not only possible, but actually quite easy! Thai cuisine derives many of its unique flavors from the fresh herbs and spices used in cooking and as garnishes. This means you can enjoy a vegetarian diet without having to forgo culinary delights.
Vegetarian food is much easier to find in Thailand than in other countries, and there is a wide selection of exclusively vegetarian restaurants. The country is also known for its seafood, so pescatarians and flexitarians alike will find plenty to enjoy. Almost all traditional Thai dishes can be ordered vegetarian (and even vegan).
Highlights
Those living in a Western country are likely accustomed to meat being the main ingredient in most meals, or at least dominating the flavor profile around which the rest of the meal is planned. This is not so much the case in Thailand, which allows for a truly exciting variety of flavors and makes vegetarian food accessible from the moment you arrive.
Vegetarian flavors
In some ways, all Thai dishes bear similarities to the vegetarian options you'll be looking for. Thai cuisine is characterized by a combination of sweet, salty, spicy, sour, and bitter flavors (notice the lack of savory or umami flavors? That's because meat is rarely used for seasoning!). The best part for vegetarians: most of these flavors come from plant-based ingredients.
The sweetness typically comes from palm sugar. Acidity comes from limes, tamarinds, and other sour fruits. The spiciness comes from the many varieties of chili peppers and peppercorns popular in Thai cuisine, while the bitterness comes from raw leaves and melons. The salty flavor is usually achieved with natural sea salt.
Common ingredients
In addition to the flavors mentioned above, you can expect to find some similarities when exploring vegetarian Thai cuisine. Starchy side dishes are, unsurprisingly, rice and rice noodles; so don't expect to eat too many root vegetables. The rice is usually steamed, so you don't need to worry about animal fats.
Garlic, coriander, fresh mint, lemongrass, and shallots are common ingredients, both fresh and cooked, while dried herbs are almost never found. Various types of chili peppers are crushed into a thick paste and stirred into noodles or broth for added flavor.
How Thai food is prepared
Steamed, boiled, or stir-fried! Thai cuisine can be tricky to master, as there are multiple ways to prepare each dish. If you order a rice dish, the rice might first be steamed and then reheated in a pan with sesame oil and vegetables. Pho soup is usually boiled, but stir-fried noodle dishes are just as common!
Vegetarianism in Thailand has its roots in the local Buddhist culture, which prescribes simple and pure food preparation. Dishes that are usually prepared with animal products such as fish sauce are replaced with soy sauce, chili sauce, and sea salt to ensure they are completely vegetarian.
Common vegetarian dishes
The list of vegetarian dishes you might encounter could fill an entire website, but there are some you simply shouldn't miss:
Mung bean noodle salad, papaya salad, and fresh spring rolls make excellent appetizers. They are usually served cold, and the papaya salad often has a pleasant spiciness! Spring rolls can be served with shrimp, but can also be ordered vegetarian.
For lunch, vegetarian curry or vegetarian Tom Yum (spicy red soup) are excellent choices. Tom Yum is one of the most famous and popular dishes in Thai cuisine, and everyone is familiar with Thai curry. Many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of these dishes to cater to their local guests, so vegetarians traveling abroad can also enjoy these delicacies.
For dinner, fried noodles (Pad Thai), grilled mushrooms, Gaeng Aom and some fruit are good options – ideally, you should have fruit with every meal!
How to order
The way you order food in Thailand varies depending on the location. At street stalls and food stands, you usually go directly to the vendor, order, and pay at the same time. If there are plastic stools, you can sit down and wait to be asked what you want, or you can order yourself and take the food to your seat.
In Thai restaurants, large meals are typically served as a family affair. People order several dishes to share and can then help themselves to the rice bowl that is brought along. A typical meal might consist of a curry, a cold salad, and a stir-fry dish, all enjoyed together.
If you feel up to the challenge, you can indicate your vegetarian preferences with the words "kin chey" or "mangsavarat." "Mai kin" means "I don't eat meat." "Moo" stands for pork, "gai" for chicken, "neua" for beef, and "pla" for fish. Using these combinations, you can order dishes without specific meats.
From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you'll find numerous restaurants offering vegetarian dishes. With so many options, choosing can be difficult. That's why we at Thailand Highlights have compiled a list of the best restaurants, based on their strengths, flavor, and service.
Na Aroon in Bangkok
The service at No Aroon is surpassed only by the variety of its vegetarian menu. Here you can enjoy a true selection of vegetarian dishes such as curries, salads, and the classic Pad Thai. The ambiance is quiet and cozy, and the combination of indoor and outdoor seating makes the restaurant a pleasure in any weather.
The Tom Yum soup is another specialty, and its diverse flavors perfectly complement the vibrant city life surrounding this tranquil restaurant. For dessert, try the chocolate tart before continuing your exploration of the Sukhumvit district, where Na Aroon is located.
Location: 65 Sukhumvit Soi 1 Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Opening hours: 6:30 am - 10:00 pm
AUM Vegetarian Food in Chiang Mai
If you're hungry and looking to refuel after a long day of exploring, then stop by AUM. The portions are generous, and the menu offers a mix of traditional vegetarian dishes and traditional Thai dishes prepared without meat.
Among the most popular dishes are the vegetarian dumplings, Tha Phae Gate, and the fresh spring rolls. For those who prefer something more familiar, the veggie burger and fries offer another healthy and well-known option.
The restaurant offers low tables and particularly reasonable prices, especially considering the generous portions. Its location in the alley further enhances the feeling of having escaped everyday life.
Location: 1/4 Suriyawong Alley near the Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
Opening hours: 10:30 - 20:30
De Lanna Restaurant and Café in Chiang Rai
At De Lanna, you sit right on the riverbank and enjoy first-class service at very reasonable prices. The extremely vegetarian-friendly menu offers both Thai and Western dishes, as well as an extensive drinks and coffee selection.
The glass facade and star-like lighting give the restaurant a modern yet cozy ambiance. The outdoor area is especially inviting in the evenings. The green curry, mushroom soup, braised cabbage, and fried beans are simply divine, but you can't go wrong with a bowl of Pad Thai either. Just ask one of the attentive waitresses if you can't decide!
Location: 211/7 Moo 20, Kwae Wai Rd., Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Vegetarian food in Thailand – Thailand Highlights
Traveling with a special diet can be stressful, even in a country like Thailand where it's relatively easy. When you travel with Thailand Highlights, our well-trained and experienced team works tirelessly to find culinary delights that meet your needs and those of your family.
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