Vegetarian and Vegan Travel Tips from 6 Plant-Based Pinoys

As more and more people are switching to a plant-based diet, the world has become much more open to travellers who prefer to ditch the meat. We interviewed several long-time and newbie herbivores who excitedly shared their tips for and experiences trotting the globe without a single bite of meat. So if you’ve just made the switch to eating 100% green and you’re wondering how you can keep up your new lifestyle while travelling, keep on reading! We can’t wait for you to discover how these veggie-lovers travelled the world, charged only by fruits and vegetables!

Steph Arnaldo

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

I’ve been a vegetarian since September 2019.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Well, Metro Manila, for one! There are a lot of hidden vegetarian/vegan gems around the city — you just have to know where to look. Australia is also a very vegetarian-friendly country — it’s easy to enjoy a plant-based diet there, with all the fresh produce around.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, ready-made salads, and juices are easily accessible anywhere you go in Sydney and are not that expensive.

Tagaytay is also surprisingly vegetarian-friendly! Most restaurants have their own farms nearby, so salads are most likely on the menu.

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

Batangas and Cebu. They serve really delicious food, no doubt, but they’re stationed by the beach and the sea, so seafood is their main source of meat. When I’m at the beach, too, most of the food served are grilled meats that are easy to prepare, like liempo, fish, and canned food.

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

I had a spinach pomodoro ravioli with almonds at a Tagaytay resort I stayed at, paired with a Margherita pizza using fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.

In Sydney, I also had a very filling salad that was bursting with the freshest produce ever: fresh greens, alfalfa sprouts, boiled egg, the creamiest avocados, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing.

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

That it’s impossible to travel if you’re a vegetarian! It’s difficult, yes, but definitely not impossible. You just have to be more conscious of your menu choices and set your expectations that you might not be indulging in the same type of “feast” your friends will.

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions?

As long as you always have your “why” set at the back of your head at all times, then travelling when on a diet is possible. Your motivation will help resist the temptation! Also, keep your friends in the loop. True friends will be there to support you on your diet journey!

Bea Aspiras

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

I switched when I was 10 years old. I’m now 28, so 18 happy years of being a vegetarian.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Vietnam and Thailand because using vegetables is such a major part of their food culture, plus the Buddhist aspect, at least in Thailand. Vegetarian options in North America are crazy good.

Also read: 10 Must-Try Food in Vietnam Fit for the Filipino Palate

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

Japan! Most dishes have dashi (seafood stock), even plain sushi! You really have to double-check, which can be an annoying experience for you and the employees. But if you’re patient and have a knack for finding hidden gems, [you’ll enjoy]!

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

 Markets in Vietnam have a plethora of vegetarian and vegan noodle choices! I always use Google Translate and it’s surprisingly accurate. There’s also a huge vegetarian and vegan food culture in Taiwan — always situated near temples!

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

They always think I’m on the brink of starvation! But it’s actually very easy to find meat or seafood-free options. You can also always look at the appetizer or soup section! You may not have the same main course as your peers, but you can have a feast of different small portioned foods. 

Another tip: Bring dried seaweed as your last resort food, you can pair it with rice and it will serve as your ulam.

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

Since food is deeply connected to social interaction, the formula to be satisfied regardless of your preferences is to communicate well. So, let people know why your diet is important to you, tell the staff what you can and can’t eat — even bring a small list to make things easier. As long as it’s not an impossible request, there will always be people who’ll be willing to help and accommodate [your needs]. 

Be prepared too! Research food options in your chosen destination in advance, bring emergency food and multivitamins, and have a contingency plan.

P.S. Reddit, The Happy Cow App, and TripAdvisor are the tools I use to research restaurants and food options in advance. 

Marco Javier

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

Vegan since March 4, 2019.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Sydney, Australia, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Davao, Philippines.

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

Cotabato City. They don’t have a lot of tofu options — not even taho — so all I had to eat were raw vegetables, which isn’t very satisfying.

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

Sala in Kuala Lumpur was amazing. I had their fusion-style nasi lemak burrito, which is my favourite vegan meal to date. The chicken nuggets of The Lord of the Fries in Australia cannot be missed, especially if you were into fast food before going vegan. For oil-free or WFPB (Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet) options which are hard to come by, The Vegan Dinosaur in Davao has a BBQ tempeh bowl which is to die for!

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

That you’re missing out on the local culture by staying strictly vegan while travelling. Nothing could be further from the truth; there are so many talented vegan business owners and chefs out there who are veganising their local cuisine. Veganism isn’t just a white or Western movement, and there are always options wherever you go — more than you would think so.

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

Download Happy Cow, and join local vegan groups on Facebook to ask for tips and Google blogs before you travel. It’s really easy to stay vegan while travelling if you do your part, and you won’t miss out on cultural experiences by doing so.

Bea Abello

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

Six or seven years now. I can’t recall the exact year I started, but I do recall starting completely meat-free, not slowly transitioning into the diet.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Almost most Southeast Asian countries, apart from the Philippines. But Siargao’s a good place to start, and Manila is slowly improving. Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia have plenty of plant-based meal staples due to culture and/or religion.

Also read: Restaurants in Siargao: 30 Places to Eat & Drink in General Luna

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

Not as many plant-based meals in Europe and US compared to Asia, but among countries I’ve visited in the West, Spain was the hardest. I had a difficult time finding meat-free dishes there.

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

I had an amazing artichoke pizza in New York City. There was also a lot of vegetarian Indian and Thai food that I enjoyed.

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

That you won’t be able to enjoy your travels if you keep to your diet restriction!

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

Don’t worry about it, as there are actually more plant-based options abroad than in the Philippines. They’re also more affordable and tastier. There are plenty of notable meat substitutes that are only available abroad — like Beyond Meat and the Impossible Burger — which are gaining popularity as potentially replacing meat completely!

Kira Lok

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

Vegetarian by February 2013; vegan by October 2016.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Chiang Mai (Thailand), New York and Texas (USA), Nepal, Makati, BGC, and Baguio (Philippines).

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

JAPAN! I thought I would die there. Switzerland, too, and around the Philippines, with the exceptions I’ve already mentioned.

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

That’s very difficult to even shortlist. Haha! Chiang Mai was so effortlessly vegan-friendly, so they had so many staple choices. Texas and New York as well, though… sorry, I can’t choose!

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

That veganism is a temporary fad or some hipster cultish movement that’s simply too inconvenient to even consider.

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

You have every right to be; it’s only part of being a responsible traveller. Do research prior to your trip; join Facebook groups that focus on veganism in that particular country (there are, I promise). Plan your itinerary around vegan restaurants if possible. When joining a tour group, be clear about your diet restrictions with the tour agency and your tour guide. Bring back up food in case you run out of options, and especially if the country you’re in is not vegan friendly.

Micah Abon

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

I have been vegan since November 2018.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Bali, Indonesia, El Nido, Palawan, Boracay, Sagada, and La Union.

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

Batangas, Iloilo, Zambales, and Clark in the Philippines!

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

Mie goreng and nasi goreng in Bali, a vegan burger in El Nido, and veganised Pinoy dishes in Sagada.

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

“The only thing a vegan can eat in a non-vegan restaurant is a salad” — This is not true!!! You can veganise a lot of dishes; you just have to be creative!

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

There’s 7-Eleven everywhere! You can buy vegan instant noodles from any 7-Eleven stores, like Shin Ramyun, Soon Veggie Noodles, Indomie Mie Goreng, Quickchow Pancit Canton, Homi noodles, etc. You can also veganise a lot of Pinoy dishes that are offered in carinderias. Have your pancit luglog meat and oyster sauce-free (this is what I do when I’m in a Batangas lomihan).

Also, tokwa dishes are everywhere! It’s easier if you order from restaurants and not from establishments that offer ready-to-eat foods so you can ask the staff to omit any non-vegan ingredients from your ordered dish. There’s lumpiang togue!

Almost all types of kakanin are vegan, so you can explore the local kakanin of any travel destination. And if none of those that I mentioned is available, you can never go wrong with rice, toyo, suka, sibuyas, kamatis, kalamansi (or kimchi, if it’s available).

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

Vegetarian for 15 years now.

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Taiwan, Australia, Canada, UAE.

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

Thailand and Vietnam — almost always may fish sauce yung food! Then, may language barrier. So I’m not sure if what I ate all the time there was really vegetarian. Actually, Filipino restaurants, too! Because our vegetable dishes always have meat or bagoong, patis, mini shrimps, etc.

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling?

In Japan, there’s a mountain area called Koyasan. In that area, it’s common to be vegetarian (also hard to eat vegetarian in Japan), so we had so much fun ordering from restaurants.

Street food in Taiwan also has lots of vegetarian options, which is so hard to find in other Asian night markets and street food stalls.

In the Netherlands (Junkfood Bar), we ate this “sashimi” made from tapioca pearls!

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

That we only eat salad. Actually, this is more of a Pinoy misconception. Pinoys think this way. Most common question [I’ve received]: “Fish po, pwede ba?”

About being vegetarian/vegan naman, wala naman ako naririnig masyado. I’m also not vocal naman kasi in the sense na pushing people to become one. I only mention my dietary preference in restaurants.

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

Translation apps are so helpful. Researching where to eat beforehand is also helpful. In places where we stay long, we also do our own grocery and cooking — so we get to control our meals. But also take note: A language barrier or some cultural misunderstanding can arise. If you’re very strict with your diet, you can always bring backup food with you.

Also read: 13 Easy Tips To Conquer The Language Barrier Abroad

Christina Cruz

1. How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?

Seven years (though, for the sake of full disclosure, I’ve had to break my vegetarian diet to eat fish at times because I’m anaemic).

2. What are some of the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly travel destinations you’ve visited?

Bali definitely tops the list of vegan/vegetarian-friendly places I’ve visited (so much so that I went twice, and my second trip was more of a vegan food trip). Another great vegan-friendly place to visit is Los Angeles. For the local scene, I’d have to say Siargao with its abundance of smoothie bowl places.

3. What were some places you’ve travelled to that made it hard to stick to your vegetarian/vegan diet?

When I visited Tokyo and Taiwan, I have to admit that I couldn’t stick to my diet. Though I chose to have vegan ramen and vegan karaage in Japan, I definitely slipped a few times, especially when faced with sushi. For my Taiwan trip, I remember eating mostly scallion pancakes and visiting 7-Eleven stores for sandwiches, so, not the most enjoyable food scene for me.

4. What were some of the best vegetarian/vegan meals you’ve had while travelling? 

Again, Bali’s where I had the best vegan food trip. They have everything from vegan burgers to pancakes and ice cream. In fact, I can confidently say that the gelato from Kynd Community was even better than the ones made from dairy!

There were also vegan and vegetarian versions of their local favourites, nasi goreng and mie goreng, which I ate almost every day! In LA, By Chloe is my go-to for vegan fast food. I particularly enjoyed their meatball sub, mac n’ cheese, and cinnamon rolls! I also made sure to visit Whole Foods and get whatever vegan option they have in their canteen. Also, I remember trying the best vegan breakfast burrito during one random visit. Their vegan cookies are great too!

5. What are some common misconceptions you’ve heard about travelling as a vegetarian/vegan?

Well, the usual would be that being vegan anywhere is hard. A lot of people would say that you can’t enjoy travelling on a vegan trip.

6. What would you like to tell anyone apprehensive about travelling because of their dietary preferences/restrictions? 

My advice would be to do A LOT of research. True, there are countries where you’ll have to look really hard, but the world is evolving, and veganism is becoming more mainstream, so you don’t really have to worry about not getting the full travel experience. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions when you find yourself in a non-vegan restaurant. More often than not, chefs will be more than willing to make the adjustment as it could be as simple as taking out the butter in a dish. Your diet should never stop you from travelling! There’s a whole vegan scene out there that you’re missing out on!

Also read: 10 Vegan Food Options That Deliver in Metro Manila

 If you’re in the beginnings of your journey of transitioning to a plant-based diet, the thought of travelling might be nerve-wracking. But remember that the world is becoming much more accepting of vegans and vegetarians! Nothing should stop anyone from pursuing their passion for exploring the world, especially not a diet! In fact, your new lifestyle might make travelling even more exciting as you circle the globe on the hunt for the tastiest plant-based meals. Feeling pumped? Have fun on your next veggie-fueled trip with these tips in mind!

Featured image credited to Ana Brettas via Canva Pro.