There was a time when being vegan at a restaurant meant having a salad (possibly even without dressing). However, times have moved on, and more of the world's cities are catering to those who have chosen (for religious, personal, or ethical reasons) to eschew meat. Here are just a few of the countries with cities offering the best of vegan cuisine.
In the UK
In the UK, London is, of course, an excellent choice for vegans with many restaurants and cafes – any diner would be spoilt for choice. Vegan cuisine is occupying more and more of the London food scene, with cafes offering vegan cakes and even chain restaurants creating vegetarian only branches in the capital (Pret a Manger recently opened its second vegetarian-only offering). From vegetarian Indian restaurants to more hipster choices in the East End, to high-end vegan cuisine in the capital, non-vegeterians may consider to convert.
If you find yourself a bit further north in Scotland, fear not, as Glasgow is also developing its reputation as a vegan haven, having been named the most vegan-friendly UK city by animal rights group PETA in 2013. If you are looking for a vegan brunch, burger or tapas, you're sure to find something to hit the spot in Glasgow. Edinburgh stole the title of most vegan-friendly city in 2015, with many restaurants offering up vegan options, and a recent increase in the number of vegan restaurants taking up residence in the city.
In India
The birthplace of vegetarianism and with a half its population being vegetarian, it is unsurprising that India is a prime destination for vegans. While north India tends to use paneer (a type of cheese) in its vegetarian fare, this is less true of cities in the south of India. The capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is an excellent choice for vegans in India, where veganism has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. There are many vegan restaurants, or restaurants that offer vegan options, and you can find vegan-friendly street food.
Although there are vegetarians in Mumbai, veganism has not historically been popular in the city, especially as dairy (such as paneer and the butter 'ghee') is widely used in Indian cuisine. However, this has been changing, and the number of vegan-friendly eateries in Mumbai has been on the rise. India is so large and its food so varied that you can try a new dish every day. Of course, being a metropolitan centre, Mumbai also has an abundance of international cuisine.
In the US
The US is a sizeable country, and several of its cities, from the East to the West coast, have become known as some of the world's most vegan-friendly. Whether you are a hipster or just keeping healthy, there's a city in America for you. San Francisco is perhaps the most well-known city for its vegan and vegetarian offering, having been an early adopter of the lifestyle. People report the ease of which they transitioned to veganism in the city, or how effortless it is to maintain a vegan lifestyle. Slightly further south is LA, known for its health-conscious residents and for being home to eateries catering to all sorts of dietary choices and requirements.
On the west coast in Oregon is the city known as the US hipster capital – Portland. Portland is known for being hipster thanks to the innovative, creative types that have flocked to the city, and gastronomy certainly hasn't been overlooked as part of this creative development. With the unofficial slogan 'Keep Austin weird', Austin, Texas has a similar atmosphere that has attracted young creative types in their droves. The city has established restaurants as well as food trucks and pop-ups that are entirely vegan.
New York (like London) is a global city, with a large number of restaurants to begin with. While some restaurants cater to meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike, there are many solely vegan restaurants to choose from. With a variety of cuisines and everything from gourmet restaurants to smaller cafes, when it comes to vegan options, you will be spoilt for choice.
