Vegan or Vegetarian? These Are the Best Cities for You, Study Finds

For people who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, choosing where to live or travel can involve more than rent, weather and transportation. Access to suitable food can also make a major difference. In some cities, plant-based eating has become a normal part of the restaurant scene, while in others, finding a satisfying vegan meal can still require advance planning.

The growth of plant-based dining has transformed many urban food cultures around the world. Restaurants are adding vegan and vegetarian dishes to their menus, dedicated plant-based businesses are opening in major metropolitan areas, and traditional cuisines are increasingly being adapted to meet changing dietary preferences.

For vegans, the challenge can be greater because a vegan diet excludes not only meat and fish but also dairy, eggs and other animal-derived ingredients. Vegetarians generally have a wider range of choices because many vegetarian diets permit dairy products and eggs.

So which cities offer the most welcoming environment for people who prefer plant-based food?

There is no single definition of a “best” vegan or vegetarian city. Factors such as the number of plant-based restaurants, affordability, availability of grocery products, cultural attitudes, restaurant variety and access to international cuisines can all influence the experience.

Here is a closer look at some of the world’s major cities that have developed strong reputations for vegan and vegetarian dining.

What Makes a City Vegan- or Vegetarian-Friendly?

Before looking at individual cities, it is useful to understand what makes an urban area convenient for plant-based eaters.

The first factor is restaurant availability. A city with numerous vegan restaurants gives residents and visitors more choices than a place where plant-based meals are limited to side dishes.

Variety is equally important. A city may have hundreds of vegetarian restaurants, but if most of them serve the same type of food, residents may eventually find their options repetitive. International cities tend to have an advantage because Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, East Asian, Ethiopian and other cuisines often provide naturally vegetarian or adaptable dishes.

Grocery access is another important consideration. Supermarkets with plant-based milk, meat alternatives, tofu, tempeh, vegan cheese and other products can make everyday life easier.

Affordability also matters. A city can have an impressive vegan restaurant scene while still being expensive for ordinary residents. The ability to find affordable plant-based meals can therefore be just as important as the number of high-end restaurants.

Finally, cultural familiarity matters. In places where vegetarian food has long been part of the local cuisine, people following plant-based diets may find it easier to communicate their dietary requirements.

1. London, United Kingdom

London has developed one of the most diverse food scenes in Europe, and that diversity extends to vegan and vegetarian dining.

The city is home to restaurants representing cuisines from almost every region of the world. This creates opportunities for plant-based diners to explore Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asian and modern European food.

Indian cuisine is particularly useful for vegetarians because many traditional dishes are already vegetarian. Vegan diners can also find numerous dishes that can be prepared without dairy.

London’s large international population has helped create demand for restaurants catering to different dietary preferences. Plant-based burgers, vegan pastries, meat-free versions of traditional British dishes and entirely vegan restaurants can all be found across different parts of the city.

The city’s extensive grocery sector also provides access to plant-based products. Major supermarkets and independent food stores increasingly stock alternatives to traditional dairy and meat products.

For visitors, London’s public transportation network makes it relatively easy to explore different neighborhoods in search of specialized restaurants.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is frequently associated with alternative food culture, and vegan dining has become an established part of the city’s restaurant landscape.

The German capital has a large selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, cafés and bakeries. Plant-based versions of familiar foods are particularly popular, including burgers, kebabs, pizzas, desserts and breakfast dishes.

Berlin’s relatively experimental food culture has also encouraged restaurants to create dishes that go beyond traditional meat substitutes.

Another advantage is the city’s international population. Diners can encounter plant-based interpretations of cuisines from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

For people who prefer casual dining, Berlin also offers many cafés and inexpensive food options where vegetarian and vegan meals can be easier to find.

The city demonstrates how vegan food has moved beyond a niche market and become part of mainstream urban dining.

3. New York City, United States

New York City offers an enormous range of food choices, making it one of the most interesting destinations for people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

The city’s restaurant industry is highly competitive, and plant-based businesses have benefited from consumer interest in new dining concepts.

Vegan diners can find everything from casual fast food to sophisticated tasting menus. Restaurants offer plant-based versions of pizza, burgers, sandwiches, sushi-style dishes, desserts and many other foods.

Vegetarians have even more options because restaurants serving cuisines such as Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican and Middle Eastern frequently offer meat-free dishes.

New York’s neighborhoods also provide different plant-based experiences. Some areas have dedicated vegan restaurants, while others are better known for international cuisines with naturally vegetarian options.

The city also has a large supermarket and specialty-food market, giving residents access to ingredients for cooking at home.

For travelers, the main challenge is less about finding vegan food and more about deciding among the many available choices.

4. Los Angeles, United States

Los Angeles has long been associated with health-conscious food culture, and plant-based eating is a visible part of the city’s restaurant scene.

The city has restaurants specializing in vegan food as well as conventional restaurants that offer substantial vegetarian and vegan menus.

Los Angeles also has a strong culture of wellness, organic food and alternative diets. This has helped create a market for plant-based meals that are designed around nutrition as well as taste.

The city’s multicultural population adds another advantage. Mexican, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines can provide numerous options for plant-based diners.

Los Angeles is geographically spread out, however, so restaurant accessibility can depend heavily on where someone lives or stays. Unlike a compact city where multiple restaurants may be within walking distance, Los Angeles often requires transportation.

Nevertheless, for people who enjoy exploring different plant-based restaurants, the city offers considerable variety.

5. Portland, Oregon

Portland has developed a reputation for independent restaurants, sustainable food culture and creative dining.

Its plant-based scene reflects those characteristics. Vegan restaurants and cafés operate alongside businesses offering vegetarian choices and plant-based alternatives.

One of Portland’s attractions for plant-based diners is the combination of casual food and creativity. Food trucks, cafés and independent restaurants can offer innovative vegan versions of familiar dishes.

The city also has access to farmers’ markets and locally produced foods, giving residents opportunities to build plant-focused meals around fresh ingredients.

Portland’s food culture demonstrates that vegan dining does not necessarily have to mean expensive or formal restaurant meals. Casual plant-based food can be integrated into everyday urban life.

6. Los Angeles and Other U.S. Plant-Based Hubs

The United States has several cities where vegan and vegetarian dining has become increasingly visible.

Beyond New York, Los Angeles and Portland, cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Austin and Chicago have developed diverse plant-based food communities.

San Francisco benefits from its long-established interest in food innovation. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants coexist with restaurants offering plant-based alternatives.

Seattle has also seen growing interest in plant-based dining, supported by a broader culture of sustainability and food experimentation.

Austin’s food-truck culture provides another route for plant-based businesses to reach customers. Vegan tacos, burgers and other creative dishes can be found alongside more traditional Texas food.

Chicago, meanwhile, offers an enormous variety of international cuisines, which can be useful for vegetarians and vegans looking beyond dedicated plant-based restaurants.

7. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is another European city where plant-based dining has become increasingly visible.

The city’s international character means that residents and visitors can choose from a variety of cuisines. Vegan cafés, vegetarian restaurants and plant-based menus have become increasingly common.

Amsterdam’s compact urban environment can also make restaurant exploration convenient, particularly for visitors staying near the city center.

The city has a strong café culture, and breakfast and lunch options often provide opportunities for plant-based eating.

Amsterdam also appeals to people who are interested in sustainability more broadly. Cycling, public transportation and environmental awareness are important parts of the city’s identity, although the experience of sustainable living varies from person to person.

8. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has one of Australia’s most diverse food scenes, and vegetarian and vegan diners can benefit from that diversity.

The city’s café culture is particularly useful for people seeking plant-based breakfast and lunch options.

Restaurants across Melbourne serve dishes inspired by Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and modern Australian cuisines. Many of these cuisines contain naturally vegetarian dishes or can be adapted for vegan diners.

Plant-based alternatives have also become more visible in cafés and restaurants.

Melbourne’s multicultural population contributes to the city’s food diversity. Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisines all provide opportunities for meat-free dining.

For someone following a vegetarian diet, Melbourne can therefore offer a broad selection of everyday meals rather than relying exclusively on specialized restaurants.

9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney combines an international population with a strong café and restaurant culture.

Vegan and vegetarian options are available across a wide range of neighborhoods, from casual cafés to more formal restaurants.

The city’s proximity to fresh produce and its large selection of international restaurants also create opportunities for plant-based dining.

Travelers can find vegetarian meals in Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, among others.

For vegans, it remains important to check ingredients carefully because dishes that appear vegetarian may contain dairy, eggs or other animal-derived products.

Still, the breadth of Sydney’s restaurant industry gives plant-based diners considerable flexibility.

10. Singapore

Singapore is particularly interesting for vegetarian and vegan diners because of its multicultural food traditions.

Chinese, Indian, Malay and other culinary influences have shaped the city-state’s food culture.

Vegetarian food has a long presence in some communities, while modern restaurants increasingly offer vegan alternatives.

Indian cuisine is particularly valuable for vegetarians because many traditional dishes are meat-free. Chinese vegetarian restaurants can also provide extensive menus designed around meat-free versions of familiar foods.

Singapore’s dense urban environment means restaurants are often relatively accessible, allowing residents and visitors to explore different food neighborhoods.

The city is also known for its extensive food-center culture, although diners need to communicate dietary requirements carefully because ingredients can vary considerably.

11. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok may not be thought of exclusively as a vegan city, but Thai cuisine offers many dishes that can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diners.

Fresh vegetables, rice, noodles, herbs, tofu and plant-based ingredients are widely used in Thai cooking.

However, there is an important distinction between vegetarian and vegan dining. Fish sauce, oyster sauce, shrimp paste and other animal-derived ingredients are common in traditional Thai cuisine.

As a result, vegan travelers often need to clearly communicate their requirements.

Bangkok’s growing international restaurant scene has also created dedicated vegan cafés and restaurants, making the city more accessible to visitors who want specialized plant-based meals.

12. Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei has a strong vegetarian food culture influenced by local traditions and religious practices.

Vegetarian restaurants can be found throughout the city, and some businesses specialize in plant-based interpretations of traditional Taiwanese and Chinese dishes.

One of the city’s attractions for vegetarian diners is the variety available. Instead of simply removing meat from a dish, vegetarian restaurants may create elaborate plant-based versions of familiar foods.

Vegan diners still need to confirm ingredients because some vegetarian foods may contain eggs, dairy or other animal-derived ingredients.

Nevertheless, Taipei demonstrates how local culinary traditions can support a substantial vegetarian restaurant culture.

13. Mumbai, India

India has one of the world’s most established vegetarian food cultures, although dietary practices vary significantly by region, religion, family and individual.

Mumbai offers an enormous range of vegetarian dishes, from street food to fine dining.

Traditional foods such as dosa, idli, vegetable curries, rice dishes, chaats and many regional snacks can provide substantial choices for vegetarians.

For vegans, dairy can be the main issue because milk, yogurt, ghee and paneer are common ingredients in Indian cuisine.

Fortunately, many Indian dishes can be prepared without dairy, particularly in cuisines that rely heavily on vegetables, legumes, rice and spices.

Mumbai’s huge food industry means that both traditional and modern plant-based options are available.

14. Delhi and Other Indian Cities

Delhi also offers extensive vegetarian choices.

North Indian cuisine includes numerous vegetarian dishes based on lentils, vegetables, grains and dairy products.

For vegetarians, this can create a broad selection of meals. For vegans, however, ordering requires greater attention to ingredients.

Other Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Ahmedabad, also have strong vegetarian food traditions.

India therefore represents an interesting case: a city does not necessarily need a large number of restaurants labeled “vegan” to provide substantial plant-based food options.

Traditional cuisine itself can sometimes provide the foundation.

Vegan vs. Vegetarian: Which Is Easier?

For most travelers, vegetarian dining is generally easier than strict vegan dining.

Vegetarians may consume some combination of dairy products and eggs, depending on their dietary pattern. That gives them more flexibility when ordering.

Vegans have to avoid a broader range of ingredients.

For example, a vegetarian curry may contain yogurt or butter. A vegan diner would need a modified version.

Similarly, baked goods that appear vegetarian may contain eggs or milk.

This difference is important when evaluating cities. A place with a strong vegetarian culture may still require vegan travelers to research restaurants more carefully.

Why Plant-Based Dining Is Growing

Several factors have contributed to the growth of plant-based food.

One is consumer interest in health and nutrition. Some people reduce their consumption of animal products because they want to change their eating patterns.

Environmental concerns are another factor. Plant-based diets are often discussed in the context of resource use, emissions and sustainable food systems.

Animal welfare is also an important motivation for some vegans and vegetarians.

At the same time, many people simply enjoy plant-based food without following a strict dietary identity.

This has encouraged restaurants to treat vegan and vegetarian dishes as part of mainstream menus rather than as specialty products.

The Importance of Local Cuisine

One of the biggest lessons from plant-based travel is that dedicated vegan restaurants are not the only source of good food.

Traditional cuisines can be extremely valuable.

Indian cuisine offers numerous vegetarian dishes. Middle Eastern food includes hummus, falafel, tabbouleh and other plant-focused options. Ethiopian cuisine can provide vegetable and legume-based meals. Japanese cuisine includes tofu and vegetable dishes, although ingredients such as fish stock must be checked.

Mediterranean cuisine also provides vegetables, legumes, grains and olive-oil-based dishes.

Understanding local cuisine can therefore make plant-based travel easier.

What Vegan Travelers Should Check

Even in cities known for plant-based food, travelers should verify ingredients.

A dish labeled vegetarian may contain dairy or eggs.

A vegetable soup may contain chicken stock.

A noodle dish may contain fish sauce.

Bread may contain milk or eggs.

Sauces and dressings can also contain unexpected animal-derived ingredients.

Communication is therefore important.

Travelers can research restaurant menus in advance, ask staff about ingredients and, where necessary, learn a few phrases explaining their dietary requirements.

Are Vegan-Friendly Cities More Expensive?

Not necessarily.

Dedicated vegan restaurants in major global cities can be expensive, particularly when they operate in high-rent neighborhoods.

But plant-based eating does not automatically require a large budget.

Street food, local markets, grocery stores, food courts and traditional restaurants can provide affordable vegetarian meals.

In some cities, traditional plant-based dishes may be considerably cheaper than specialized vegan products.

This is one reason restaurant counts alone are not enough to determine whether a city is convenient for plant-based living.

Cooking at Home Can Make a Difference

People who move to a vegan or vegetarian-friendly city do not necessarily need to eat at restaurants every day.

Access to supermarkets and fresh produce can be just as important.

Staples such as beans, lentils, rice, pasta, oats, vegetables, fruits, tofu and grains can form the basis of inexpensive plant-based meals.

Specialty products such as vegan cheese and meat alternatives can be useful but are not essential.

For long-term residents, a combination of home cooking and restaurant dining may provide the best balance of affordability and variety.

How Cities Are Changing Their Food Culture

The growing visibility of vegan and vegetarian food is changing restaurant menus.

Traditional restaurants are increasingly adding plant-based dishes alongside meat-based options.

Fast-food companies have experimented with meat alternatives.

Coffee shops have expanded their selection of non-dairy beverages.

Supermarkets are dedicating more shelf space to plant-based products.

These changes mean that someone does not necessarily have to live in a city famous for vegan restaurants to follow a plant-based diet comfortably.

The broader food environment matters.

What Makes a City Truly Convenient?

A useful way to think about plant-based cities is to consider several factors together:

• Number of vegan restaurants
• Number of vegetarian restaurants
• Variety of cuisines
• Availability of affordable meals
• Plant-based grocery products
• Fresh produce
• Vegan food delivery
• Restaurant labeling
• Awareness of dietary requirements
• Accessibility by public transportation
• Availability outside major tourist areas

A city that performs well across several of these categories may be more practical for a plant-based lifestyle than a city that simply has a large number of specialized restaurants.

Final Thoughts

The global growth of vegan and vegetarian dining has made plant-based travel and urban living easier than it was in the past.

Cities such as London, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Amsterdam, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei and major Indian metropolitan areas offer different advantages for plant-based diners.

There is no universal “best” city for every vegan or vegetarian person. Someone who prioritizes affordable street food may prefer a different destination from someone looking for high-end vegan restaurants. A vegetarian may also have different needs from a strict vegan.

The most important consideration is therefore not simply how many vegan restaurants a city has. It is the overall food environment: variety, affordability, accessibility, grocery options and the ability to communicate dietary requirements.

As plant-based eating continues to become part of mainstream food culture, the distinction between a “vegan city” and an ordinary city may also become less significant. More restaurants are learning how to serve plant-based customers, supermarkets are expanding their selections, and traditional cuisines continue to provide naturally vegetarian and vegan possibilities.

For travelers planning their next destination, researching local food culture before arrival can make the experience much easier. And for people considering a permanent move, examining grocery prices, restaurant accessibility and everyday meal options may be more useful than simply looking at a list of vegan restaurants.

Ultimately, the ideal city for a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle depends on what matters most to the individual — from food variety and affordability to cultural experiences and convenience.