Vegan-friendly global cuisines
Exotic foods can be intimidating, especially when they consist of ingredients you’ve never heard of before or they’re dishes you simply can’t understand. It’s even more of a chore if you’re vegan and struggling to differentiate between what is suitable to eat and what isn’t. In fact, it can be a nightmare. Which vegan-friendly global cuisines can we find?
Hidden animal ingredients are a concern for all vegans, but especially when visiting another country with a language that you aren’t too familiar with, for example. It’s one of the many reasons people find it hard being a vegan and maintaining what is a huge lifestyle and dietary change. It can be made a lot easier when travelling abroad though, especially if you visit countries which have always produced different types of vegan-friendly cuisine.
If you’re going on a vegan cruise you’re looked after in that respect, but if you’re left to your own devices with nothing but Google translate, a vegan diet can be broken, perhaps without even knowing it. So, to help you become aware of the countries who specialise in vegan deliciousness, here is a look at some of the global cuisines that are vegan-friendly.
South Indian
Compared to the northern part of the country, southern Indian food is far less reliant on animal products, making it the perfect dining experience for vegan munchers. With rice, dosas, sambar, Idli and plenty of hearty curries to choose from, southern Indian cuisine is not only full of variety but taste and flavour too.
It’s important to note, though, that not every southern Indian dish is vegan-friendly, so be sure to double-check exactly what it is that you’re getting. Overall, though, the region serves up the ideal grub for a perfect vegan feast, either with friends or sitting with some dosas. If you haven’t tried southern Indian cuisine, then please do so immediately. Not only is it healthier, but it’s damn tasty, too.
Ethiopian
Ethiopian food has started to pick up some real momentum of late, largely because it’s flavourful, rich and incredibly healthy, but also because it’s – on the whole – vegan. Most dishes are stew-like and come with a flatbread called injera which you use to scoop up various flavours and essentially use as your utensil. Other Ethiopian vegan dishes to try are Atakilt Wat, Misir Wot, Gomen, Fasolia, and Kik Alicha. If you’re a fan of hearty stews and vegetables with added flavour, then you’ll surely take to Ethiopian food.
Mediterranean
A popular cuisine all around the globe, Mediterranean food is also making waves with the vegan community. Why, you ask? Well, because most of its offerings are vegan-friendly, extremely good for you, and are packed full of flavour. The likes of charred eggplant, rich and creamy hummus, roasted peppers, fresh olives, refreshing tabouli, all accompanied with a cucumber salad and a pitta, goes down a storm. Perhaps a falafel pita sandwich is more your thing? Either way, the region is loaded with scrumptious vegan cuisine.
Korean
Vegan cuisine is creeping its way into Korean food, although the country already had a fair few vegan-friendly dishes before too. Vegan versions of tofu stew, mandu, japchae, bibimbap, and banchan have become increasingly popular of late, alongside smaller dishes such as stewed potatoes, pickled daikon, kimchi and mung bean. It’s worth noting, though, that not every dish is vegan friendly so be sure to check that your dish doesn’t contain bonito flakes, fish sauce, or anchovies. Overall, though, the options are vast.
Other vegan-friendly cuisine to try is southern Italian, Mexican, Burmese and Chinese Hot Pot. Sri Lanka also offers many vegan meals.
