Being Vegan in Thailand: Helpful Tips and Tricks

A Vegan guide for Thailand for travellers

Being vegan in Thailand might seem like a daunting task but fear not, it is not a difficult country to navigate. Thailand offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene for vegans, with an abundance of plant-based options available in traditional Thai dishes. From delicious vegetable curries, stir-fried tofu, to fresh and zesty (but spicy!) fruit salads, vegans in Thailand can easily find delicious and authentic Thai meals!

What you will find here

After my third trip to Thailand, I thought it would be a good time to share some of the helpful tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. You’ll find some of the most common questions answered, as well as some helpful resources to help you find vegan cafes and restaurants as well as vegan food in supermarkets.

How vegan friendly is Thailand?

Thailand is very vegan friendly. With a history of traditional plant-based foods, Thailand has many traditional dishes that are commonly found on menus of cafes, restaurants or snack stalls.

Vegan food in supermarkets in Thailand

If you’re staying long-term, you’ll find most supermarkets stock a range of vegan options at the supermarket. 

There is often a vegan and vegetarian section in the frozen section as well as a range of plant-based milks in the pantry section of any supermarket. 

There are also a range of packaged Thai foods that are vegan. You can easily spot them because they have a yellow and red sign on the package that looks like a 17. This is “อาหาร เจ” “Jae” (sometimes เจ is translated into English as ‘Jai’ or ‘Jay’). This traditional food originates from the Taoist practices in China and has been brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants many years ago. The food doesn’t include any animal products (meat, fat, dairy, eggs, etc) in Jae cooking, but there are also certain vegetables that cannot be used such as garlic.

Is Bangkok good for vegans?

I put together a list of the best vegetarian and vegan Thai food in Bangkok. There is a huge range of vegan options in Bangkok, and you will be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of cheap food options as well as fancier, trendy brunch spots. Again, you’ll find a range of western and Thai food as well as healthy, light options and fast food.

What to eat in Thailand as a vegan?

Even if you aren’t in Bangkok, at most food courts or food halls around Thailand there will be one Jay (เจ) restaurant that will sell Chinese/Thai vegan food. You’ll also find a range of fresh fruit and smoothies on sale that is perfect for a snack and to stay hydrated.