If you’ve spent quite a bit of time on different continents, you’ll know that one of the best parts of travelling is indulging in new and exciting local foods! Some people even go as far as travelling the world chasing after mouthwatering meals they’ve seen or heard of. Unfortunately, for vegans, finding delicious and nutritious dishes and vegan snacks that you can eat guilt-free can be unnecessarily challenging.
So, this year, Expat Explore is honouring World Vegan Day, celebrated annually on 1 November, with our list of the top treats and eats for travelling vegans! We’re talking yummy, healthy, world-class vegan snacks and foods from your favourite travel destinations. If you’re interested in delighting in a delicious vegan meal or two on your travels, read on!
Related: Check out these handy tips for vegan travellers!
Check out our top vegan foods around the world:
Tombet, Spain
A popular treat in Spain, especially around the picturesque Mediterranean regions of Mallorca and Menorca, is Tombet. It typically consists of layers of potatoes, red bell peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, then seasoned with garlic and fresh, aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary. All these ingredients make for a fresh and flavourful treat for any traveller. Tuck into this hearty Spanish dish with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea; it’s truly what travel dreams are made of!
Related: Try these delicious tapas when you travel to Spain!
Peixinhos da Horta, Portugal
This tasty treat from Portugal might be deceptively plain but don’t let the few ingredients or simple preparation fool you! Made by dusting green beans in flour before deep frying them, Peixinhos da Horta are so delicious that some even argue they inspired the popular Japanese staple tempura. While the name means fish from the garden, vegan travellers can rest assured that it’s only because of their fish-like appearance. Peixinhos da Horta is usually made with green beans, but some variations use peppers or sweet potatoes instead.
Related: Here are some more reasons to add Portugal to your bucket list!
Badrijani, Georgia
Our next delicious dish combines only fresh fruits and vegetables to form a rich, flavourful and unique food experience. Badrijani, popular in Georgia, consists of layered aubergine slices covered in walnut paste shaped into delectable, bite-sized rolls bursting with spices and flavour! They’re then fried before serving topped with fresh pomegranate seeds. Be sure to order a serving when you visit Georgia; it’s heaven on a plate! And not to mention healthy, nutritious and vegan-friendly.
Related: Get ready for your trip with our guide to Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi!
Yemista, Greece
Greece is known for its many world-class dishes, and Yemista is just one of them! Made by stuffing fresh seasonal vegetables like red peppers or tomatoes with rice and the insides of other vegetables before oven-baking, this vegan-friendly dish is packed with flavour and freshness. While it’s mostly made this way, and thus vegan, some variations include ground meat in the filling or are served with yoghurt and feta, so be sure to ask before you order.
Related: Make it a meal with the best dishes and drinks in Greece!
Carciofi alla Giudía, Italy
When in Italy, do as the Italians do! Which is to indulge in rich and delicious dishes such as the next one on our list. Carciofi alla Giudía is prepared by soaking artichokes in lemon water before seasoning and deep-frying them to make a crunchy and delicious side dish. What originated in the oldest Jewish community in Rome is now a staple in many eateries across the city. Be sure to give it a try in your exploration of the world’s best vegan snacks and dishes!
Related: Discover why spring is a wonderful time to visit Italy!
Sekihan, Japan
Japan brings us a traditional treat that’s simple yet delicious – Sekihan. This special occasion Japanese dish is made from only two ingredients, glutinous rice and adzuki beans. But what it lacks in ingredients, it makes up for in tradition. This dish is believed to bring good luck, and so it’s reserved for occasions like weddings, birthdays, and a baby’s first meal at 100 days old. If you get the chance to try this special dish in Japan, grab it!
Related: Plan your trip around the top Japanese festivals to experience!
Ful Medames, Egypt
As a dietary staple for centuries in Egypt, Ful Medames offer a unique flavour experience with strong cultural roots. This traditional Egyptian dish is made by slow-cooking small brown fava beans until soft and creamy before adding seasonings such as garlic, lemon, olive oil, cumin and tahini. It’s often served with accompaniments like pita or pickled vegetables. Join the locals in a local eatery and immerse yourself fully in Egyptian life while you travel!
Related: Check out the top vegetarian dishes worldwide if your diet is less strict.
We hope this list inspires you to try something new while you travel. Sure, you’ll find some yummy vegan snacks in convenience stores all over the world. But why not fully experience each destination you visit by also trying their take on vegan food?
If you’d like to try all of the delicious vegan dishes on our list, you’ll be happy to know that Expat Explore offers guided group tours to all these destinations! Book a trip on one of our single- or multi-country tours, and start discovering the best vegan food out there.