10 Best Cities For Vegetarians Around The World Slideshow
Our own methodology for this list included using pre-existing roundups, a 2013 research study, and a computation of the number of vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants on Google reviews. If you're currently planning a vacation, we've listed the 10 best cities for vegetarians around the world.
#10 San Francisco
San Francisco was named third in America for cities with the most vegetarian restaurants in a 2013 Vegetarian Times study. Over 30 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants on Google reviews factor into that ranking. Top picks include Greens Restaurant, which has an all-vegetarian menu including fresh spring rolls and warm cauliflower salad. It doesn't hurt that the spot boasts a knockout view of the Bay. If you're in the mood for entrées like sautéed basil eggplant and mushroom, head over to Golden Era.
#9 Chennai, India
CNN names South India as vegetarianism's birthplace, and Chennai made the publication's list for the world's best vegetarian destinations. Google reviews features over 30 of Chennai's vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Many people who consider themselves Hindu or Buddhist follow a vegetarian-inclined diet, and in 2007, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ranked India the world's lowest consumer of meat. Happy Cow recommends VeganeR as it was the first 100 percent vegan restaurant in the city.
#8 Berlin
Berlin won Saveur's 2015 Good Taste Award and was named the new vegetarian capital. The city's over 30 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants include stand-outs like Cookies Cream, a hip vegetarian venue with an air of speakeasy-esque mystery, and Samadhi, a Southeast Asian vegetarian menu with extensive vegan options.
#7 Seattle
The Vegetarian Times study ranks Seattle second in America, and we can certainly see why. Seattle has over 30 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants listed on Google reviews. Zagat named Plum Bistro, which serves organic vegan dishes alongside chic, industrial décor, as Seattle's Best for Vegan/Vegetarian Food. And it's telling that the winners of two of Zagat's general awards in this city are both vegetarian/vegan restaurants. Café Flora was named Seattle's Best Cheap Eats, and Chaco Canyon Organic Café won Seattle's Best Healthy Quick Bites.
#6 Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei has over 30 vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries listed on Google reviews and ranked at number three on Matador Network's list of the world's vegetarian-friendly cities. About 43 percent of Taiwan's residents are reportedly Buddhist, and many choose to forego meat as part of the practice. The city is also known for its vegetarian mock meat dishes, made out of soy protein or gluten.
#5 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Google reviews list over 40 vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, and the city makes CNN's list of the world's best vegetarian destinations. One of the best options according to Happy Cow is the Origin, which serves fusion vegetarian dishes, as well as many options for vegans.
#4 Singapore
Over 40 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants make an appearance on Google reviews for Singapore, but that probably doesn't include the many hawker centers, or informal food courts, that offer a variety of Indian, Chinese, and other types of vegetarian-inclined cuisine. Matador Network ranked Singapore as number one for vegetarian-friendly cities around the world.
#3 Portland, Ore.
A 2013 research study through Harris Interactive Service Bureau ranked Portland as the United States' number one city as far as the sheer number of vegetarian restaurants. Google reviews shows over 40 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, such as Sizzle Pie, a hip, vegan-friendly pizzeria, and Blossoming Lotus, a vegan restaurant that won Zagat's Portland's Best for Brunch recognition.
#2 New York City
New York offers a multitude of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, and four and five star-ranked spots abound on Google reviews... we stopped counting at 50. Places like Dirt Candy, with creative vegetarian fare, and Quantum Leap, which offers meatless Asian and Mexican food as well as soy milkshakes, make the Big Apple one of our top picks. Blossom Restaurant is another popular vegan destination in New York City, and menu items include cashew cream ravioli and raw zucchini rolatini.
#1 London
Over 50 vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants are listed on Google reviews in London, and PETA named the city the world's most vegetarian-friendly in 2009, partly due to its variety of meatless eateries and ethnic cuisine, but also due to grocery stores and steakhouses including a green "V" for vegan options. The Gate Islington, an airy dining space serving creative takes on vegetarian fare, won Zagat's award for London's Best for Vegetarian.