Are you traveling to Thailand but following a vegetarian diet? No problem at all! Thailand offers a wide and delicious variety of food choices for vegetarians, thanks to the country’s rich Buddhist influence and growing vegan community. Almost all local dishes can be easily modified with tofu or vegetables to replace meat. I never run out of things to try here, so let me share my top 10 favorite vegetarian dishes in Thailand!
1. Mango Smoothie
Starting off simple: a mango smoothie from a café, street vendor, or restaurant. The fruit here—especially the mangos—is so incredibly sweet and fresh. They make some of the best smoothies I’ve ever had, often for less than 60 baht. The flavor is absolutely insane and so refreshing on a hot day. You can also opt for other popular fruits like coconut, watermelon, and banana. They’re all amazing and the perfect midday cool-off.
2. Mango Sticky Rice
Another favorite featuring mango is mango sticky rice. Again, this dish is fantastic anywhere—restaurants or street vendors—but it’s cheaper and often better from the street! This dessert combines sweet sticky rice, fresh mango, and condensed milk, creating a unique yet delicious pairing. With such a sweet mango, you truly can’t go wrong. Enjoy it as a snack or a post-dinner treat. Honestly, it’s good any time of day!
3. Yellow Curry with Vegetables or Tofu
Yellow curry, known for its bright yellow hue thanks to turmeric, is a comforting meal for vegetarians. This dish can be ordered with vegetables or tofu and is often paired with rice. Yellow curry is mild and slightly sweet, featuring turmeric, cumin, chili, coconut milk, garlic, and an assortment of vegetables. The curry pairs so well with tofu or veggies, creating a flavorful and hearty dish. You can find yellow curry almost anywhere, but it’s especially enjoyable when served piping hot at a cozy indoor spot.
4. Green Curry with Vegetables or Tofu
Another incredible curry option for vegetarians is green curry. This dish has a sweet yet slightly spicy flavor, made with Thai basil, chilies, garlic, lemongrass, coconut milk, eggplant, and more. Like yellow curry, green curry is served with rice and is just as delightful with tofu or a medley of vegetables. The rich flavors and vibrant green color make it a Thai favorite. Whether you enjoy it at a street stall or in a restaurant, you can always customize the spice level to your preference.
5. Pad Thai with Vegetables or Tofu
The famous pad Thai is an absolute must-try, and with tofu, it becomes the perfect vegetarian dish. This is one of my go-to meals because it’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is available everywhere. It’s affordable and tastes incredible from both street vendors and restaurants. Pad Thai is made with flat rice noodles, egg, vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. The tofu adds a delicious touch, and many versions already come with it. It’s a staple in Thai cuisine and one dish you absolutely cannot skip!
6. Thai Milk Tea
Though technically a drink, Thai milk tea is worth mentioning because it’s so iconic. Made with black Thai tea, sugar, condensed milk, and ice, it’s a simple yet unforgettable treat. You’ll find Thai milk tea everywhere—from coffee shops to street vendors—and it’s a local favorite. Even if you’re not usually a tea drinker, this sweet and creamy beverage is a must-try. It’s unlike any other tea, and you’ll understand why it’s so beloved once you’ve had your first sip.
7. Papaya Salad
This local dish, known as som tam, is bursting with amazing, simple flavors. Perfect as a light meal or a shared starter, papaya salad is made with shredded unripe papaya (usually green) mixed with garlic, chilies, lime juice, peanuts, and other vegetables. Depending on your spice tolerance, you can request it mild or spicy. This dish is widely available and consistently delicious. With its bold flavors and refreshing crunch, it’s one of the best vegetarian options in Thailand.
8. Spring Rolls
Though simple, spring rolls in Thailand are next-level. Fried or fresh, they’re absolutely perfect for vegetarians. Fried spring rolls are filled with a mix of vegetables wrapped in wheat wrappers, fried to golden perfection, and served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Fresh spring rolls are wrapped in soft rice paper and often paired with peanut sauce. Both versions have their charm: fried ones are crispy and satisfying, while fresh rolls are light and refreshing. They’re cheap, delicious, and make for the ideal snack or appetizer.
9. Pad See Ew with Tofu
This noodle dish is another vegetarian-friendly favorite. Pad see ew is made with wide rice noodles stir-fried in soy sauce with Chinese broccoli, egg, and your choice of protein—opting for tofu keeps it vegetarian. The slightly smoky flavor combines beautifully with the savory-sweet sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Whether you get it from a street vendor or a restaurant, pad see ew is a must-try dish that never disappoints.
10. Glass Noodle Soup with Vegetables
For something warm and soothing, glass noodle soup is a fantastic option. This clear soup features delicate glass noodles (also known as cellophane noodles), tofu, and a mix of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms. The broth is light yet flavorful, often infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It’s perfect for those cooler evenings or when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Thailand is a vegetarian’s paradise, with an abundance of flavorful, plant-based dishes to explore. From the refreshing sweetness of mango smoothies to the bold spices of green curry, these dishes showcase the best of Thai cuisine while keeping things vegetarian-friendly. Happy traveling and happy eating!!!
For more of my adventures and travel tips, check out my recent blog posts!